From the top ranking schools, to some of the best safety ratings in the country, there is no doubt Orange County neighborhoods are an ideal place to raise a family. Quiet neighborhoods, plenty of parks and pools, and prime location provide the special ambience and renown atmosphere that Orange County is known for.
However, when you’re looking for your family’s Orange County home, it is crucial to know which neighborhoods will best fit your needs. Below is a list of our 7 favorite communities in the OC area, and why they are perfect to raise a family in:
Irvine
At the risk of sounding favorable towards our own home and community, the Irvine area provides the perfect mix of safety, kindness, and bustle to create a unique city. Despite being one of Orange County’s largest cities, with a population exceeding 250,000, the Irvine neighborhood is renown for its top-ranking schools, beautiful parks and community areas, and convenience to an array of shopping centers and main attractions.
Given that the safety of the area is one of the it’s main selling points, it should be noted that Irvine’s safety ranking in 2015 reached the number one position, with a violent crime rate of 49/100,000.
Irvine Spectrum
Mission Viejo
Another affluent community like Irvine, Mission Viejo boasts a beautiful community that has the ideal family feel to it. The Mission Viejo Lake provides a massive picnic area for families to go to on weekends, and interact with other like-minded individuals. The lake contrasts perfectly with Mission Viejo’s mountain-like appeal, providing a natural woodsy ambience in an otherwise beach-famous region.
Mission Viejo is also significantly smaller in population than Irvine, being home to only about 100,000 people.
Mission Viejo Lake
Lake Forest
Sharing a border with Irvine and Mission Viejo, Lake Forest may be the best of both worlds. With even a slightly smaller population than Mission Viejo, with 77,000 residents, Lake Forest provides families with an area that has 29 parks, as well as constantly developing homes and infrastructure.
On the other hand, whereas Irvine can clearly be seen as a bustling environment for both families and business, Lake Forest maintains more of the natural woodsy atmosphere that is seen in Mission Viejo. Low crime rates are also a characteristic of this city, as well as some of the top high school student test scores in the nation.
Lake Forest
Aliso Viejo
Anyone looking to raise their family in Orange County would be prudent to look into Aliso Viejo as their destination. With a median home price of only $444,000, over $100,000 less than the Orange County average, the Aliso Viejo community is not only beautiful and friendly, it is affordable.
The city is bountiful with ample number of parks and picnic areas, a vast wilderness park if you venture into the more mountainous areas, and many of the same advantages of other OC cities. Low crime rating, great schools, abundant shopping centers, and a positive neighborhood environment make Aliso Viejo a top destination for families.
Aliso Viejo