The third most populous county in California has 34 incorporated cities, in which 30% of all the residents are foreign-born. That’s why, when you, as a newcomer, start browsing for an ideal spot among the best places to live in Orange County CA, you should take into consideration housing costs, educational, entertainment, and employment opportunities.
Moving to Orange County will not only put you in a spot with picturesque scenery but also in a location with higher than national household income. Furthermore, since this is a diverse location, you won’t feel like an outsider, and that’s why you shouldn’t hesitate to hire an international moving company to help you with relocation. While they are doing all the work, you’ll have enough time to research and choose the future home that will turn your dreams into a reality.
There Are Things You Should Know Before Deciding Where to Live in Orange County CA
If you want to avoid moving stress, you should make a relocation checklist that will help you navigate through the whole process. One of the first things you should do after hiring an Orange County international moving company that offers a variety of services is to get to know the future destination. When it comes to relocating to OC, be prepared for culture shock:
- The area covers approximately 798 square miles, and it is one of the most densely populated locations in the US.
- It has a population of around three million people.
- The median age in OC is 33 years.
- Around 27% of the OC land is devoted to residential housing.
- Approximately 30% of the residents are foreign-born.
Laguna Niguel Is One of the Best Places to Live in Orange County CA for Expats
There are many things to consider when relocating to another country, such as the amount of time you will need to fit in. Luckily, the US is among the friendliest countries in the world, with a diverse and accepting population, and OC is not an exception. Additionally, one of the first things you will learn when moving internationally is the importance of active expat communities. Settling in Laguna Niguel will put you in a spot with a diverse population, where many residents are of Hispanic, Asian, or Pacific Islander descent.
The diversity can be seen in the spoken languages as well. Here almost 10% of people speak Spanish besides English, and 6% of residents know some Indo-European languages. If you are moving overseas and you still haven’t broken the language barrier, don’t worry, residents will more likely than not help you master English.
When Moving Abroad to Laguna Niguel Consider This: Education Options Are Great
This suburban town less than five miles from the oceanfront has around 65,000 inhabitants, and it is largely populated with families. What attracts parents with kids is a variety of educational institutions. From elementary, middle, and high schools to colleges, there is something for everyone.
Mission Viejo Is One of the Best Orange County Towns With a Suburban Lifestyle
Mission Viejo is one of the largest master-planned communities in the US, and it is very suburban in culture and nature. The town is created as a bedroom community, and it is famous for its tree-lined neighborhoods.
According to data from the website 24/7 Wall Street, Mission Viejo is one of the top-ranked cities to live in California. The website analysis also shows that low crime and poverty rates make it very attractive to newcomers, especially those relocating with kids.
Local Government Is Managing Plenty of Fun Activities
Town’s focus is on the tight-knit community, and that can be seen through many locally organized events and activities. Suppose you are relocating overseas with your family. In that case, this might be the spot for you because the Mission Viejo government manages fun activities for all age groups, from kids to retired adults. There are fitness, health, and wellness classes but also martial arts, theater groups, and educational classes you can attend.
San Clemente Is One of the Best Cities in Orange County if You’re Looking for a Laidback Vibe
San Clemente is one of the best beach towns for expats. It is located almost halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, just under Dana Point, and it is connected to both via Interstate 5. If you are considering car shipping overseas when relocating to San Clemente, know that it will pay off. Because the city is so well connected with the rest of CA, you will get the chance to drive around and explore.
The location is known as Spanish Village by the Sea, and it is built with strong influences of Spanish architectural styles. That’s why you’ll see red tile rooftops, dark windows, and cream walls all across downtown San Clemente. Furthermore, residential areas can offer you older homes but also modern residences along the Southwest Riviera neighborhood.
Those craving a slow-paced and laid back vibe will find San Clemente enjoyable. Its world-class waterfronts, a handful of diverse eateries, and many outdoor attractions make it a true hidden gem of OC. As a resident here, you’ll get to enjoy shopping by the ocean, basking in the sun, and cycling all day long.
Laguna Hills Is an Excellent Location for Families
Laguna Hills is one of the best places to live with your family because of its extensive offer of high performing schools and low crime rates. However, there is more to this community than just educational institutions.
If you handled your finances well before the relocation, you might have enough money to buy a property. Laguna Hills is a place where almost 72% of residents own their homes, so you’ll fit in perfectly. The median home value is $688,200, while if you opt for renting, you’ll need $2,015 a month.
Furthermore, the number of coffee shops, restaurants, and bookstores will make every day interesting. If you want to adjust to a new area faster, go exploring as soon as you unpack. This might not be one of the best vegan cities in the world, but it offers tasty seafood, Italian specialties, and American BBQ that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Santa Ana Is an Ideal Place for Young Professionals
One of the things you should know before undergoing the relocation process is that having a job lined up will make the adaptation process that much faster. As a county seat of OC, Santa Ana brings plenty of employment opportunities to its residents. This is the spot where companies like Greenwood & Hall, STEC, Kern’s, and Behr Paint have their headquarters, making it easy for career chasers to land a job.
Besides excellent employment opportunities, what attracts young professionals are different outdoor activities. From catching a football game to visiting Santa Ana Zoo, there is something for every taste. Even though it is not by the ocean, Santa Ana is nearby Huntington Beach, a worldwide famous surfing spot where you can relax and enjoy the waves.
Buena Park Is One of the Cheapest Places to Live in Orange County
Are you trying to move on a low budget? Maybe you balanced the finances before relocation, and now you are looking for a spot that won’t leave a huge dent in your bank account? If so, give Buena Park a shot.
This northwestern OC location has some of the most affordable real estate prices, so if you are considering buying a house abroad, you will need around $540,200, according to data from the website Niche. Furthermore, if you opt for renting like 45% of residents, you’ll need $1,600 per month.
What’s Another Thing That Attracts Newcomers to Buena Park
Saving on real estate is not the only thing that attracts newcomers to Buena Park. Lower than national average unemployment rates and positive job growth, with a median household income of $72,800 per year, make it a great spot for career chasers.
Irvine Is One of the Safest Places in OC
When you are gathering documents needed to travel abroad, you will probably, along the way, look for a new home. While researching locations, if safety is your main concern, Irvine might come up as one of the best cities to live in Orange County.
Data from AreaVibes shows that crime rates are 49% lower than the national average. This overall puts Irvine among 25% of the safest cities in the United States. Additionally, crime rates decreased by 4% last year.
Besides being a very safe place to live in, Irvine comes with a bonus: several educational institutions, along with a number of tech corporations, are located here. Furthermore, the city hosts the Global Village Festival in celebration of diversity and if you are relocating with a pet, know that there are more than a few parks they can run around in.
Newport Beach Is a Location With Luxury Housing Options
If you are moving across the world in pursuit of a luxurious lifestyle, there is no better place to buy a home than Newport Beach. This coastal location in the OC is a place where you will find some really high-end real estates. Data from Niche shows that around 56% of all residents own properties and that the median home value is $1,787,300. Most properties are single-family homes, but there are also condos and townhomes.
Newport Beach offers to its residents not only upscale housing but also fancy shops and highly rated restaurants. Additionally, the breathtaking oceanfront attracts newcomers that are looking for a relaxed area where they can enjoy nature without hearing cars and racket. When you unpack, you can visit Balboa Island, take a cruise, or just take a walk on a Pier. Keep in mind that housing in Newport Beach can be steep, but it is worth every dollar.
California Dream Is Worth Moving Internationally
While in the process of hiring an overseas moving company that can provide you with packing services and shipping ones, you might feel that the whole process is more trouble than it is worth. However, you couldn’t be farther away from the truth. While an overseas shipping company takes care of all the grunt work, you’ll have enough free time to look into all the benefits of relocating to OC. Start with beautiful waterfronts and plenty of outdoor activities suitable for all age groups. Next on the list should be employment opportunities as well as educational ones. Settling in OC will get you one step closer to achieving your California dream, and that is worth a little trouble you endure during the move.
