7 Reasons to Move to Orange County

The beauty found in the hills and beaches of California is hard to match. 

Many people who visit the Golden State end up wanting to move there, and it is easy to see why. But once a buyer is ready to consider making a move out west, many wonder what part of California is best for them. 

Most fledgling house hunters take aim in Los Angeles or San Francisco Bay Area, but they should expand their search. Orange County is an hour south of the City of Angels, where the co-mingling of beach life and the great outdoors creates a high-couture culture. Each city and town in the area has a distinctive vibe, and figuring out which one speaks to your soul helps narrow down your search. 

To help inspire homebuyers, below is a beginner's guide of the leading reasons to move to Orange County. 

Top Reasons to Move to Orange County

• Beautiful beaches
• Diverse housing stock
• Outdoor activities year round
• Amazing weather
• Scrumptious food scene
• Luxury shopping
• Prime location

Beautiful beaches 

While there are beaches up and down the coast of California, not many regions can hold a candle to the beachfront of Orange County. 

Each of the cities on the shores of the Pacific has a different vibe, depending on the geography of the landscape. 

For instance, much of Laguna Beach offers uniform stretches of shoreline where sunbathers lounge in the sun. But just off the Pacific Coast Highway, north of the Laguna Art Museum, are beautiful coves like Crescent Bay Beach and Shaw's Cove. Just to the north is Crystal Cove, a series of trails where hikers can explore Moro Canyon, then go for a dip in the clear blue waters. 

But the beaches are not just for sunbathers and hikers looking for respite. There is world-class surfing in Huntington Beach, where the US Open of Surfing takes place each year. It is common to see the swells packed with surfers chasing the perfect curl just about every day of the week. 

And while surfing is the main attraction in Huntington, Newport Beach is a haven for boating-minded homebuyers. The homes on Lido and Balboa Island all feature personal docks for boats, while yacht clubs and beaches with piers line the shores of Newport Bay. 

Diverse housing stock 

It is no secret that Orange County has some of the most expensive real estate in the country. 

The area's splendor attracts developers with incredible vision. From post-modern retreats built into the foothills of Aliso Viejo to expansive mansions overlooking Emerald Bay, some of the most sought-after real estate in Southern California is in Orange County. The weather in the region is ideal for indoor-outdoor rooms that let the cool Pacific wind waft through the home. 

But not every home is a unique multi-million compound. There are plenty of master-planned communities in Orange County. While the housing stock is similar in these developments, buyers still obtain a beautiful home with a larger town's comforts condensed into a neighborhood.

Yet not all buyers want the seclusion that comes with a fully-enclosed development. There are plenty of multi-story condos lining the streets of Santa Ana and Irvine, providing proximity to Los Angeles, the beaches, and the nearby Santa Ana Mountains. 

Outdoor activities year round

The hills and mountains found throughout Orange County are part of the allure in the region. 

Canyons, ridges, and steep hills define Crystal Cove State Park, separating Newport and Huntington Beach from Laguna Beach and Dana Point. And the sights from these hikes are hard to beat. Atop the vistas are stellar views of the Pacific to the west, the urban sprawl of LA to the north, and bucolic neighborhoods and hills blending together to the south. 

But Orange County offers more than backyard foothill hikes, as many residents take to San Diego Creek to kayak or ride stand-up paddleboards. Others will ride road bikes between towns, using the PCH as a trail to explore the OC. 

One of the best hikes in the County is in Dana Point. There is a sea cave where explorers can watch the sunset in a picturesque retreat after a few hours of hiking along the shore. 

Dedicated hikers should head towards the remote town of Silverado. There are numerous hikes off the beaten path just minutes away from the Silverado Cafe. Just make sure to bring plenty of water.

Amazing weather 

One of the most attractive features of Orange County is the always-summer weather gracing the region. 

The Mediterranean climate means the weather is always warm, usually arid, and the skies are clear blue. These conditions let OC locals enjoy the outdoors year-round. Surfers can hit the curls throughout the winter, while cyclists can take to the streets even in the hottest summer months. 

Picking an outfit is a breeze as residents never have to worry about temperature extremes, letting locals prioritize fashion over function in Orange County.

Scrumptious food scene

One of the best parts of living in California is the food, and the eateries of Orange County do not disappoint. 

While Los Angeles has famed restaurants like Spago's of Beverly Hills, each Orange County town has a distinctive food culture. There are numerous Mexican and Spanish restaurants on Main Street, where locals will grab a bite and then stroll along the Huntington Beach Pier. 

Of course, there are In-n-Out joints sprinkled about the OC, but nothing beats a meal with a view. South of Crystal Cove, just off the PCH, is the Selanne Steak Tavern. This staple of Laguna Beach has served fine cuts of meat since the 1930s out of a small cottage, giving patrons a splendid oceanfront dining experience. 

Seafood by the coast is a delight, but some of the finest dining in Orange County is inland. Hidden in the city of Orange is The Hobbit. This true-to-form French restaurant has diners start their journey in the basement wine cellar, then move the meal to a furnished dining room in an upstairs drawing-room. 

There is a dish for everyone in OC, and after a bite, many locals take advantage of the best-in-class shopping nearby. 

Luxury shopping 

The confluence of temperate weather, pristine waterfront, and opulent homes attract some of the wealthiest homebuyers in the country. 

And these ideal conditions also attract some of the top luxury brands in the nation. Near enclaves like Mission Viejo, there are shopping outlets like the Irvine Spectrum Center, where big-box retailers like Nordstrom mingle with Spanish and Brazilian restaurants. Other luxury outfitters can be found at Fashion Island in Newport Beach or the Mediterranean-styled Outlets at San Clemente. 

But locals looking for bohemian outfitting can find boutique stores in Laguna Beach. Rach city in OC usually has outlet shopping, so new homeowners do not have to travel far to shop. 

Prime location 

Part of the reason living in Orange County is popular for homebuyers is that it is right between Los Angeles and San Diego. 

House hunters that have hybrid work in San Diego may want to narrow their search to Dana Point, as this sun-kissed community by the Ocean is just over an hour away. Equally, aspiring homeowners that need to travel to LA periodically should look at homes in Seal Beach near the water or La Habra to the north. 

But even traveling throughout OC is a breeze. From the Pacific Coast Highway to the Five Freeway, many routes are available for drivers commuting throughout the region. 

Interested in buying a home in Orange County? Browse listings in your favorite town and see how much you can save with Prevu’s commission rebate.