Corona, I would stay away from like the plague. The 91 freeway into this area is horrible. The smog is thick, so take a knife if you need to cut through it to breathe. Take this off your list if you want a So Cal "lifestyle".

I used to live in Temecula off of Rancho California. I have always like this area, but the traffic can be troublesome. To the south heading north on the 15 freeway there is a checkpoint so if you are coming back from San Diego in the evening it can be slow to get through as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement people are looking for illegals making their way to Los Angeles and points north, as well as other illegal items. I've never been stopped here, white male blond hair and blue eyes, but have been questioned in New Mexico on interstate 25 freeway heading north out of El Paso, Texas. It's nothing to panic about if you have nothing to hide. As was said there are many activities in the Temecula/Murrieta area. It is also very family oriented. There was a decent design to the community so streets aren't a total mess to navigate. The weather will be at freezing, during the winter nights in the valley here, so keep that in mind. Then in the summer it can be 40 C when it is under 30 C on the coast. However, it will still be cold on the coast too because of the humidity in the winter. Don't take Baywatch as the example to follow when thinking of So Cal. One aspect I didn't like about Temecula was the drive to get to the coast. There are three options. 1. South on I-15 to 76 hwy through San Marcos takes you to Oceanside, a so so place in my opinion, with the better areas being farther to the south on I-5. 2. Go north on I-15 through Corona to the 91 and west to the 55. This can be a battle, especially on the weekends. Take the Ortega Highway 74 across the mountain range, which is less distance, but with some wicked curves and you'll have the bikers and boy racers speeding through this area. It's only one lane in both directions for a bit of the distance too. But this spits you out in San Juan Capistrano and the beaches are nice.

Irvine isn't a bad option either. But this area can be big. The 405 can be packed with traffic in both directions. However, you are closer to the beach as well as other attractions that are "So Cal". This area would be my choice, but then I used to live in Mission Viejo too so I'm a little biased. This would also be a good family area too. This area will give you better options for driving, rather than just the 15 if you're living in the Temecula/Murrieta area. Housing will cost you more here, as it's a more desirable address. Access to the amusement parks is easier here too. Orange County Airport I refuse to call it the other name JW) is closer too, and the San Diego Airport is an hour and a half away down the 405 and 5. This area will be more conservative politically, if this affects your decision. Many more options in Irvine.