Meredith Parkwood - Santa Ana, CA

Friar Junipero Serra gave Santa Ana its name after the Gaspar de Portola expedition out of Mexico City in 1769, and the Mission San Juan Capistrano was established in the valley in 1776. The original Glenn L. Martin aviation company called Santa Ana home in 1912, before merging with the Wright Company in 1916. Today, Santa Ana remains the seat of Orange County, with one of the largest populations in the state.

A strong focus on community and the arts make the Bowers Museum and Discovery Cube favorites among locals. Admire the mission-style architecture of the Bowers Museum before heading in to view the expansive collection of paintings, sculptures and ancient artifacts. The Discovery Cube lets kids explore science and art through interactive exhibits and presentations, while annual events such as the Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off bring residents together to celebrate neighborhood pride with good fun and great eats.

Santa Ana has several local restaurants and exciting nightlife. Playground 2.0 on East 4th Street serves up more than just typical American dishes. What began as a beer and burger place has evolved into one of the area's premier dining establishments, with 15 different beers on tap, 60 bottled options, fine wines, cocktails, and food ranging from small plates to sous vide hanger steak. Bring the family or dine with friends in this welcoming, laid-back restaurant to experience a variety of unique flavor combinations and top-notch service.

If you like Indian food, look no further than Rasoi Curry Point on El Camino Real. Don't let the small location and simple decor fool you; this casual eatery uses only the freshest ingredients to create authentic dishes that keep the locals coming back. Try the signature chicken tikka masala or biryani and rogan gosht. Pair your entree with a mango lassi as you savor the mix of flavors and spices.

Craving a vintage restaurant? Consider a visit to Knowlwood. This restaurant serves an award-winning burger, voted the best hamburger in Orange County. The salmon tacos remain a customer favorite. Knowlwood also serves beer and wine on top of its extensive fast food menu.

If you like cold craft beers in a casual, modern setting, stop by Native Son Alehouse on East 4th Street. Grab a seat on the patio to kick back in the warm, breezy outdoors, or snag a table inside to watch the game on one of the flat-screen televisions. Specializing in brews from Northern California, Southern California and Portland, this tavern gives you the chance to try something new each time you visit. The friendly staff and eclectic crowd make this the perfect stop after work or on a great night out with friends on the weekend.

When you want to dance to your favorite tunes spun by nationally known DJs or catch a live performance by your favorite band, make your way to the historic Yost Theater on North Spurgeon Street. Featuring club nights, theatrical productions, live music and sporting events, including boxing and mixed martial arts, this venue hosts events for all tastes. Settle in for a night full of high-energy fun, with VIP bottle service and drink specials available throughout the week. Yost also has a gourmet restaurant and a rehearsal studio for rent.

Meredith Parkwood has numerous bicycle-friendly roads and walking paths if you prefer an outdoor commute to nearby locations, while its proximity to Interstate 5 and state routes 91 and 22 make it easy to travel by car. Use your own vehicle or call a local cab company for a taxi. Riders also access the Uber smartphone app to summon a ride. Environmentally conscious riders can travel by bus through the Orange County Transportation Authority, which runs numerous times during the day and evening for an affordable rate, with a separate curb-to-curb option for those unable to utilize the regular bus routes.

Whether you need to park your car for a few hours or all day, downtown Santa Ana has plenty of safe, public structures to choose from. Find a space at the extensive three-story 3rd & Birch structure. This well-lit facility charges $1 per hour during the day, with free parking after 8 p.m.

The typically warm Santa Ana climate makes it easy to take advantage of being outside almost any day of the year. Pack a picnic, put the dog on a leash and head to Carl Thorton Park on West Segerstrom Avenue. This spot has plenty of open space to relax and enjoy the lake, complete with a flowing stream. Take some time to appreciate the scenery as you go for a walk or run on one of several trails. Two playgrounds help make this admission-free park a great place for the whole family, while the community-centric Memorial Park on Flower and Anahurst lets you go for a swim and play a game of pick-up basketball before heading to one of the football or soccer fields to watch the kids engage in some friendly competition.

Be prepared to spend a little more in the upper-middle-class neighborhood of Meredith Parkwood, where the cost of living averages about 5 percent more than the rest of Orange County. A one-bedroom apartment goes for $1,220, and s pint of beer at the local pub will set you back around $6. The price of gas hovers 12 percent above the national average, and a one-day pass on the bus costs $5.

You can find everything from high-end to high-value merchandise when out for a day of shopping in Central Orange County. Browse the exquisite bags and scarves at Hermes in South Coast Plaza before heading to Tiffany & Company to pick out your dream piece of jewelry. Stock up on your favorite beauty products from Aveda, then stop in at the LEGO store for the budding builder in your life.

For the finest in vintage and trendy women's fashions, shoes and accessories, visit Red Poppy Boutique on West 1st Street. This charming store carries a wonderful selection that fits your budget, whether you need something formal or more casual-chic. The owner takes pride in helping you put together the perfect look for any occasion.

Living in Southern California means you can find the freshest foods year-round. The Tustin Certified Farmers Market provides the best in organic produce, meats, dairy and tasty bakery treats. Be sure to try some sweet kettle corn as you stock up on healthy items for the family. For your everyday grocery needs, head to Stater Bros. on Red Hill Avenue. The daily deals and large selection take the guesswork out of planning your weekly meals.