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Chip Martin
Chip Martin

Living in Orange CA 🍊 | Why Moving to Orange California Is a Great Idea!

Are you thinking about moving to the beautiful Orange, California? Orange is a city located in northern Orange County, California, and is known for its gorgeous beaches, amazing entertainment scene, and top-rated attractions. First incorporated in 1888, Orange was the first developed town site to be served by the California Southern Railroad, making it a hotspot for trade. Today, residents living in Orange have access to a bustling economy, wonderful schools, and pleasant weather. As such, Orange is a good place to live.

Where Is Orange California?

Orange, California is in Orange County, California, and is just three miles north of the county seat, Santa Ana. Besides Santa Ana, Orange is bordered by the cities of Anaheim, Tustin, and Anaheim Hills. A large portion of the city shares a border with Limestone Canyon Regional Park. The small city of Villa Park is also surrounded by the city of Orange.

You have many great day trip options when living in Orange. It is 18.1 miles from Orange, CA to Huntington Beach, CA, and 33.5 miles from Orange, CA to Los Angeles, CA.

Orange Information

  • County: Orange County
  • Orange area: 25.81 square miles
  • Orange zip code: 92856-92869
  • Orange area code: 657, 714
  • Orange elevation: 190 feet
  • Orange time zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT)
  • Closest airport to Orange: John Wayne Airport (SNA), 7.5 miles away

Orange Population & Demographics

What is the Orange, CA population? The population of Orange, California is 139,911, which is a 2.5% increase over the past decade. Orange is also a part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, which has a population of 18.5 million. This is the second-largest metropolitan area in the United States, just behind New York City.

There are many notable people from the city, such as singer Jeff Buckley, MLB player Rob Deer, and NBA coach Chris Jent.

Orange demographics:

  • Sex ratio: 50.8% male, 49.2% female
  • Median age: 36.2
  • Racial and ethnic composition: 62.3% White (41.5% non-Hispanic), 13.0% Asian, 10.5% two or more races, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.9% American Indian, 0.4% Native Hawaiian
  • Median household income: $102,125
  • Educational attainment: 87.6% high school degree (or higher), 39.0% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
  • Foreign-born population: 21.8%

Transportation in Orange CA

There are several freeways in and around Orange, CA, making it easy to get from place to place. Orange is right next to Interstate 5, also known as the Santa Ana Freeway. The junction of I-5 with both the “Orange Freeway” and the “Garden Grove Freeway” is called the “Orange Crush,” and is one of the busiest interchanges in all of Orange County. The Costa Mesa Freeway, as well as the Foothill Toll Roads also pass through Orange.

Orange is served by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). The OCTA runs several bus routes within Orange and the surrounding cities. You can get a prepaid 30-day bus pass for $69.00. There is also a MetroLink rail system that can take you in and around Orange County by train.

When living in Orange, you have many options when it comes to airports. John Wayne Airport (also known as the Santa Ana Airport), is only 7.5 miles away. Other options include Long Beach Airport (17 miles away), Ontario/San Bernardino Airport (24 miles away), Los Angeles Airport (33.8 miles away), and San Diego Airport (82.7 miles away).

Cost of Living in Orange CA

How much does it cost to live in Orange? The Orange Cost of Living Index is 164. This means that it is 64% more expensive than the national average of 100. California is one of the most expensive states to live in, and this is reflected in the city’s Cost of Living Index.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $114,841 per year to live in Orange, California. Of course, this number can go up or down depending on your lifestyle and what area you live in. According to MIT, the living wage for two working adults with two children in the city is $47.78. This means that in order to comfortably support a family, each working adult would need to earn $47.78 per hour.

Typical Orange living expenses:

  • Average cost of utilities in Orange: $157.83
  • Gallon of milk: $4.12
  • Gallon of gas: $4.71
  • Pound of meat: $5.02
  • Carton of eggs: $5.17
  • Movie ticket: $15.00
  • Childcare (monthly): $565.00

Source: Numbeo

Before moving to Orange, you’ll need to understand the taxes you’ll be required to pay.

Property Taxes

Orange County property taxes are prepared by the Orange County Property Appraiser’s Office and collected by the Orange County Property Collector. Taxes are calculated by multiplying your property value less exemptions by the millage rate, which is determined by local taxing authorities.

Sales Tax

The sales tax rate in Orange is 7.750%. This is how this figure breaks down.

  • California state: 7.250%
  • Orange County: 0.500%
  • Orange: 0.000%
  • Total: 7.750%

Income tax

California has a graduated income tax, with rates ranging from 1% to 13.30%. The rates you pay are based on your individual or business-related income levels.

Orange Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices

There are many factors that go into the cost of living in Orange, but real estate will be one of your biggest expenses. If you are thinking about buying Orange, CA real estate, then you’ll be happy to know that the market is booming! According to Redfin, the average home price in Orange is $1 million. This is down 2.4% compared to last year.

Are you looking for homes or apartments for rent in Orange? According to RentCafe, the average rent in Orange, CA is $2,559 per month. Although this is high, it is still lower than many other major California cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where the average rent is $2,781, $3,313, and $2,917, respectively. Some of the most sought-after apartment complexes in Orange include Allure Apartments, Garrison Apartments, and Orange Plaza Apartments.

 

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According to the 2022 Rental Affordability Report, it is more affordable to rent than to buy in Orange, California.

Orange California Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Orange

Before moving to Orange, you’ll need to find a neighborhood that is perfect for your needs. Some of the most popular neighborhoods include Old Towne Orange, Orange Hills, and Orange Park Acres.

Old Towne  | Busy Area Great for Young Professionals

Old Towne, also known as Downtown Orange, is one of the best places to live in Orange. Plaza Park is located in the center of Old Towne, and the surrounding area is full of hip restaurants and bars as well as cute shops and boutiques. This area also contains many of the original structures built in the period after the city’s incorporation. Old Towne is very walkable and is great for those who don’t own a car or prefer to travel by foot.

Orange Hills | Residential Area Perfect for Families

Orange Hills is located in the eastern portion of Orange, just between Anaheim Hills and Villa Park. The homes in this area are largely single-family homes set away from any major roads and businesses. This suburban atmosphere makes it perfect for families with small children who want a quieter lifestyle. Orange Hills is close to many top-rated schools, such as Olive Elementary School and Nohl Canyon Elementary School.

Orange Park Acres | Quiet Orange Neighborhood Popular Among Retirees and Nature Lovers

Orange Park Acres is located in southeastern Orange and is easily one of the best Orange neighborhoods. This neighborhood is within walking distance of many outdoor attractions, such as Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, and Peters Canyon North Trailhead. The peacefulness that living in this area brings makes it a popular place among retirees and outdoor enthusiasts.

Orange CA Weather & Climate

Southern California is known for its gorgeous weather, and you will absolutely get to enjoy this when living in Orange, CA. According to the Köppen classification, Orange has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. This means that the Orange climate is made up of warm to hot summers and mild, wet winters. Over the course of the year, the Orange temperature typically varies from 45ºF to 85ºF and is hardly ever below 38ºF or above 93ºF.

Pack your sunscreen when moving to Orange! Orange only sees about 14 inches of rain per year, which is much lower than the national average of 38 inches.

Orange Restaurants

There are many incredible restaurants in Orange that are popular among both locals and tourists. Here are just a few of the best places to eat in Orange.

Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar

You can’t live in California without going to Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar. This casual eatery serves up modern Californian cuisine every day of the week. This incredible restaurant only uses local ingredients and has a seasonal rotating menu.

190 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866, 714-221-0680

Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen

Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen is one of the most popular restaurants in Orange, CA. This upscale joint specializes in modern Mexican cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen is dedicated to integrating modern gastronomy with indigenous and regional recipes of Mexican cuisine.

141 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866, 714-633-3038

King’s Fish House

You can’t live near the water without having a go-to seafood restaurant. King’s Fish House is just that. This casual restaurant offers fish and seafood as well as beer, wine, and cocktails. This restaurant is family-friendly, so bring the kids along!

1521 W Katella Ave, Orange, CA 92867, 714-771-6655

Things to Do in Orange

There are many things to do and attractions to check out after moving to the city. Here are just a few fun things to do in Orange, CA. 

Top Orange Attractions

  • Orange County Zoo: The Orange County Zoo is one of the best things to do in Orange, California. This 477-acre wilderness park contains animals that have been injured, orphaned, confiscated, or not releasable into the wild. It is only $2 per person to enter the zoo!
  • Chapman Crafted Beer: Located in Olde Towne, Chapman Crafted Beer is a popular brewery among the locals. The brewery hosts many fun events throughout the year that you will be sure to love.
  • Holiday Skate Center: The Holiday Skate Center is fun for the whole family. This roller rink is open all year round for both public skates and private parties.
  • Plaza Park: Plaza Park is the center of all the action in the city. Located in the heart of downtown, Plaza Park is surrounded by some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities.

 

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Orange Museums, Entertainment, and Arts

  • Hilbert Museum of California Art: This beautiful art museum opened in 2016 on the grounds of Chapman University.
  • The Lewis Ainsworth House: The Lewis Ainsworth House is a preserved historic home near Old Towne. This beautiful house showcases the American Craftsman style of home that was popular in the late 19th century.
  • Chapman Stadium: If you want to catch a football game, then head over to Chapman Stadium to cheer on the Panthers.

Orange Parks & Outdoors

  • Santiago Oaks Regional Park: This beautiful park has multiple trails for hiking, biking, and running.
  • Hart Park: Hart Park is a great place to take the whole family. The park is dog-friendly and contains baseball fields, swimming pools, and running trails.
  • Pitcher Park: This quiet park is located in a residential neighborhood and also contains the Fire Museum and memorabilia of Orange’s agricultural roots.

Shopping in Orange

  • The Village at Orange: Stop by this old-school mall and check out the dozens of restaurants and stores it has to offer.
  • The Outlets at Orange: Grab a good deal and check out these popular outlet malls. This mall is equipped with 25 restaurants, an indoor skate park, and a movie theater.

Map of Orange Things to Do

Sports in Orange

Although there are no professional sports teams located within Orange, you can root for nearby teams such as the Anaheim Ducks, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Rams, the Los Angeles Chargers, LA FC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and the LA Kings.

 

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Orange Crime Rate

Before relocating to the area, you’ll want to know more about the crime rate. Orange is a very safe place to live, with a crime rate of 1,855 crimes per 100,000 people. This is 28.1% lower than the state average and 20.9% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate is only 130 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 70.6% lower than the state average and 66.5% lower than the national average. The property crime rate is 1,726 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 19.3% lower than the state average and 11.9% lower than the national average. Based on these numbers, you can see that Orange is a great place to settle down.

Here’s a quick Orange crime rate comparison with other major cities:

  • Los Angeles: 54.7% higher than Orange
  • San Diego: 11.1% higher than Orange
  • Anaheim: 54.8% higher than Orange

The Orange Police Department serves the entire city of Orange, with 402 officers on the force.

Jobs in Orange

When it comes to jobs in Orange, CA, there are many options to choose from. According to PayScale, the average salary in Orange is $78,000.

Some of the top employers in Orange include the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, and Chapman University. Many people also find it easy to commute to nearby cities such as Los Angeles or Huntington Beach to work. Some occupations with the fastest growing job growth in Orange include Occupational Therapy Assistants, Speech-Language Pathologists, Anthropologists, and Archeologists.

If you are looking for Orange jobs, then check out the city job board or search for ‘jobs in Orange’ on Indeed.

Orange Schools

The main Orange school district is the Orange Unified School District. This school district serves nearly 28,000 students across the city. Some of the top-rated high schools in Orange, CA include Orange High School, Villa Park High School, El Modena High School, and Canyon High School.

There are a few private schools in Orange, including Oakridge Private School and Orange Lutheran High School. Orange is also home to Chapman University and Santiago Canyon College.

After moving to Orange, you’ll have access to the Orange Public Library system.

Is living in Orange right for you? No matter how big or how small your relocation is, Daly Movers are here to help! We are the best movers in Orange, CA, and will do everything we can to make your moving experience a great one. Call us at 714-538-2831 to request a free quote!

Chip Martin
Chip Martin
BA in philosophy, Long Beach State 1974, various trades after college including cabinet maker and boat refinisher, then became a local moving driver in 1976, bought Daly Movers in 1979, managed company, and drove local and long distance until 1995 when I transitioned into sales/office full time. Almost fifty years later Daly Movers and I have sold, worked, and familiarized ourselves with virtually every type of household and O&I relocation.
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