Such a good summary. I'd do OC over LA any day, too. How do you feel about Anaheim?
I consider Anaheim one of the worst in OC. And I live close to Beach Blvd. About two miles south of Knott's. There are hookers and drug addicts near the area. Anaheim is not as bad as Santa Ana but I still don't like it. Other than Disneyland, it's mostly a dump.
I only live here because my uncle knew an old lady who boards renters and she charges only $400 per month. She is 79 and kinda grouchy-type but I stay cool. Only $400 bucks. Not $1000-$1500 minimum. No vacancy right now. About 5 boarders live in this house including me.
Do Brea. And hope it doesn't rain like what's happening right now. Bring an umbrella and hoodie just in case. Sometimes the weather prediction is off. I would drive around Yorba Linda and it would rain in spots while still sunny in other parts.
My favorite city in OC is really Yorba Linda followed by Anaheim Hills. Parents live there since 2003. I used to do Postmates and DoorDash in Irvine or Laguna and it would send me to the furthest places and hated the apartments. Hated going to UCI just to make $5 and no tips. YL has wide streets and no toll roads/freeways. Laguna/Dana Point has got the laziest people. $10 orders but needing to drive 10 miles for it.
Good luck.