Orange County is a region that neighbors Los Angeles, and it’s best known for attractions such as Disneyland in Anaheim, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, and of course, the beaches in Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach. As of today, there are over 3 million people living in Orange County, and the region consists of over 40 cities. Since the area is so varied, finding a neighborhood that has a close-knit vibe, welcoming atmosphere, and family-friendly events can be a challenge. 

For the interested homebuyer, here are some charming suburbs in the OC with a small-town vibe.

Typical suburb home in Orange County

Aliso Viejo

Located in the San Joaquin Hills in southern Orange County is the city of Aliso Viejo. This city is known for its safety, family-friendly environment, and community-oriented events. Aliso Viejo is also a 6,600-acre master-planned community that’s home to over 40,000 residents. According to the city’s Chamber of Commerce, approximately 51 percent of the community is made up of parks, schools, and open space while over 36 percent of the community is devoted to residential neighborhoods. The remaining 13 percent is for business, retail, and office space. When residents describe living in the neighborhood, they often refer to it as one of the safest places to live in California as well as one of the best places to grow up.

Ladera Ranch

Ladera Ranchis a small, tranquil community that’s close to popular OC cities, such as Laguna Niguel and Rancho Mission Viejo, as well as the beach. Many residents rave about the overall welcoming atmosphere of the restaurants and shops in Ladera Ranch, as well as the family-friendliness of the community parks and public spaces. This planned community is known as one of the best places to raise a family in Orange County, most likely due to the fact that there are several reputable elementary schools in the area. The town regularly hosts events such as summer concerts in the park and community block parties.

Rancho Santa Margarita

Only a short 10-minute drive away from Irvine is the small-town suburb of Rancho Santa Margarita. Residents in this community usually know each other, and the chances of running into a familiar face at a diner or grocery store is very likely after living here for a while. The community is surrounded by rolling hills, so residents and visitors can enjoy the scenic backdrop of Saddleback Mountain. For homebuyers looking for a neighborhood pool to cool off during the summer, the suburb offers residents easy access to its private community pools. There are also a number of family-friendly parks in the area, and this suburb has several highly rated public schools such as Arroyo Vista Middle School and Capistrano Valley High School.

Yorba Linda

Sandwiched between Chino Hills, Anaheim, and Brea is the suburban city of Yorba Linda, which is most famous for being the birthplace of former President Richard Nixon. For homebuyers who enjoy living in a small-town environment but prefer to reside in a neighborhood that’s near Disneyland and other OC amusement parks, this city is a great place to explore. With several walking and horse-riding trails, elegant landscaping, and spacious sidewalks, Yorba Linda is known as one of the county’s best cities to raise a family. An overall modest town, Yorba Linda is also known for its cleanliness, respected public schools, and welcoming environment.

Villa Park

Many residents in Villa Park enjoy the suburb’s overall safety, sense of community, charming custom single-family homes, and its rural feel. For a city located next door to popular cities such as Anaheim and Orange, the small-town atmosphere in this neighborhood is an impressive achievement. Many families, retirees, and professionals gravitate towards Villa Park because of its tranquil atmosphere. For homebuyers who can afford to live in this affluent suburb, they can expect to find tree-lined streets, a shopping area usually referred to as the Town Center, great schools, friendly neighbors, horse trails, and beautifully maintained homes.