Planning to move to California? You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than South Orange County. Once a sleepy suburb, this sunny slice of paradise has now evolved into one of the best tourist destinations and residential locations in Southern California.
In this page, we’ll take a look at some of the great benefits you can enjoy when you’re living in Orange County.
The Finest Communities
While not an official designation, South Orange County refers to the southern section of Orange County, starting from around Costa Mesa, Irvine, and all communities located south of these cities, including:
- Aliso Viejo
- Dana Point
- Laguna Beach
- Laguna Hills
- Laguna Niguel
- Lake Forest
- Mission Viejo
- Newport Beach
- Rancho Santa Margarita
- San Clemente
- San Juan Capistrano
Compared to the north, South Orange County is generally considered more affluent. The area also features newer developments and diverse terrain with more hills and valleys, compared to the north’s flatter landscape.
Terrific Weather
Orange County residents get to enjoy an average of 278 sunny days every year, with temperatures ranging from 44.7 degrees in January to 81.5 degrees in July.
Summers can get pretty hot, but one of the best things about living in Orange County is it’s easy to head to the beach whenever you wish – even during the middle of winter!
Prime Location
Orange County residents are always an easy drive away from incredible destinations. With Los Angeles to the north, the Palm Springs area to the east, and San Diego to the south, Orange County’s unmatched location is one of the biggest reasons why it’s considered one of the most desirable places to live in.
Exciting Year-Round Events and Festivals
South Orange County residents always have something to look forward to, as a wide array of festivals and celebrations are held across its cities throughout the year.
You can enjoy the Sawdust Art Festival, Laguna Dance Festival, and Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. In San Juan Capistrano, there’s the Return of the Swallows Festivities and the Fiesta de las Golondrinas. Dana Point also has terrific events like the Doheny Blues Festival and the Festival of Whales. Last but not least are Mission Viejo’s Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo and the Street Painting Festival.
These are just some of the many great events happening every year in South Orange County!
A Rich History
Orange County has the second-highest concentration of historic sites in California, which makes it a fantastic place to live for those who want to immerse themselves in history and culture. One of its most famous spots is the Historic District, which features numerous buildings that were constructed more than a century ago. Be sure to stop by the Exchange Fine Arts Gallery located on Glassell, which is definitely one of the highlights.
Top-notch Educational System
Orange County is home to the prestigious Chapman University, which is considered one of the finest private universities in the country. Located in Orange, California, the university offers over 110 areas of study, specializing in business, law, film, and the arts.
In addition to Chapman University, other notable colleges located in Orange County include Soka University, Vanguard University, Brandman University, and Concordia University Irvine.
For those looking for quality education for themselves or for their family members, Orange County is an excellent choice.
Vibrant Shopping Destinations
Although Orange County’s shopping venues aren’t as popular as those in Los Angeles, there are still plenty of terrific shopping destinations to discover. You’ll find picturesque retail spots like The Outlets at San Clemente, which features gorgeous Mediterranean-style architecture and breathtaking views of the ocean. If you’re searching for premium brands, there are high-end shopping options as well, such as Fashion Island in Newport and South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.
Endless Outdoor Activities
For those looking forward to unforgettable adventures, Orange County is home to a near-endless variety of scenic outdoor destinations where you can enjoy all sorts of activities such as hiking, surfing, kayaking, camping, mountain biking, and more. There are so many different outdoor activities to enjoy in fact, that planning what to do for the weekend can be challenging.
Hiking is definitely one of the best activities to enjoy, as Orange County features unparalleled hiking trails surrounded with panoramic views, such as Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Crystal Cove State Park, and Red Rock Canyon in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park.
Having all of these great activities just minutes away gives you plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind, and is an excellent way to live a healthier lifestyle as well.
Thinking about moving to Orange County? Get in touch with the Cordova Real Estate Group today at 949.858.0405, or send an email to marianncordova(at)gmail(dotted)com.