Longtime lurker here, I'm a 27-year-old nurse and You can expect to pay around $1,032 for rent here. With a population of 19,178, Orange is a small town. Household incomes average around $60,183 in Orange. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks! I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
7 upvotes
14 Replies
Peyton Brooks
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely improving and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
33 upvotes
Emma Young
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
30 upvotes
Serenity S.
couldn't agree more
30 upvotes
Kaylee Carter
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
29 upvotes
dallasrunner2025
underrated comment
28 upvotes
Audrey Adams
couldn't agree more
25 upvotes
Timothy A.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 3 years. Moved from San Diego for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are better than expected. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Chain restaurants dominate. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Ruby Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 54, moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in North and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The community vibe situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
22 upvotes
denvergirl2022
I work in construction here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is solid. Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
William Stewart
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
river_axel20
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 48, moved here 14 years ago from Portland. I've lived in South and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
18 upvotes
George O.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Jace M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely underrated and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Highland) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
All Countries
