The Best Suburbs in Orange County 2022 Guide

May 18, 2022 | 6 Minute read

Living in beautiful Southern California is a real estate dream for millions of Americans. Many of those who decide to make the move choose Orange County as their new home — and for good reason. Some are looking for accessibility to Los Angeles or Irvine for work, while other buyers crave easy access to California’s Pacific coast’s beautiful beaches.

There are a number of benefits to living in Orange County, including proximity to outdoor activities, achievable commutes to both Los Angeles and San Diego, functional neighborhoods and city layouts, and well-priced homes near business centers.

If you want to sell and buy a home in Orange County, but are not sure where to start your search. Never fear, we have you covered. Here’s our 2022 guide to the best suburbs in Orange County.

Laguna Beach

Located just south of Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach is one of the top destinations in Orange County. If you are looking for pristine beaches that aren’t as crowded, tons of natural beauty, and a wide variety of real estate to choose from, Laguna Beach may be the perfect fit for you.

With a thriving arts scene and plenty of local festivals, Laguna Beach is a great choice for active families who are looking for things to do. If you are in the market for a Laguna Beach home, you’ll find plenty of modern-style builds on quiet, tree-lined streets to choose from, as well as new construction and beachfront condos.
Median Home Price: $3.2M

Dana Point

Dana Point is located next to Capistrano Beach and is a true California paradise. This seaside community is full of exclusive, upscale boutiques and fine dining. Spend your days on one of the picturesque beaches of Dana Point, and then stroll the streets of the harbor once the sun goes down, enjoying the vibrant live music.

If you’re up for exploring one of California’s Channel Islands, Santa Catalina is just an hour away with year-round boat transportation and daily departures from the Dana Point ferry terminal.

Median Home Price: $1.6M

Laguna Niguel

Located adjacent to Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel is one of the larger suburbs in Orange County. Here you will find plenty of things to do, from upscale shopping centers to diverse restaurants with some of the best cuisine around. Laguna Niguel is also known for its arts scene, and nature lovers have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Laguna Niguel also has a great school system, making it the perfect choice for families with school-age children.

Median Home Price: $1.3M

San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano is another Orange County gem, with plenty of things to see and do. A kid-friendly suburb, San Juan Capistrano is perfect for those looking for great beaches and outdoor activities. Don’t miss Mission San Juan Capistrano, a Spanish mission and historical museum, and Zoomars at River Street Ranch, a petting zoo with plenty of kid-friendly activities. Los Rios Street Historic District is also perfect for those who are looking to get a dose of local history. And when you’re ready to wind down, Doheny State Beach can’t be beat.

Median Home Price: $1.2M

Aliso Viejo

Aliso Viejo is another popular suburb in Orange County, nestled in the northern vicinity of the San Joaquin Hills. Buyers in Aliso Viejo enjoy expansive Spanish Colonial homes, sitting on top of breathtaking hillsides, or convenient condos located near the Aliso Viejo Town Center shopping district.

A commuter city, residents of Aliso Viejo can easily commute to work, then come home to enjoy the tranquility of Aliso Viejo, whether that means playing a round of golf at the beautiful local country club or exploring the many trails that run through the San Joaquin Hills. Aliso Viejo also boasts a number of dedicated parks and green space for locals to enjoy, making it an obvious choice for buyers who are looking for natural beauty.

Median Home Price: $0.9M

Rancho Santa Margarita

Rancho Santa Margarita is one of Orange County’s youngest cities. This master-planned community is named for Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores, which was originally in San Diego County. Rancho Santa Margarita is home to a number of exclusive neighborhoods, many of which are maintained by larger homeowners associations. The local economy is thriving, with a number of large local employers, including Applied Medical and O’Connell Landscape Maintenance.

Median Home Price: $0.9M

If you want to sell and buy in Orange County, it’s important that you are prepared for a competitive real estate market. Fortunately, Reali has a number of innovative programs and financing options that can help you find your way home.

Reali’s Buy Before You Sell program allows you to sidestep the competition and use our cash to land a new home faster than ever before. Then, we’ll help you sell your old home for top dollar. With the help of an all-cash offer, there’s never been a better way to buy and sell a house at the same time in California.

To learn more about how Reali’s power buyer programs and financing opportunities can help you buy a new home, contact us today.

Your home is your biggest investment, so make the most of it. Buy your new house with the power of cash, move in faster than ever before, and let a local Reali Agent handle the rest.

More Resources from the Blog

Learn more about Reali’s products and services across California, and explore real estate topic and trends.

California Los Angeles

Is Cost of Living Higher in Los Angeles or San Francisco?

Is cost of living higher in Los Angeles or San Francisco? Read on to discover which city is more expensive.

Home Loans Real Estate

How Are Mortgage Rates Determined?

You might read headlines about mortgage rate changes, whether it be falling or rising. But how are mortgage determined?

Home Improvement Home Selling

The Importance of Curb Appeal When Selling Your Home

Need your home to stand out? Here's what to know about the importance of curb appeal when selling your home.

Make Your Move

Ready to explore the next step in your homeownership journey? We’d love to talk about how you can get more for your money when you buy or sell with Reali. Submit the form or call 1 (844) Hi-Reali to get started.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone*

Zip Code*

How can we help?*

Buy a New House Sell My Current Home Buy & Sell at the Same Time

By submitting this form you agree that Reali, Reali Loans, and its affiliates (collectively, “Reali”) may call/text you about your inquiry or for marketing, informational and related purposes, which may involve use of automated means. You don’t need to consent as a condition of buying any property, goods or services. Message/data rates may apply. You also agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.