I grew up in the OC, and now live in the inland empire (which sucks but is only 15 minutes from Frank and Sons!). As far as living, L.A. is pretty ghetto. However, you can't beat the night life, food, and just the sheer amount of stuff to do. As far as the Japan/Chinatown, I guess it's comparable to any other place. If you can afford to live here, why not? Everyone wants to live in so cal.