It’s hard to narrow our list down to just five of Orange County’s most family-friendly areas. Orange County’s 33 cities and towns offer a wonderful quality of life for parents and children alike. But families looking for their next home should pay special attention to the following areas. They offer all the characteristics that make a city a great place to raise children, including excellent school systems, many beautiful outdoor spaces for active family time, low crime rates, and good real estate values. Each one we’ve chosen combines stunning natural beauty, easy access to urban areas like Los Angeles and Santa Ana, and that distinctive Southern California lifestyle. Here are five cities that should be on every Orange County family’s home hunting list.

beautiful yorba

Yorba Linda is located in the eastern foothills of Orange County and has been a family favorite for decades. Home values ​​in the city are excellent, with beautiful homes on lots larger than the Orange County average. The school system is exceptional, with a brand new high school that is only a couple of years old. The area is a natural choice for active families, with 100 miles of trails, a thriving equestrian culture, and some of the best golf courses in the state. In addition, the Richard Nixon Birthplace and Library offers a number of cultural and educational events throughout the year. Yorba Linda is just a short drive from Disneyland, LA and many other day trips for the whole family.

anaheim hills

An unexpected gem in this busy city, Anaheim Hills sits on the eastern corner of Anaheim. While it’s just a short drive from Disneyland, this oasis is about as far from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Disney as you can get. The area features planned communities with larger lots and a more rural feel for families seeking privacy and a slower pace. Anaheim Hills offers a variety of parks and open spaces for active nature lovers. The neighborhood is home to excellent schools and a variety of restaurants and activities.

Fullerton

Fullerton is known to many as the home of Troy High School, which routinely ranks among the top three high schools in Orange County and one of the best in the nation. The city offers a variety of housing options, from historic bungalows and Victorian homes to thoroughly modern townhouses and luxury planned developments. Fullerton has an active cultural and community life, offering residents an active downtown area, an arboretum, and a number of theaters and other cultural events.

tustin

Tustin offers a unique environment for families with a historic downtown area that is perfect for strolling on sunny afternoons. It is home to beautiful Victorian homes that fans of architecture will love. The area places a strong emphasis on healthy living; the city is home to the Whole Foods flagship store and boasts a vibrant local independent food scene. Tustin has a strong family focus with an excellent school system, an active parks department that offers children and family events throughout the year, and community events like the Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off each June.

newport beach

Newport Beach is a community to consider if you’re looking for an exciting beachside town that’s also great for kids. Newport Beach offers ten miles of pristine shoreline that is popular with sunbathers, surfers, and boaters. Thirteen beaches in the area received five-star ratings from the Natural Resources Defense Council. The city has dozens of parks with playgrounds, baseball fields, basketball courts, and tennis facilities. Newport Beach is a great option for athletic families looking for stunning scenery to spend time outdoors. It has been called the ultimate family playground as it is also home to the Balboa Fun Zone, the Orange County Museum of Art, and the Newport Sports Museum.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly city, Orange County offers a wide variety of options. Whether you’re looking for an urban oasis like Anaheim or an incomparable paradise like Yorba Linda, the region truly has something for every family. To begin your search, contact a real estate agent who has experience with homes throughout the county and can make personalized recommendations based on your lifestyle, family goals, and budget.