2023 Best Places to Live in Orange County

• Neighborhood in Irvine, CA

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  42 reviews

Current Resident: Having lived in many regions of America then SoCal, Irvine and specifically Woodbridge are hard to beat Center has outdoor seating coffee shops and movie theater all within walking distance Lake is amazing to walk around. Almost unlimited walking and biking trails and best in the area swimming pools which are kept immaculate and cleaned daily 3 miles to spectrum and 5 to south coast plaza 10 to the beach. Freeways right there Excellent place... Read 42 reviews

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• Population 26,317

• Neighborhood in Irvine, CA

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  Rating 3.87 out of 5  23 reviews

Niche User: I love Irvine. I've been living in the same house in Irvine for 18 years (since birth). I think it's an amazing place to raise a family or for anyone that isn't looking for a constant adrenaline rush. It's true that Irvine might not be the most exciting place, but it's an amazing place to live. The air quality is amazing (fresh air everywhere) and it's so peaceful but still close to everything you'd ever need. There's food from almost any ethnicity you can think of within a 15 minute drive and if you ever want to drive further, there's some pretty famous places only around 45 minutes away in LA. The city definitely has every day-to-day necessity and if you ever want to get some adrenaline pumping there are tons of options within an hour drive or less. I really love Irvine and I've committed to UCI so I'll be sticking around for at least 4 more years.... Read 23 reviews

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• Population 10,114

• Neighborhood in Irvine, CA

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  20 reviews

Niche User: Irvine Is one of the best cities in regarding safety and education, in this city each level of education is taken seriously and teachers, faculty and staff are mostly high educated. I'm still living in this city and as a students point of view this city is expanding in every area.... Read 20 reviews

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• Population 12,468

• City in California

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  Rating 4.39 out of 5  604 reviews

Current Resident: My overall experience with Irvine has been quite positive. I appreciate the city's clean and well-maintained environment, which creates a pleasant living atmosphere. The abundance of parks and recreational areas adds to its charm, making it an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts like myself. One aspect I particularly like about Irvine is its commitment to safety and a sense of community. The city consistently ranks as one of the safest in the United States, and it's evident in the way residents look out for one another. The strong emphasis on education, with top-notch schools and universities, is another highlight.... Read 604 reviews

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• Population 297,868

• Neighborhood in Irvine, CA

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Niche User: I absolutely love this place and my Dad especially for choosing this awesome area. Quail Hill has to be one of the best neighborhoods to live in. With the community pools, gym, and parks, this place is truly a dream to live in. The community center is also fantastic with all of the basic necessities and more! The location right by the canyon to get to the beach is unreal. 10 minute drive to main street laguna beach is something I could never get over being grateful for.... Read 4 reviews

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• Population 9,260

• Neighborhood in Irvine, CA

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  Rating 3.64 out of 5  14 reviews

Niche User: Irvine is one of the safest cities in the United States. There aren't that many police around because, usually, they aren't needed. There aren't many crimes that are happening beyond minor traffic violations and the occasional loud party.... Read 14 reviews

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• Population 5,378

• Neighborhood in Irvine, CA

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  17 reviews

Niche User: Everything is really great here. The streets, the schools, and the people.... Read 17 reviews

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• Population 6,338

• Neighborhood in Irvine, CA

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  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Quail Hill is an almost unbelievably beautiful and friendly neighborhood. Neighbors will go out of there way to help you if, say, your dog was missing, and even check in with you the next day to see if everything turned out alright.... Read 3 reviews

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• Population 1,357

• Neighborhood in Newport Beach, CA

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful neighborhood. Only bad thing is the entitled attitudes of some of my neighbors, but that is something that you will encounter anywhere in Orange County.... Read 9 reviews

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• Population 4,122

• Neighborhood in Irvine, CA

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  42 reviews

Current Resident: Northwood is a quiet, rather pristine neighborhood. The loudest parts being those accelerating off the 5 freeway and nearby Trabuco Road. Within our community are a diverse set of families, with children of all ages as well as pets, mainly dogs and cats.... Read 42 reviews

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• Population 8,624

• Neighborhood in Newport Beach, CA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  11 reviews

Niche User: The atmosphere is friendly, safe, and there is a strong sense of community. If I had to do it all over again, I would choose to live in the neighborhood I do now.... Read 11 reviews

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• Population 15,441

• Neighborhood in Newport Beach, CA

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: The people are very sweet, this area is a quiet gem. The schools are outstanding, private schools are the most desirable in the nation. Living on the beach had its rewards, raising a family here is the best. I’d never live anywhere else.... Read 8 reviews

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• Population 11,724

• Neighborhood in Irvine, CA

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  Rating 3.96 out of 5  24 reviews

Current Resident: The easy access to multiple parks is very nice. This is not something that can be changed but I find the cul-de-sac within a bigger cul-de-sac structure of the area makes it much more difficult to learn the residential streets. Not having to move our cars for street sweeping is also a bonus. The higher speed limit is sometimes nice while driving but becomes a concern while a pedestrian.... Read 24 reviews

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• Population 13,992

• Neighborhood in Irvine, CA

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  42 reviews

Niche User: It's so safe here it's boring. Kids are very, very sheltered here. There's a reason it's called the "bubble city."... Read 42 reviews

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• Population 4,804

• Neighborhood in Newport Beach, CA

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: I love it here, its so beautiful! It is such an amazing place to live and to attend school. One of the best places in CA!... Read 6 reviews

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• Population 3,226

• Neighborhood in Irvine, CA

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  Rating 3.87 out of 5  15 reviews

Niche User: Irvine is extremely safe and I have not encountered any crimes.... Read 15 reviews

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• Population 4,941

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  87 reviews

Current Resident: Newport Beach is one of the most interesting, entertaining, and beautiful places in my opinion. The summer is incredible, with the beautiful beaches and amazing entertainment. I love being able to meet new people who are just visiting for a vacation as well as exploring new stores and restaurants. Then in the winter during the holidays, the Boat Parade is something I look forward to every year. The Boat Parade is when different baot owners in the community decorate their boats with festive lights and colors. For multiple nights boats drive around the bay in a line spreading joy to everyone.... Read 87 reviews

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• Population 85,806

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.45 out of 5  51 reviews

Current Resident: I love the beach! There are lots of opportunities for work and play throughout the neighborhood. I especially like the parks and the libraries and the restaurants.... Read 51 reviews

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• Population 25,216

• Neighborhood in Newport Beach, CA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  6 reviews

Niche User: I've lived in Orange County for almost 9 years and this location is my favorite. It is close to the beach which allows me to take advantage of nature everyday whether I'm going on a run, a walk, or just meditating outside. I am close by to affordable markets and a yoga studio I love.... Read 6 reviews

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• Population 9,402

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  33 reviews

Current Resident: North Tustin is a safe, clean, and beautiful area in Orange County. Public schools in this area are highly rated, which is important for perspective families and good for property values. North Tustin is also conveniently located near Toll Roads and freeways, but not close enough to be disturbed by traffic. It is also a short distance to the gorgeous Orange County beaches!... Read 33 reviews

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• Population 25,708

• Neighborhood in Irvine, CA

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  Rating 3.71 out of 5  7 reviews

Niche User: Irvine is an amazing place to raise a family because if its safety and quality education system! It's also only 15 minutes away from CDM so you can visit the beach anytime.... Read 7 reviews

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• Population 2,630

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  13 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in Rossmoor my whole life. It is a unique community in that it was all originally tract homes build in the late 50's, but now, almost every home has been completely remodeled, torn down, or renovated. It is much more diverse than it was even 20 years ago in terms of race, Income and politics, which I think is a plus. Every year, more and more affluent people move in and build a beautiful new home and it makes the neighborhood like nicer. There are over 3000 homes here, ranging from modest 1600sf to well over 5000 sf of all styles. It has become a beautiful custom home community. It's in a great public school system and crime is usually not an issue. Freeway noise is not a huge issue for the majority of Rossmoor residents, but it is an issue for the ones that live right next to it. There are over 3000 homes here, so, it all depends on what part you live in. Overall, Rossmoor is a great place to get that suburban feel, if you can afford it...... Read 13 reviews

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• Population 11,822

• Suburb of Irvine, CA

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  160 reviews

Current Resident: Aliso Viejo is a clean, family and safe city. The schools are top notch, and the residents are very well respected. The city was incorporated in the early 90's. While most cities have police department, Aliso Viejo and the surrounding cities are watched over by the Sheriff Department. This was very new to me when I first moved to Aliso Viejo. I love this city and have been here for 16 years now.... Read 160 reviews

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• Population 51,943

• Suburb of Irvine, CA

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  42 reviews

Current Resident: Great Community! Overall very safe area, amazing schools. The people who live here are friendly and welcoming.... Read 42 reviews

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• grade A+

• Population 23,121

• Neighborhood in Newport Beach, CA

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• grade B+

• Population 9,715