Orange feels out of place from the high-brow, celebrity-rich culture that surrounds it. “Some people are private, but it’s not like other parts of Orange County. You have people from very diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and lots of mom-and-pop restaurants,” says Tracey Marcyan, a lifelong resident. She’s been a Realtor since 2010 and brokers with Caliber Real Estate Group. “Most people know their neighbors and show up for community events. If I go to the Orange Street Fair in September, I’ll probably run into 100 people I know. I’ll probably run into 100 more at the Christmas Tree Lighting in December.” Olde Towne Orange is a hub for these events on the city’s south side. Warehouses are in the west, closest to Anaheim. Suburbs cover Orange’s valley and eastern hills, and roughly 140,000 people live in the city overall.
The Orange International Street Fair brings food and art to Old Towne each August.
The Orange High School Cheer Team attends the Orange May Parade.
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Old Towne Orange and Anaheim attractions
Old Towne Orange is the largest nationally registered historic district in California. With over 1,300 buildings, some go back to the 1880s, and architecture styles can be anything between Italianate and art deco. Nicknamed The Circle by locals, this district has a circular green space, Plaza Park, at its center, and visitors can sit around its bronze fountain. Antique stores, record shops and clothing boutiques surround the park; restaurants, cafes and bars are here too. The district has hosted the Orange Street Fair since 1973. This Labor Day weekend event has art booths, food vendors and different themes every year.
Contrasting the antique feel of Old Towne, The Outlets at Orange are about 3 miles west. This modern outdoor mall has 120-plus chain stores, 20-plus restaurants, an IMAX theater and an indoor skate park. Anaheim is just north with more shopping and dining. Also in this area, theme parks such as Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm attract locals and tourists alike. “I can see the fireworks from my house, but the theme parks feel like they’re 100 miles away,” Marcyan says. “The chaos and tourist traffic doesn’t really overflow into Orange.” Angel Stadium, originally called Anaheim Stadium, has hosted the Los Angeles Angels since 1966. Honda Center is home to big-name concerts and NHL hockey with the Anaheim Ducks.
Old Towne Orange’s streets reveal antique shops and lively cafes.
Shoppers flock to The Outlets at Orange for deals and entertainment.
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Eisenhower Park and the Santa Ana Mountains
The city of Orange has 22 parks, and Eisenhower Park is one of the most notable. This 15-acre green space has a lake on its south side, and it’s popular for fishing and duck-feeding. On the city’s east side, the Santa Ana Mountains cater to hikers and mountain bikers. Irvine Regional Park is in the foothills of this range too. Established in 1897, this historic park has pony rides and the Orange County Zoo. Newport and Laguna beaches are about 20 miles south.
Residents fish and relax at Eisenhower Park’s scenic lake.
The OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park features native wildlife exhibits.
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Top marks for Orange Unified School District
Orange Unified School District serves 26,000 students and gets an A-minus from Niche. Of its 42 schools, 21 have received California Gold Ribbons, and six have received California School Board Association Golden Bell Awards. Canyon High is a standout in the Santa Ana Mountains, scoring an A from Niche. It has over 80 clubs, and art programs include dance, choir and video production. Chapman University is a private institution in central Orange, known for its film and law programs.
Canyon High School brings its students together to watch football games on the field.
Chapman University is a private research university in the heart of Orange.
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Hillside estates and historic homes in Orange
Largely due to the amount of high-paying jobs in the area, housing in Orange is more expensive than neighboring cities. The median sale price here is $1.1 million, about $300,000 more than both Anaheim and Santa Ana as of October 2024. That’s still about half the price of Villa Park and Orange Park Acres, two unincorporated communities on Orange’s east side. High-dollar estates are usually in this area since they have hillside views and are closest to the Santa Ana Mountains. While these homes are mostly from the 1970s, Craftsman homes from the early 1900s are typical near Old Towne. Ranch-style homes make up most of the city overall.
Charming cottages in Orange offer cozy living and curb appeal.
Many of Old Towne Orange's home date back to the early 20th century.
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Orange’s seasonality, wildfire risk and crime rates
Orange has about 280 days of sunshine per year. Summers are dry with temperatures in the 70s and 80s; winters are cool with temperatures in the 60s. The Santa Ana winds, a dry air pattern, can incite wildfires in the mountains and carry smoke to Orange. In September 2024, the Airport Fire burned about 25,000 outside the city, and nearby homeowners evacuated.
In December 2023, Orange had 58 violent offenses per 100,000 people. That’s an increase from the previous year, but it’s still lower than state and national rates. Property offenses were at 99 per 100,000 people in the same month. That’s a decrease from the previous year, and it’s also lower than state and national rates.
Driving the 5, Orange County Transit Authority
Olde Towne Orange is walkable, but most people drive around the city overall. Like many places in Los Angeles, traffic can back up anytime. State Route 55 goes 10 miles south to technology centers in Irvine, and Interstate 5 goes 30 miles north to downtown Los Angeles. Orange County Transit Authority operates the OC Bus and Metrolink train through the city, so drivers have alternatives. John Wayne Airport is about 10 miles south, and Long Beach Airport is about 20 miles west.
Written By
Matt Medl
Photography Contributed By
Michael Rutt
Video By
Jacob McAllister
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Justin Woo,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Orange, CA sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Orange, CA over the last 12 months is $1,120,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your private waterfront retreat tucked away in the highly sought-after Orange Lakes community, a rare, nature-filled hideaway nestled below the Orange Hills. This charming single-story, 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo with no one above or below offers a unique blend of peaceful living, modern upgrades and the perfect place to relax, recharge, and truly feel at home. Imagine starting your
Completely rebuilt with permits, this home is located in the heart of Old Towne Orange, just minutes from Chapman University, the historic Orange Plaza, dining, and shopping. The property features all-new wood framing, a newly constructed second floor, and a legal second bathroom addition. Upgrades include new subfloors, ceiling joists, stairs and railings, insulation, drywall, new roof, custom
Welcome to 466 S Wellington Rd—where modern upgrades meet timeless comfort in one of Orange’s most desirable and tranquil neighborhoods. This beautifully reimagined 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence showcases a thoughtfully designed interior with a fully remodeled kitchen featuring sleek finishes, updated appliances, and a seamless flow perfect for entertaining. The upgraded bathrooms reflect the
3 Bedroom/2 Bathroom 1320 sq ft Double-paned windows Central Air Conditioning & Heat All Drywall 9' Flat Ceilings Move in Ready Island Kitchen Close to Pool, Clubhouse & Gym Low-maintenance landscaping Among the lowest space rents in all of Orange County Front Porch South Facing Orange Village MHP is located at 1540 E. Trenton, Orange CA 92867. Short walk through secured gate to restaurants,
Turnkey Central A/C 9' Flat Ceilings Island Kitchen Quartz Counters throughout Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Carpet in Bedrooms Front Porch with Recessed Lights Better Than New Orange Village MHP is located at 1540 E. Trenton, Orange CA 92867. Short walk through secured gate to restaurants, groceries, drug store, banks and shops Senior 55/55 Active Clubhouse Pool/Spa Resident Manager 2 Small Pets
We present to you a peaceful, light-filled retreat in the highly sought-after 55+ Community Santiago Creek Estates. This beautifully designed home offers the perfect balance: spacious enough to live comfortably, yet easy to maintain. Inside, you’ll find remarkable storage throughout, including dual walk-in closets in the primary suite, an additional oversized walk-in storage room, and a secondary
Welcome to your private waterfront retreat tucked away in the highly sought-after Orange Lakes community, a rare, nature-filled hideaway nestled below the Orange Hills. This charming single-story, 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo with no one above or below offers a unique blend of peaceful living, modern upgrades and the perfect place to relax, recharge, and truly feel at home. Imagine starting your
Completely rebuilt with permits, this home is located in the heart of Old Towne Orange, just minutes from Chapman University, the historic Orange Plaza, dining, and shopping. The property features all-new wood framing, a newly constructed second floor, and a legal second bathroom addition. Upgrades include new subfloors, ceiling joists, stairs and railings, insulation, drywall, new roof, custom
Welcome to 466 S Wellington Rd—where modern upgrades meet timeless comfort in one of Orange’s most desirable and tranquil neighborhoods. This beautifully reimagined 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence showcases a thoughtfully designed interior with a fully remodeled kitchen featuring sleek finishes, updated appliances, and a seamless flow perfect for entertaining. The upgraded bathrooms reflect the
2556 Ridgecrest is a beautiful example of how taste and thoughtful design can transform a property into something truly special. Every aspect of this three-bedroom, two-bath single level home has been carefully curated to appeal to buyers seeking a modern yet comfortable lifestyle.A custom enclosed hacienda-style patio warmly welcomes you and sets the tone for the home’s inviting character.
Welcome to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home that blends modern comfort with everyday convenience. Thoughtfully renovated throughout, this residence features an open floor plan that creates a bright and inviting living space—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Enjoy year-round comfort with an energy-efficient mini-split system to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the
Welcome to this beautifully maintained home in the heart of Orange, offering a perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and outdoor living. Thoughtfully upgraded over the years, this property is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The home features a newer exterior paint, a paved driveway, and enhanced curb appeal with updated front landscaping and lighting. Step into the backyard
HILLSIDE VIEW HOME | PANORAMIC VIEWS | PRIVATE BACKYARD RETREAT | CUL-DE-SAC LOCATION | GATED PARKRIDGE COMMUNITY | Situated on a premium view lot within the prestigious gated community of Parkridge, this exceptional 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom residence offers 3,039 sqft of living space, blending privacy, comfort, and breathtaking scenery. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, the home delivers a rare
Welcome to a fully reimagined residence where refined design meets effortless indoor-outdoor living. This beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers a seamless open-concept layout, anchored by a chef-inspired kitchen featuring a 48-inch range, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a spacious flow into the main living areas—ideal for both everyday living and elevated
Daniel DeforestFirst Team Real Estate North Tustin
Beautifully Remodeled End-Unit Condo for Lease. This stunning end-unit condo offers a light-filled and spacious living environment with stylish upgrades throughout. The inviting living and dining areas feature gorgeous laminate flooring, recessed lighting, and a cozy fireplace—creating the perfect space to relax or entertain. The kitchen is a standout feature, boasting abundant cabinetry, granite
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offering over 1,400 sq ft of comfortable living space, ideally situated on a desirable corner lot in the gated community of Sycamore Crossing in the City of Orange. Built in 1997, this home features an attached two-car garage and a functional, well-designed floor plan. The main level showcases wood-look flooring throughout, creating
Centrally located in desirable Orange, CA, Avel Apartment Homes is in close proximity to the historic downtowns bustling restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Convenient access to two main freeway arteries also makes it easy to take advantage of the neighborhoods and attractions throughout Orange County. At home at Avel, youll experience the O.C.s signature vibrance and glamour along with the comfort
Welcome to Santiago Hills/East Orange! Ideally located near award-winning Chapman Hills Elementary and Santiago Canyon College, this home offers easy access to shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences.Enjoy nearby outdoor living at Irvine Regional Park and Peter Canyon Regional Park with trails for hiking and biking.Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac street, the home features a spacious
Rental rates, availability, lease terms, deposits, apartment features, amenities, and specials are subject to change without notice. Floor plans and square footages displayed are approximations, may be based on stud-to-stud measurements, and may vary between individual units. Quoted prices are for base rent only and do not include other fees such as application fee (one-time, $45), security
Completely remodeled single level home with 3 car garage! Amazing property located close to Chapman college. Stainless steel appliances. Designer kitchen. 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and lots of storage. Newer HVAC system. Huge driveway with security gate. 3 car detached garage with gated driveway. Lots of yard space. This home almost alway sells before it hits the market. Choice location,
Vitas accessible location is truly in the center of it all, providing easy access to everything Orange County has to offer. Whether youre commuting for work to Irvine or meeting a friend in Newport Beach for lunch, Vitas superb location in Orange makes it easy to get to your destination quickly wherever that may be. Near many award-winning eateries and breweries, lively nightlife entertainment,
Amazing historic 1920s Charm. Live in a piece of history in Old Towne Orange. This home, meticulously maintained for over 100 years, and steps from Chapman University and the bustling Orange Circle. This a triplex with shared laundry. One quiet tenant above and another in a backhouse garage conversion.When you approach this home, you'll be awed by its stately historic nature. As you cross the
The Terrace Apartments gives you luxury living at its finest! Nestled in the heart of Orange County, The Terrace offers the best luxurious living. Our 22-acre wooded community is just two minutes from the I-5 and 22 Freeways, with easy access to the 57, 55, 91 and I-405 Freeways. Conveniently located adjacent to The Outlets at Orange and the region's largest medical facility, UCI Medical Center,
Charming white picket fence home in desirable Orange neighborhood! Soak in the sun from the lovely garden in the enclosed front yard. Upon entrance into the home, you are welcomed to the light-filled living room with vaulted ceilings and gleaming solid wood floors. Dinner time is enjoyable from the dining room leading to the galley kitchen featuring all-new stainless steel appliances. Behind the
Live a greener, more pampered lifestyle here in stunning Orange County, just minutes from the Outlets at Orange and Angel Stadium. Our Uptown Orange apartments offer top-of-the-line resident amenities in a community certified at LEED® Platinum. Residents have access to resort-style amenities that include a salt water pool with private cabanas, an expansive fitness center with an outdoor yoga
Newer, fully detached back house located on N Maplewood in a charming residential neighborhood in Orange. Ideally situated near Old Towne Orange Historic District, Chapman University, and a variety of shopping and dining options. This beautifully upgraded home offers privacy and style with no shared walls and thoughtful finishes throughout. Features include vaulted ceilings, quartz countertops,
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