So, I'm a remote worker and With a population of 139K, Orange is a mid-size city. Homes are going for about $900,700 on average. Crime rate is something to consider — Orange sits at 128.7 per 100K. Average temperature is around 63°F, so the weather is moderate. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What would you do? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
46 upvotes
2 Replies
Ian Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 3 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are underrated. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Wyatt Cooper
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Italian places. the quality of life is solid.
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