Old Orange County Courthouse, Santa Ana, California, Source: Wikimedia Commons
Orange County is a county in California. It’s got a perfect balance between city life and Southern California living. Beach communities and hiking trails can be found within a short drive.
Orange County has so much going on that it would be hard not to have fun. There are tons of great restaurants, shopping centers, and outdoor activities within minutes of your new home or condo rental in town!
With such proximity to Los Angeles and San Diego, you’re never too far away from anything you want or need – which makes Coastal Orange County the perfect place for an exciting new adventure!
But before you decide on whether or not you want to live in Orange County, it is important for you to know what it takes. We’ve put together a guide on everything you need to know before making a move!
Orange County Cities That You Should Consider When Moving
Orange County is the sixth-most populous county in the United States, and it has over 30 cities within its borders!
Here are seven great places that should be on your radar when looking at moving to Orange County to get you started.
Soka University Founders Hall, Source: Wikipedia
San Clemente
San Clemente is a city in Orange County, California. It is primarily known for its ocean frontage and miles of golden sandy beaches. This geographic location sets it apart from other coastal cities in Orange County and gives it a unique flavor that can’t be found anywhere else!
If you’re looking for a place with diverse housing options, this is your place! San Clemente offers beachfront condos and homes, modern loft apartments, and all types of single-family residences such as English Tudor, Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival, and more.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a seaside resort city located in southern Orange County, California. It’s known for its warm sunny year-round climate and beautiful beaches, making it one of the most desirable places to live in Orange County!
In addition to being home to world-class art galleries, Laguna Beach offers some of the best shopping, dining, and outdoor activities in the region!
You’ll find that you won’t lack things to do while living in Laguna Beach. The city hosts an annual art festival every summer, which draws artists from all over the country.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, raise a family, or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life – Laguna Beach is your perfect match!
Newport Beach
Newport Beach is a seaside city in Orange County, California. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and luxury properties, making it one of the wealthiest cities!
This coastal paradise boasts of some of the best shopping centers on the west coast. You’ll find everything from high-end boutiques to world-class fine dining options here!
Newport Beach is also home to the world-renowned Balboa Bay Club and Resort, a beautiful seaside resort. The resort provides luxury amenities such as fine dining, private beaches with kayaking and surfing opportunities, golf courses, spa treatments – you name it!
If you’re looking for an upscale community that’s filled with rich culture and luxury activities, this is the place for you to call home!
Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo, or “The Mission” known locally, is Orange County, California. It was named after The Mission San Juan Capistrano, which has been around since 1776!
If you’re looking for a city with a rich history and plenty to do, Mission Viejo is your place! The city has over 200 parks, making it the perfect place to get out and enjoy nature. You’ll also find that there are plenty of events and activities happening year-round – from concerts to holiday festivities, you’ll never be bored!
Mission Viejo is home to some of the best schools in Orange County, making it a great place to raise a family. If you’re looking for a safe and friendly community with plenty of activities to keep you busy – look no further than Mission Viejo!
Irvine
Irvine is a city in Orange County, California. It’s located in the north part of the county near Tustin and Santa Ana, not too far from Laguna Beach or Mission Viejo!
You’ll find that Irvine is home to some of the best schools around. The Irvine Unified School District ranks in California’s top 20 best districts out of 742.
The city is also known as “A City of Trees and Shrubs” – it has 550,000 trees which gives the city lush greenery that you won’t find in most areas in the region. In addition to culture, Irvine is also rich in nature! You’ll never be bored living here thanks to all of the events and activities that the city puts on!
If you’re looking for a safe, family-friendly community with plenty of things to do – look no further than Irvine! It’s one of the best cities in Orange County for those looking to move here.
Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA
Crystal Cove is a state park located in Newport Coast, California. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and coves, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature!
In addition to its natural beauty, Crystal Cove is home to some of the most luxurious homes in Orange County! You’ll find sprawling estates with stunning ocean views and beautifully landscaped gardens that will leave you breathless.
Crystal Cove is also home to some of the best schools in California, including Crystal Cove Elementary and Irvine High School, ranked as one of the top 100 high schools in America by Newsweek!
If you’re looking for a place where nature meets luxury living with plenty of activities to keep you busy, Crystal Cove is the place for you! It’s one of the most unique and beautiful areas in all of Orange County.
Newport Coast
Newport Coast is known for its beautiful beaches and luxury properties, making it one of the more affluent communities in the region! This coastal paradise boasts some of the best shopping centers on the west coast – you’ll find everything from high-end boutiques to world-class fine dining options here.
These are just a few of the many incredible cities that the county has to offer, so be sure to explore all your options before making a final decision. No matter what city you choose, you’re sure to fall in love with Orange County’s friendly atmosphere and stunning beaches!
Factors to Consider When Deciding Which City to Live in
When moving to a new area, there are many factors to consider. Here are some of the most important things to think about when deciding which city in Orange County is suitable for you:
Job Location
First and foremost, you’ll want to think about where your job is located. If you’re moving because of a new job or career change, the city must be near the work center.
Safety
Next up – safety! Of course, everyone wants to live somewhere safe and with low crime rates, so this should be on your checklist. Cities like Irvine and Mission Viejo are considered safe as the violent crimes per 1,000 people are 0.56 and 0.76, respectively.
Schools
Another essential factor to consider is the schools in the city. You’ll want to ensure that your children have access to good education and plenty of activities outside of school hours.
Beaches
You’ll also want to think about where the best beaches are and what activities are available to residents in the area. It’s essential to choose a location with plenty of beautiful scenery, exciting landmarks, and things for you to do outside!
Culture & Events
And lastly – culture and events! There’s always something going on, from music festivals to farmers’ markets, providing ample opportunity for you to take in the unique charm and personality of each city.
Moving Checklist: What to Do Before and After Your Move
Now that you have a better idea of what to look for in a city, it’s time to start putting together your moving checklist! Here are some things you’ll need to do before and after your move:
Before Your Move:
Schedule a Home Inspection
If you’re buying a home, it’s crucial to have a home inspection done before closing on the property. This will help you identify any potential problems with the house that may need to be fixed before moving in.
Transfer Utilities
If you’re living at your current home, it’s essential to transfer all of your utilities into your new name. This will ensure that the electricity and water are ready for you when moving day comes!
Forward your Mail
Another important task to remember is forwarding your mail. This can be quickly done by contacting the post office and asking them to deliver all of your mail to your new address.
Research your New Community
Before you move, it’s essential to research your new area. You’ll want to look up the city and learn about its history as well as any neighborhoods or attractions that may interest you!
Find a New Doctor
If you’re moving into a new city, finding a doctor who can help with your medical needs is crucial. You’ll want to schedule an appointment and see what type of insurance the doctor requires.
Set up Trash Removal
And lastly, don’t forget to set up trash removal for your new home! This can be quickly done by contacting your local waste management company and setting up a schedule.
After Your Move:
Register to Vote in Your New Neighborhood
Once you’ve officially moved into your new home, be sure to register to vote in your new neighborhood! This can quickly be done by visiting the county clerk and filling out a registration form.
Get New Driver’s License & ID Cards
If you’ve changed your address since the last time you renewed your driver’s license or identification card, then it’s time to get a new one! Come into the DMV and request a new license or state ID that reflects your new address.
Final Thoughts
A move to coastal Orange County is a big decision, and you must take your time in deciding which city best suits your needs. Have you considered the factors we mentioned above? Do you have questions about how to make this transition successfully?
Are you concerned about finding an agent who can answer all of your questions or help with anything else related to buying or selling property in Orange County?
Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced real estate agents today! We are here for you every step of the way.
