Relocating to Orange County? Your Complete Moving Guide!

By Bryan Suarez, Local Real Estate Agent Serving Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, and Surrounding Areas

With its picture-perfect weather, top-rated schools, vibrant communities, and close proximity to beaches, mountains, and major cities, Orange County is a dream destination for many. But before packing your bags, it’s important to understand what life here really looks like—and how to navigate the moving process smoothly.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know before making the move to OC.

Why Are So Many People Moving to Orange County?

Orange County consistently ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S., especially for families, remote workers, and retirees. Here's why:

• 🌞 Year-round sunshine with average temps in the 70s

• 🏖️ Access to world-class beaches like Laguna, Newport, and Huntington

• 🏫 Top-ranked school districts and family-friendly neighborhoods

• 🏢 Thriving job market in tech, healthcare, education, and finance

• 🏞️ Outdoor lifestyle with hiking, surfing, and biking right in your backyard

Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or retirement, Orange County offers a unique mix of suburban comfort and coastal luxury.

Cost of Living: How Much Will It Really Cost You?

Let’s be honest—Orange County isn’t cheap. But it’s often more affordable than nearby Los Angeles or San Francisco. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

🏠 Housing

• Median home price (2025): ~$1.1M (varies by city)

• Median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,800–$3,500/month

💡 Utilities

• Electricity, water, trash, and gas: ~$200–$300/month (depending on home size)

🍽️ Food & Dining

• Dining out is pricier than average; groceries slightly above U.S. median

🏥 Healthcare & Insurance

• California healthcare options vary; some employers offer generous plans

Pro Tip: If you're selling a home in a high-cost state (like NY or MA), you may find OC surprisingly competitive.

Best Cities and Neighborhoods for Relocating Buyers

Each city in Orange County offers a unique vibe. Here are some top picks:

🏡 Family-Friendly Suburbs

• Mission Viejo: Top schools, parks, and Lake Mission Viejo! (Fun fact, I live here!)

• Aliso Viejo: Walkable, newer homes, great for commuters

• Lake Forest: Excellent value, safe neighborhoods

🌊 Coastal Living

• Laguna Beach: Artistic vibe, scenic views, luxury homes

• Dana Point: Charming harbor town with beach access

🏙️ Urban-Suburban Mix

• Irvine: Planned community, tech hub, great schools

• Tustin: Historic charm meets modern development

Each area offers a unique lifestyle, so the best fit depends on your priorities: schools, commute, affordability, or proximity to the coast.

Schools and Education: A Big Draw for Families

Orange County is known for its strong public schools. Top districts include:

• Irvine Unified School District – Nationally ranked, STEM-focused

• Capistrano Unified School District – Serving south OC cities like Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, and San Clemente

• Laguna Beach Unified – Small district with excellent performance

Many private and charter school options are also available. Use GreatSchools.org to explore ratings and test scores.

Commuting and Transportation

Orange County is spread out, so understanding commute times is key.

🚗 Driving

• Irvine to LA: ~1–1.5 hours (depending on traffic)

• Mission Viejo to Irvine: ~25–30 mins

• Dana Point to San Diego: ~1 hour

🚆 Public Transit

• Metrolink trains connect OC to LA and Inland Empire

• OCTA buses serve local routes

Note: Most residents rely on cars, so factor in traffic when house hunting.

Moving From Out of State: What to Expect

California’s real estate and tax systems can be a bit different:

📑 Home Buying Process

• Escrow periods: Typically 21-30 days, depending on the seller preference.

• Dual agency is legal in CA—make sure you have dedicated buyer representation

🏡 Property Taxes & Mello-Roos

• Property tax rate: ~1.1% of purchase price, but check with each property.

• Some communities have Mello-Roos (special taxes for infrastructure/schools)

⚠️ Earthquake Insurance

• Not required, but strongly recommended—it’s not included in standard homeowners insurance.

Tips for a Smooth Relocation

1. Work with a local agent who knows the market and can guide you remotely

2. Request virtual showings if you can’t visit in person. Facetime & a video walkthrough are great.

3. Line up temporary housing in case you need flexibility

4. Hire a reputable moving company familiar with long-distance moves

Lifestyle Preview: What Living in OC Feels Like

• 🌴 Outdoor life: Morning beach walks, surfing, hiking Saddleback Mountain

• 🍽️ Food scene: From fine dining in Newport to taco trucks in Santa Ana

• 🎉 Events: Laguna Art Walks, summer concerts, and farmers markets

• 🐾 Pet-friendly: Tons of dog parks, beaches, and trails

OC offers an ideal blend of leisure, career opportunity, and lifestyle amenities that few places can match.

Ready to Make the Move? Let’s Talk

Let’s find the perfect property for you! Call, text or email me!

-Bryan

📞 (949) 522-7502
📧 [email protected] 

You might also be interested in:

🏡 What Homebuyers Need to Know About Touring Agreements: A Guide from a South OC Real Estate Expert

Relocating to Orange County? Your Complete Moving Guide!