Due to its size, population, and distinct culture, Southern California is practically its own little world. People who live here tend to stay here. With that said, Southern Californians often find themselves relocating to another part of SoCal due to work, school, or being priced out of their current location.

As a result, many residents of Los Angeles County wind up moving south to Orange County. Highly residential and relatively more affordable, Orange County offers many Angelenos the chance to buy homes in safe neighborhoods with access to great schools.

If you’ve lived in L.A. for most of your life, there’s a good chance you’re unfamiliar with Orange County, with the exception of Anaheim. As a result, you’re unsure of which cities are ideal for raising a family and which ones to avoid.

Fortunately, we have you covered. The following are the ten best cities in Orange County in terms of low crime, great schools, and quality of life:

Aliso Viejo

Population: 52,716 (2020)

A coastal city within the San Joaquin Hills, Aliso Viejo is located on the southern edge of Orange County. The city is served by the Capistrano Unified School District. The median home sale price was $750,000 in December 2022.

Dana Point

Population: 33,107 (2020)

Dana Point is a coastal city on the southern edge of Orange County. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy surfing. The city is served by the Capistrano Unified School District. The median home sale price was $1,600,000 in December 2022.

Irvine

Population: 307,670 (2020)

A master-planned community located in the south-central part of Orange County, Irvine is home to many tech corporations as well as higher education institutions. The majority of Irvine is serviced by the Irvine Unified School District. The median price for homes for sale in Irvine was $1,260,000 in December 2022.

Ladera Ranch

Population: 26,170 (2020)

A master-planned community in the southern part of Orange County, Ladera Ranch is a relatively small city consisting of nine distinct villages. The city is served by the Capistrano Unified School District. The median price for homes for sale in Ladera Beach was $990,000 in December 2022.

Laguna Beach

Population: 23,032 (2020)

By far one of the most iconic and affluent communities in Orange County, Laguna Beach is a popular seaside resort town with limited urbanization. The city is serviced by the Laguna Beach Unified School District. The median sale price for homes in Laguna Beach was $2,900,000 in December 2022.

Lake Forest

Population: 85,858 (2020)

Lake Forest is a relatively new city in Orange County, being first incorporated in 1991. With that said, the area has a rich history stemming from the days when it was known as El Toro. The city is serviced by the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. The median home sale price was $948,000 in December 2022.

Mission Viejo

Population: 93,653 (2020)

A mostly residential community in the southern part of Orange County, Mission Viejo is located 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The city is serviced by two school districts, the Capistrano Unified School District and Saddleback Valley Unified School District. The median sale price for homes in Mission Viejo was $1,050,000 in December 2022.

Newport Beach

Population: 85,239 (2020)

A coastal city in southern Orange County, Newport Beach is a desirable location for frequent beachgoers. The city is serviced by the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. The median sale price for homes in Newport Beach was $3,175,000 in December 2022.

Rancho Santa Margarita

Population: 48,002 (2020)

Situated on the southeastern edge of Orange County, Rancho Santa Margarita is a master-planned community first incorporated in 2000 (making it one of the youngest cities in the county.) The city is serviced by two school districts, the Capistrano Unified School District and Saddleback Valley Unified School District. The median price for homes for sale in Rancho Santa Margarita was $767,000 in December 2022.

San Clemente

Population: 64,293 (2020)

Located on the southwestern edge of Orange County, San Clemente is a coastal city considered the halfway point between Los Angeles and San Diego. The city is serviced by the Capistrano Unified School District. The median sale price for homes in San Clemente was $1,447,500 in December 2022.

All of these cities are known for their outstanding quality of life, great schools, low crime rates, and attractive neighborhoods. However, the best Orange County city for you will depend on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. Some folks prefer a more laid-back beach town feel, while others prefer a more urban setting with more amenities. Ultimately, it’s important to research the towns that interest you, take a tour, and talk to residents before making a final decision.

Sean Dalton is a freelance writer from Southern California. He enjoys writing about cars, law, and real estate.