What to Expect When Moving to Orange County, CA
Moving to Orange County, CA but not sure what to expect?
Part of Orange County’s diversity is thanks to a number of “transplants” who move here from other counties/states/countries.
The truth is Orange County is its own bubble—it’s entirely different from Los Angeles despite being right next door.
As a transplant, there are some major cultural differences you may encounter, but the depth of that culture shock depends on where you’re from.
What to Expect in Orange County, CA
While it’s common to paint Orange County with a single brush, note that there are over 30 cities and 3 million residents in Orange County.
That said, here are some general notes about what you can expect when you move here.
Weather: Orange County weather is incredible! We get sunshine most days of the year.
Outdoors: Great hiking, golfing, beaches with world-renown surfing, and a short distance to ski resorts.
Car dependence: A car is strongly recommended. There is public transportation but life is markedly easier in OC with a car.
Traffic: If you are moving from a non-coastal city, get ready for traffic. Rush hour is brutal.
Culinary scene: With residents of almost every background, you can find practically every type of cuisine here, including Michelin-recognized restaurants.
High cost of living: Expensive housing and essentials result in a higher cost of living.
Crime: Relatively safe compared with other dense metro areas.
Cleanliness: Orange County cities are generally well-maintained and clean.
Where should I move to in Orange County?
We’d strongly advise against moving to Orange County (or anywhere really) sight unseen. Consider taking a trip out here to visit all of the different neighborhoods before making a decision.
The location that works best for you will depend on your preferences. Some cities are more walkable while others require a car.
Young Professionals
Costa Mesa and Anaheim are often recommended for young professionals. There is plenty of nightlife and these cities are centrally located.
Family Friendly
All of Orange County is family-friendly, but some cities have a reputation for being especially suburban/great for families: for example, Mission Viejo, Irvine, Brea, Yorba Linda, and Fullerton.
People with Dogs
OC is a pretty dog-friendly county with over 21 dog parks. It’s not too difficult to find large apartment complexes that allow dogs (usually for an additional fee). However, renting from a private landlord will be very difficult with a dog.
**Pro tip: If you work in an office, try to find housing within a few miles of your office. Reducing your commute time can dramatically improve your quality of life here.
But…I want to be close to the beach!
Note that housing in beach cities is substantially more expensive. North OC cities are still within 30-40 minutes of the beach so something to consider if you are a beach lover with a tighter budget.
Moving to OC from the Midwest?
Things move at a much faster pace here in Orange County. Expect longer lines at the store, more traffic, etc.
One of the things you might love is we basically have two seasons: sunny and kind of chilly. No need for big snow jackets or all-wheel drive.
Moving to OC from San Francisco, New York, Boston, etc.?
The cost of living is lower in OC.
San Franciscans and New Yorkers will especially find Orange County more slow-paced, more family-oriented, and much less walkable.
Is Orange County really that diverse?
While Orange County is incredibly diverse as a whole, it is a fairly segregated place. Folks in certain income brackets/racial groups tend to reside in the same area.
How close is Orange County to Los Angeles?
Note that OC and LA are two very different regions. A significant number of OC residents commute to LA and vice versa, so it’s definitely possible, but again, we’d strongly recommend finding housing near your workplace.
Want to learn more about things to do in Orange County? Click here.
