Orange County is one of the most iconic addresses in America—and for good reason. With the O.C. boasting some 278 sunny days a year, living in Orange County means you can enjoy a summer lifestyle practically every day.
With the fine weather comes a host of fun things to do in Orange County.
Take a refreshing dip in the ocean, practice your hang fives, or enjoy beachside picnics on the locale’s beautiful seashore, which spans a whopping 42 miles!
Or explore a sprawling wilderness park where you can go hiking, biking, and camping. The county also has a vibrant art community, offers great shopping experiences, and is home to some of the best universities in the country.
With all the great reasons to call the O.C. home, all that’s left is to choose the perfect neighborhood for you. Here are our top picks:
Coto de Caza
Coto de Caza is one of the oldest and most prestigious gated communities in Orange County. Most iconic among the neighborhoods is Los Ranchos Estates, a 355-acre community composed of 75 custom-built properties.
Its proximity to the Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park lends the community a rural and laid-back feel. You can take a stroll under the community’s majestic sycamore trees or enjoy relaxing walks on its wildflower-strewn hills.
The upscale neighborhood also hosts the Coto de Caza Golf Club, which features 36 holes and two Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship courses.
Prices range from the high six figures to the low seven figures. Houses are typically upwards of 4,000 square feet, with most having four bedrooms.
Rancho Santa Margarita
Rancho Santa Margarita was designed to be an urban village, bringing together a tranquil small-town lifestyle and the conveniences of big city living. Developments such as Dove Canyon, a 1200-home private community, are located here as well.
About 50% of the total land area is dedicated to green spaces and leisure amenities. Interspersed between retail shops, dining outlets, and office buildings are nine community parks and the scenic 13-acre Lake Rancho Santa Margarita.
Properties typically cost from the mid-high six figures to the low seven figures. They measure from 1,800 to 5000 square feet, and have anywhere from three to six rooms.
Irvine
Irvine is a master-planned city whose central location makes it one of Orange County’s prime real estate hotspots. For a fairly small city of just 250,000 residents, it offers a surprisingly robust lifestyle.
If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Orange County, Irvine offers plenty. There is, of course, Disneyland Resort, which is a mere 19 minutes away by car in nearby Anaheim. The iconic Knott’s Berry Farm is likewise very close by. There’s also Pretend City’s Children’s Museum where kids can “try” different careers during their visit.
Shopping is also a big thing in this city, with Irvine Spectrum Center, South Coast Plaza, and Quail Hill Shopping Center providing world-class retail experiences.
Of course, one can’t talk about the city of Irvine without mentioning the University of California – Irvine campus, one of the top-rated schools in the country.
Homes here are typically listed at the mid- to mid-high price range, though some are in the low sevens. Many residents live in condos, but there are also single-family homes available.
Laguna Beach
With Laguna Beach’s gorgeous six-mile beachfront, it is no wonder why so many artists call this inspiring place home. Walk down the streets and you’ll see countless street murals and first-rate art galleries.
The stunning seaside location also makes Laguna Beach one of the most affluent communities in Orange County, with many luxury homes dotting the landscape. There are also upscale oceanfront resorts that cater to the thousands of tourists that visit the locale during summer.
Given the prime location, many properties here are listed in the low- to mid-seven figures. Houses typically measure from 2,000 to 5,000 square feet, and many have breathtaking views of the ocean.
Ladera Ranch
Those looking for a safe, wholesome place to raise their families should look no further than Ladera Ranch. Its master plan fosters a strong sense of community, with many homes built around culs-de-sac. Various recreational parks and clubhouses also ensure that residents have plenty of opportunities to get to know each other.
Ladera Ranch is composed of nine villages, namely:
Within each village are about nine to ten neighborhoods, which are developed by individual homebuilders. Most of the villages also have themed clubhouses.
Properties here often sell in the low seven digits. Many are family-sized homes upwards of 4,000 square feet in size.
Make Your Move
Moving to Orange County? Work with one of the most trusted realtors in the area: Cordova Real Estate Group. We can answer all your questions, from which neighborhood to choose to the cost of living in Orange County.
Give us a call at 949.207.4040 or send an email to mc(at)southorangecountyliving(dotted)com.