Whether you were recently accepted into California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), the largest state university by enrollment, or you’re a new employee in the area, on-campus housing might not be your first option. There are many other communities close to the university that offer the same amenities as well as more employment opportunities, recreational facilities, and access to public transit.

If you’re new to Orange County, finding a good place to live off-campus might be daunting—do you know how big the county is? Fortunately, there are several great cities less than an a half-hour drive away from the university.

Here are four of the best places to live near California State University Fullerton.

 Food Trucks and Farmers Market at the Orange County Great Park photo by Shutterstock

Irvine

Not only is Irvine a magnet for millennials, it’s also a great place to live for many other residents. According to Livability, Irvine was ranked as one of the “Best Places to Live” due to its wealth of employment opportunities, particularly in engineering and technology. 

Irvine is conveniently located near beach cities such as Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. It’s also a short 20-minute drive away from CSUF campus.

A popular amenity-filled neighborhood in Irvine, Woodbury offers apartments, condos, townhomes, and single-family homes starting in the high $500s. Woodbury is also located near the Irvine Spectrum Center, which is one of the nicest outdoor shopping malls in Orange County. It features name-brand shops, as well as a variety of attractions, dining, and entertainment options.

Fullerton

Just because living on-campus isn’t your cup of tea, it doesn’t mean you need to rule out the rest of Fullerton. There are several diverse communities in the city, some offering easy access to highly desirable amenities, lush green parks, and memorable restaurants.

The charming and historical community of Downtown Fullerton has transformed over the past two decades, thanks to the city’s plan to revitalize the area. It now features several cafes, entertainment venues, bars, restaurants, and contemporary condominium and apartment complexes—perfect for students.

However, if you want to live in a tranquil, small-town area filled with single-family homes priced starting in the high $500s, head towards Sunny Ridge.

Orange

Even though Orange is only three-square miles, the community still has much to offer new residents, especially if they have a strong appreciation for old-school charm, antique finds, and specialty eateries. 

Orange is centrally located and surrounded by several major freeways, including the 5, the Orange freeway (SR 57), and the Garden Grove freeway (SR 22). Locals also refer to the intersection between all three of these freeways as “Orange Crush” due to its craziness during peak traffic hours. But don’t let that stop you from living in this community—CSUF students interested in living in Orange are looking at a short 10-minute commute to school. 

Most of the homes in this city can be found within Old Towne Historic District, a community that was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. There are over 1,300 residences in this neighborhood, most of which have rich architecture and history. 

Homebuyers can find a variety of attached and single-family homes starting in the low $400s. 

Tustin

Due to the diverse array of trees throughout Tustin, the city is fondly nicknamed “The City of Trees.” For Cal State Fullerton students or employees living in this community, the commute to campus is about a 15-minute drive. Many residents in Tustin enjoy the metropolitan feel of the city, which is something that’s rare in the mostly-suburban Orange County.

The city also offers a wide variety of home styles, from historic single-family homes to luxurious townhomes. Prices range from below $100,000 to over $3 million.

It’s common to see residents taking a stroll or frequenting one of the city’s main corridors. Simply head towards the popular Newport Avenue near North Tustin, and you’ll find a street filled with plenty of restaurants and local coffee shops. 

The city is near main freeways like Interstate 5 and the Costa Mesa freeway (SR 55), and it’s about two miles north of the John Wayne Airport. With hillside areas and scenic views of both the Pacific Ocean and Saddleback Mountains, many locals call Tustin a functional and desirable community to live, work, or visit.