Offering gorgeous weather & scenery along with top-tier educational institutions and ample recreational and occupational opportunities, Orange County continues to be a highly desirable region of Southern California for individuals and families alike. With more than 30 incorporated cities in this very populous county, each with its own unique charm and characteristics, many prospective home buyers are left wondering where the ideal places to live are. This is where The Malakai Sparks Group comes in. Having lived in Orange County his entire life, Malakai Sparks has turned his passion and love for it into a real estate career helping others find their dream homes throughout the area. Based on extensive knowledge and personal experience, here are 5 of the top cities to buy a home in Orange County.
1. Newport Beach
Located about 45 miles from the City of Los Angeles, Newport Beach continues to be an incredibly popular place to live. Those that love spending time by the ocean will find a lot to appreciate here as Newport Beach features 8 whole miles of beautiful sand-filled beaches for residents and vacationers to have fun on. Not surprisingly, the city is beloved by those that participate in surfing, boating, swimming, and other water-based activities. Situated on the California coast, Newport Beach experiences primarily mild weather throughout the year with temperatures pleasantly hovering around the 70s during most months.
There are many wonderful homes for sale in Newport Beach in what are known as “villages”, each of which has a distinct identity. One of these, Balboa Peninsula Village, is a gorgeous waterfront community that is situated around a number of landmarks for Newport Beach’s rich history. Another beautiful area to live in, Newport Harbor is made up of 8 relatively small islands some of which are tremendously popular with tourists. In fact, when summer rolls around Newport Beach is known for having up to 100,000 visitors a day exploring its many sights and activities. For those that enjoy living in a place with great annual events, Newport Beach has a nice variety. These include the Annual Christmas Boat Parade along with the Newport Beach Film Festival and the Annual Lobsterfest. You’re also likely to find farmer’s markets, concerts, movie nights, and so much more.
2. Laguna Beach
Less than 20 miles southeast of Newport Beach is another dazzling coastal city: Laguna Beach. While far smaller than Newport Beach in terms of geographic area and overall population size, Laguna Beach is nevertheless a thriving community that boasts a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Each year there are a variety of special cultural and art events that take place for residents and visitors to participate in. There’s also an abundance of art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques found across the city. Many that appreciate the outdoors also choose to buy a house in Laguna Beach as there is more than 7,000 acres of land that is dedicated to mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and other excursions.
3. Dana Point
Dana Point is an ideal city for those desiring the numerous benefits of living near the ocean but in a more relaxed and less population dense environment than you’ll find in some other areas of Orange County. Considered a beachside paradise by many who live, work, and vacation there, Dana Point offers much in the way of dolphin & whale watching along with fishing, surfing, and other popular activities. Surfers are particularly drawn to Salt Creek Beach and Doheny State Beach, though there are a number of additional spots to check out as well. While there is so much to do and explore within the city itself, it is also worth noting that Dana Point is relatively close to some of Southern California’s most frequented attractions and entertainment venues. If you love being by the water and are looking for a slower-paced setting, buying a home in Dana Point is definitely worth consideration.
4. Huntington Beach
Among the largest cities in Orange County, Huntington Beach has a population of around 200,000 people. Affectionately known as “Surf City”, Huntington Beach remains an absolute dream for surfers and other beach-going enthusiasts, with fantastic beaches spanning 8.5 miles of land. With the U.S. Open of Surfing taking place here year after year, the best and brightest in the sport visit the city from all across the globe. For those who enjoy going on hikes and/or spectating wildlife, there is the amazing Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve which boasts close to 200 species of birds that reside in the marshland. You can’t talk about Huntington Beach without also mentioning its more than 1,800 foot pier. The pier is a heavily trafficked spot within the city, as it offers superb views along with fishing and shopping opportunities. If you love beach life and don’t mind living in a bigger city, finding homes for sale in Huntington Beach is a great option.
5. San Clemente
A relatively small city in North Orange County, San Clemente is by and large a residential community. It is even considered to be a “bedroom community” because many residents live there but work in neighboring cities such as Anaheim, Brea, and Yorba Linda. One of the great things about San Clemente is that it is undergoing improvements to existing sections while also having exciting new developments built up. Even the historic town district is being revitalized, generating interest from businesses that could bring new revenue to the city. For employees in surrounding areas seeking places to live with reasonable commutes, buying a home in San Clemente could end up being the perfect fit.
Buy An Orange County House with The Malakai Sparks Group
As discussed at the beginning, Orange County-native Malakai Sparks pursued a real estate career to help individuals and families find incredible places to live across the region. Malakai and his team have extensive knowledge of the local real estate markets as well as the skills and drive needed to help buyers land amazing homes at reasonable prices. With an effective results-oriented strategy and valuable networking relationships with many renowned industry professionals, there is no better agency to assist you in finding the right property in Newport Beach, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, or elsewhere in the county. To start on the path toward home ownership, please give us a call today at (714) 655-1627.