Every time I visit Orange County, I catch myself scrolling through Zillow instead of heading home. Seriously, this place grabs you in a way that makes you want to stay forever. After countless trips exploring these gorgeous communities, I’ve fallen in love with spots like Corona del Mar, where surfers and coffee lovers share sidewalks by the beach, and the historic streets of Old Towne Orange, where students and families fill up the farmers markets on weekends.
These are the best places in Orange County to call home, and I’m spilling all the details. From beachfront dream spots to friendly suburban neighborhoods with amazing schools, I’m breaking down 12 communities that convinced my friends to move here (and have me seriously thinking about joining them).
Top Places to Live in Orange County
Looking for the best places to live in Orange County? Settle in Irvine, known for its master-planned communities and top schools. Enjoy the suburban charm of Aliso Viejo, with its parks and family-friendly atmosphere. Experience Mission Viejo, a scenic city with a beautiful lake and outdoor activities. Discover Santa Ana, a vibrant cultural hub with historic sites and diverse dining. Whether you seek luxury, community, or convenience, these are some of the top places to live in Orange County.
- Best for education: Irvine
- Best for suburban living: Aliso Viejo
- Best for luxury coastal life: Dana Point
- Best for community feel: Mission Viejo
- Best for historic charm: San Clemente
- Best for diversity: Santa Ana
- Best for family-friendly attractions: Anaheim
- Best for historic modern blend: Orange
- Best for natural living: Quail Hill
- Best for arts scene: Costa Mesa
- Best for tranquility: Lake Forest
- Best for vibrant community: Fullerton
1. Irvine
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $3,200 – $5,800 (mid-range to upscale lifestyle)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Top-rated schools, tech hub, master-planned communities
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: Year-round ☀️ (ideal for professionals and families)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Families 👨👩👧👦, tech professionals 💻, suburban luxury 🏡
Irvine is the pinnacle of safe, smart, and master-planned living in Orange County. Designed for efficiency, this city is known for its top-ranked schools, low crime rates, and thriving economy. It’s home to UC Irvine, a major research university that fuels the city’s innovation-driven job market, particularly in tech, healthcare, and finance.
Outdoor enthusiasts love Bommer Canyon and the San Joaquin Marsh, offering miles of scenic trails. The city is also dotted with expansive parks and meticulously maintained neighborhoods. For entertainment, the Irvine Spectrum Center delivers a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and nightlife, while Diamond Jamboree offers some of the best global cuisine in the region.
With tree-lined streets, bike-friendly roads, and a strong sense of community, Irvine consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in California, balancing urban convenience with suburban tranquility.
2. Aliso Viejo
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,800 – $5,000 (mid-range to upscale lifestyle)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Family-friendly, safe neighborhoods, great parks
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: Year-round 🌳 (perfect for families)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Families 👨👩👦, young professionals 💼, suburban living 🏡
Tucked between Laguna Beach and the Saddleback Mountains, Aliso Viejo offers the perfect blend of suburban comfort and outdoor adventure. Known for its top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and strong community feel, this city is a haven for families and young professionals alike.
Nature lovers thrive here with easy access to Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, where scenic hiking and biking trails wind through rolling hills. The Aliso Viejo Town Center serves as the city’s social hub, featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one walkable space. Locals also enjoy community events like summer concerts in the park and farmers’ markets.
With its coastal proximity, excellent amenities, and active lifestyle, Aliso Viejo offers a high quality of life in a peaceful, well-planned environment, making it one of Orange County’s best suburban gems.
3. Dana Point
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $3,500 – $6,500 (upscale lifestyle)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Coastal living, luxury homes, scenic harbor views
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: Spring to fall 🌊 (beach life at its best)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Beach lovers 🏖️, retirees 🌅, luxury seekers 🏡
For those who dream of luxury coastal living, Dana Point is an unbeatable choice. This beachfront city is known for its world-class marina, stunning ocean views, and laid-back vibe. Home to Dana Point Harbor, it’s a paradise for boating, whale watching, and paddleboarding enthusiasts.
The city’s beach culture shines at Salt Creek Beach and Doheny State Beach, where locals surf, sunbathe, and enjoy year-round coastal breezes. The historic Ocean Institute adds an educational twist, while the annual Festival of Whales celebrates the area’s marine heritage. Dining is another highlight, with waterfront seafood spots and upscale restaurants offering unforgettable sunset views.
With its upscale homes, relaxed atmosphere, and breathtaking scenery, Dana Point is one of Orange County’s most desirable coastal enclaves, offering a perpetual vacation lifestyle with a tight-knit community feel.
4. Mission Viejo
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,900 – $5,200 (mid-range to upscale lifestyle)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Lakefront properties, golf courses, suburban charm
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: Year-round 🏡 (safe and scenic)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Families 👨👩👧👦, professionals 💼, retirees 🌄
With its picturesque lake, rolling hills, and family-friendly atmosphere, Mission Viejo is the epitome of suburban tranquility in Orange County. The heart of the city is Lake Mission Viejo, where residents kayak, paddleboard, and enjoy private sandy beaches and summer concerts by the water.
Tree-lined streets lead to safe neighborhoods and top-rated schools, making this a prime choice for families. The city also boasts an abundance of parks, golf courses, and sports facilities, promoting an active and outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Shopping and dining thrive at the Shops at Mission Viejo, while community events like farmers’ markets and concerts at Oso Viejo Park foster strong local connections.
With its scenic beauty, community spirit, and relaxed suburban charm, Mission Viejo is perfect for those seeking a peaceful yet well-connected place to call home, offering both recreation and convenience in equal measure.
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5. San Clemente
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $3,200 – $6,000 (mid-range to upscale lifestyle)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Spanish-style architecture, beachfront living, surf culture
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: Spring to fall 🌞 (perfect beach weather)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Surfers 🏄, beach lovers 🌊, remote workers 💻
Nicknamed the “Spanish Village by the Sea”, San Clemente exudes historic charm and coastal beauty. Known for its red-tiled rooftops, white stucco buildings, and scenic ocean views, this city offers a laid-back beach town vibe with a rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community.
San Clemente Pier is the city’s centerpiece, where locals stroll, fish, and soak in Pacific sunsets. Surfers flock to Trestles Beach, a world-renowned surf spot, while the San Clemente Coastal Trail offers breathtaking seaside walks and cycling routes. The city’s historic Avenida Del Mar is lined with boutique shops, cozy cafés, and authentic Mexican eateries, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
With small-town charm, stunning coastal scenery, and a thriving surf culture, San Clemente is one of the best places to live for those seeking a slower, sun-soaked lifestyle in Orange County, where every day feels like a vacation.
6. Santa Ana
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,200 – $4,200 (affordable to mid-range lifestyle)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Diverse culture, historic downtown, vibrant arts scene
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: Year-round 🎭 (great for culture enthusiasts)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Young professionals 💼, artists 🎨, urban dwellers 🏙️
For those craving urban energy and cultural vibrancy, Santa Ana delivers. As Orange County’s downtown hub, this city blends historic charm, diverse neighborhoods, and a booming arts scene with a strong sense of community and creativity.
The Santa Ana Historic District boasts preserved Spanish Revival and Victorian architecture, while the Artists Village pulses with galleries, theaters, and live music venues. 4th Street Market is a foodie’s paradise, serving up global cuisine, craft cocktails, and artisanal desserts in a trendy food hall setting. Families appreciate the Discovery Cube science museum, packed with interactive exhibits for kids, while nature lovers explore Santiago Park’s trails, gardens, and wildlife areas. The city also hosts vibrant festivals, street fairs, and cultural celebrations year-round.
With its rich cultural scene, historic landmarks, and dynamic community, Santa Ana is ideal for those who thrive in a lively, walkable city filled with endless opportunities for art, entertainment, and connection.
7. Anaheim
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,500 – $4,800 (mid-range lifestyle)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Disneyland, entertainment hub, growing job market
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: Year-round 🎢 (thriving entertainment industry)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Families 👨👩👦, theme park lovers 🎡, hospitality workers 🏨
Known worldwide as the home of Disneyland, Anaheim offers more than just theme park magic. This bustling city blends entertainment, culture, and family-friendly living, making it one of Orange County’s most dynamic places to call home.
Beyond Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, Anaheim Packing District serves as a culinary hotspot, with trendy food halls, craft breweries, and live music. Sports fans rally behind the Los Angeles Angels and Anaheim Ducks, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Yorba Regional Park’s scenic trails and lakes. The city’s neighborhoods range from historic districts with charming bungalows to modern master-planned communities.
With strong job opportunities, a thriving arts scene, and endless entertainment options, Anaheim is perfect for those who crave an urban lifestyle with a touch of excitement. Whether it’s theme parks, sports, or food, there’s never a dull moment in Anaheim.
8. Orange
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,800 – $5,300 (mid-range to upscale lifestyle)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Historic Old Towne, charming neighborhoods, great schools
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: Year-round 🏡 (small-town feel in a big city)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Families 👨👩👧👦, history lovers 🏛️, students 🎓
A city where history meets modern charm, Orange is best known for its quaint Old Towne District, featuring brick-lined streets, vintage shops, and century-old homes. This nostalgic yet lively city blends small-town appeal with big-city convenience.
At its heart, Plaza Square Park hosts seasonal festivals, antique fairs, and a famous holiday tree lighting ceremony. Locals love the Orange Circle, lined with cozy cafés, craft breweries, and unique boutiques. Chapman University, a prestigious liberal arts school, adds youthful energy, while outdoor lovers explore Irvine Regional Park’s trails and picnic spots.
With top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and a vibrant local scene, Orange is ideal for those seeking a tight-knit community with a rich history. Whether you’re drawn to its walkable historic district or its strong community spirit, Orange perfectly balances past and present.
9. Quail Hill
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $3,500 – $6,200 (upscale lifestyle)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Exclusive neighborhood, hiking trails, high-end homes
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: Year-round 🌲 (luxury and nature combined)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Luxury homebuyers 🏡, fitness enthusiasts 🚴, executives 💼
Nestled into Irvine’s rolling foothills, Quail Hill offers a serene escape with upscale amenities and stunning natural beauty. This picturesque community is surrounded by protected open space, making it a dream for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers looking for a peaceful retreat.
The area’s extensive trail system connects to the Bommer Canyon Preserve, where residents enjoy sunset hikes, panoramic views, and encounters with native wildlife. Despite its lush surroundings, Quail Hill is just minutes from Irvine’s business hubs, top-rated schools, and premier shopping at the Spectrum Center. The Quail Hill Shopping Center provides daily conveniences with boutique shops, fitness studios, and gourmet dining options.
With its award-winning schools, scenic setting, and easy access to city life, Quail Hill is perfect for those wanting a peaceful, nature-focused lifestyle without sacrificing modern conveniences. Here, luxury living and outdoor adventure coexist seamlessly.
10. Costa Mesa
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,700 – $4,900 (mid-range lifestyle)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Shopping and dining hub, arts scene, vibrant nightlife
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: Year-round 🎭 (perfect for socialites and creatives)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Young professionals 💻, artists 🎨, entrepreneurs 🚀
Dubbed the “City of the Arts”, Costa Mesa is Orange County’s creative heartbeat, known for its thriving arts scene, world-class shopping, and diverse dining options. This high-energy city blends culture, commerce, and coastal proximity, making it a prime destination for both professionals and families.
The city is home to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, a premier venue hosting Broadway productions, ballet, and symphonies. Shoppers flock to South Coast Plaza, one of the largest and most prestigious malls in the country, featuring luxury brands and high-end boutiques. The OC Fair & Event Center adds a local, community-driven touch, offering seasonal fairs, farmers’ markets, and concerts year-round. Neighborhoods here range from trendy lofts to quiet, family-friendly enclaves, ensuring a home for every lifestyle.
With its vibrant energy, cultural depth, and endless entertainment, Costa Mesa offers a dynamic and artistic way of life that’s both exciting and enriching.
11. Lake Forest
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,600 – $4,700 (mid-range lifestyle)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Outdoor recreation, safe neighborhoods, growing community
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: Year-round 🌳 (family-friendly and peaceful)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Families 👨👩👦, retirees 🏡, nature lovers 🌲
True to its name, Lake Forest offers a scenic retreat with two sparkling lakes, lush parks, and tree-lined streets. Known for its family-friendly environment and outdoor recreation, this city is a peaceful escape from the urban rush while still offering modern conveniences.
Residents enjoy boating, fishing, and waterfront picnics at Lake Forest Beach & Tennis Club, while Serrano Creek Park’s wooded trails provide a serene setting for walking, jogging, and horseback riding. The Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park offers hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Meanwhile, The Arbor shopping center and Foothill Ranch Town Centre provide plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
With highly rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and a strong community spirit, Lake Forest is perfect for those who value nature, tranquility, and suburban comfort. It’s a hidden gem where outdoor adventure and modern living blend seamlessly.
- Read Next: 12 Best Places to Live in California
12. Fullerton
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,400 – $4,500 (affordable to mid-range lifestyle)
- 🌟 Unique Features: College town, cultural attractions, lively downtown
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: Year-round 🎶 (great for students and creatives)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Students 🎓, artists 🎭, young professionals 💻
Fullerton is known for its charming downtown, top-tier education, and lively nightlife. It blends historic charm with modern vibrancy, making it one of Orange County’s most dynamic places to live.
At the heart of Fullerton is California State University, Fullerton, which brings a youthful energy, academic prestige, and a strong local economy. The Fullerton Arboretum provides a lush escape with botanical gardens, rare plant collections, and peaceful walking trails, while Hillcrest Park offers scenic views, picnic areas, and historic landmarks. The downtown area is a hub of activity, filled with craft breweries, jazz clubs, art galleries, and vintage shops, creating a lively social scene.
With its walkable neighborhoods, rich cultural scene, and excellent schools, Fullerton attracts students, professionals, and families alike. Whether you’re drawn to its historic charm, vibrant nightlife, or strong sense of community, Fullerton delivers a well-rounded, dynamic lifestyle with something for everyone.
