The Best Neighborhoods In Orange County To Buy A Home

Between the wide sandy beaches and the perpetually sunny weather, Orange County is one of the most coveted places to live in the country, let alone California. Unlike its neighbor Los Angeles, this area is mostly suburban with plenty of surfers and shopping mall. According to Visit California, Orange County, also known as the OC, is home to everything from Disneyland to Knotts Berry Farms to premium shopping at South Coast Plaza. Whether you are seeking a relaxing sunny weekend at the idyllic and picturesque Laguna Beach or you plan on having a family-friendly celebration at Disneyland, there is something for everyone in Orange County.

While there is no denying that Orange County is one of the priciest places to live, those who can afford the high prices will find an endless array of amenities. In addition to having uninterrupted access to some of the best beaches and hiking trails in the state, OC residents can enjoy tight-knit communities, breathtaking homes, and top-notch schools. It's a family friendly area many people can't help falling in love with. If you're looking to settle in SoCal, here are some of the best neighborhoods in Orange County to buy a home.

Situated in southwest Orange County across 8.8 square miles, the small town of Laguna Beach is home to some of the most beautiful properties on the California coastline. Laguna Beach is a smaller town than many of its coastal counterparts and is home to just 23,000 people, according to the City of Laguna Beach. Laguna Beach takes pride in its sense of community and wide range of locally available services for its residents, including recreational activities like hiking, cultural arts events, public works maintenance of streets and parks, transit operations, and community development. There are also several great eateries and restaurants that are all within walking distance of each other on the main street, giving this iconic city a very small-town feel.

Laguna Beach boasts seven miles of beautiful beach and over 20,000 acres of protected wilderness. Residents and tourists are welcome to bike, hike, enjoy, and explore the stunning natural beauty (via Visit Laguna Beach). The median home cost in Laguna Beach is certainly expensive, landing at around $3.2 million (via Zillow). However, for those with a more flexible budget, the stunning natural landscaping, picturesque properties, home construction, and wealth of community services are well worth the expense. If you're into surfing, Laguna Beach is the place to be. The water is known for being incredibly clear and blue. While the beaches can get pretty crowded with tourists during the summer, it feels like a charming oasis filled with locals and families for most of the year.

Located on the coast at the southernmost point of Orange County, the coastal city of San Clemente is home to some of the best surfing and beaches in the United States. According to Orange County California, San Clemente is home to around 64,000 residents and spans just over nineteen square miles. Since San Clemente is a larger Orange County neighborhood, there's a wide variety of homes available to purchase. From single-family properties to beach condos to newer townhomes and luxury custom estates, there's something for everyone (via SanClemente.com). While there is much architectural and structural diversity across San Clemente homes, most homes are designed in the classic Spanish style, further adding to the Mediterranean coastal vibe of the area.

San Clemente is the perfect blend of suburban and urban living. The areas surrounding the downtown area provide safe, low-population density housing with plenty of parks, high-quality schools, and spacious homes. The downtown district by the beach boasts an impressive number of restaurants, local and international shopping, bars and nightlife, and coffee shops (via Niche). This combination makes San Clemente desirable and convenient for all ages and stages of life. This beautiful beach-side town has a special charm and is an ideal spot for families and singles looking to make the most of the sun and surf. It is also close to San Diego, making it easy to head into the city when necessary. 

Known as Surf City, Huntington Beach is one of Orange County's most popular destinations for visitors and local homeowners alike, according to City of Huntington Beach, California. Located on the central coast of Orange County, Huntington Beach is 90 miles north of San Diego and just 35 miles south of Los Angeles. It's a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the greater Los Angeles area yet still provides plenty of activity, shopping, employment opportunities, restaurants, and nightlife. With a population of almost 200,000 people, there are a wide array of community events throughout the year catering to residents of different ages and interests, making sure everyone in the community feels at home and welcomed (via Niche). Huntington Beach also boasts a wealth of family-friendly activities and highly rated schools, making it the perfect neighborhood to purchase a home for those looking to settle in a suburban area and start a family.

The median home cost in Huntington Beach comes out to around $1.2 million (via Redfin). Considering the location close to the most beautiful California beaches, the diversity of shopping and activity, and the stunning properties, investing to purchase a home in Huntington Beach is an incredible option.

Located in the center of Orange County, Irvine is one of the County's largest and most populous neighborhoods. According to Destination Irvine, the city is home to more than 300,000 residents and covers an area of over 65 square miles, making it the 72nd largest city in the United States. It's also one of California's best kept secrets (via HuffPost). It's located about 40 miles from Los Angeles in the south.

Irvine is home to a variety of attractions and businesses, making it an incredible city for guests and residents alike. There's the ranked public University of California, Irvine, an international airport, a wide range of dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities, and some of the most incredible weather in the world. It's no wonder Irvine is one of the most popular neighborhoods in not only Orange County but all of California (via Visit California). The median home cost in Irvine is around $1.3 million, making purchasing a home here more affordable than many of its coastal neighbors without compromising safety, quality of life, or opportunity (via Zillow).

With a population of over 100,000 residents, the suburban neighborhood of Mission Viejo is one of the most popular neighborhoods in all of Orange County. According to Orange County California, Mission Viejo was the first completed master planned community in the United States and has continued to serve as a model for this type of development's success. The carefully crafted community is home to a large number of single-family homes, a community college, a recreational lake, 43 gorgeous parks, a 41,000 square-foot library, numerous California Distinguished Schools, a hugely popular mall, as well as a wealth of local shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. Mission Viejo has also been continuously ranked as one of the safest cities in all of the United States by multiple sources over the last ten years, making it desirable for those looking to settle down in a safe suburban area with a family.

The median home cost in Mission Viejo lands around $1.1 million, making it more affordable than many other Orange County neighborhoods yet still providing complete safety, access to convenient shopping, and top schools (via Zillow).

Last on our list (but certainly not least) is the residential neighborhood of Yorba Linda. According to Yorba Linda, CA, Yorba Linda covers 20 square miles and is home to around 68,000 residents. The suburban community primarily features single-family homes, offering a peaceful, laid-back, community-oriented vibe throughout the neighborhoods. Yorba Linda consistently ranks as one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the entire United States.

Between the high property values, award-winning schools, natural beauty, investment in public infrastructure, and expansive outdoor space, it is no surprise that many people love this charming suburb. Yorba Linda is also known for its incredible equestrian industry, hosting three state-of-the-art equestrian arenas and 100 miles of equestrian, biking, and walking trails (via Orange County California). The median home cost in Yorba Linda is around $1.3 million, which is consistent with the market across Orange County's most desirable neighborhoods (via Redfin). Since it is one of the more low-key neighborhoods in Orange County, Yorba Linda provides residents with a more mellow and peaceful experience while offering many of the same benefits you'll get in places like Orange County and Newport Beach. The main difference is that it's not located right on the ocean.