We hear this all the time: “We love Orange County, but we just cannot afford it. Where do we go from here?” The honest answer is that there is no one-size-fits-all move. The best places to live outside Orange County depend on what matters most to us: school quality, commute, walkability, outdoor space, coastal access, neighborhood character, or simply getting more home for the money.
That is why we do not recommend choosing a city based on a ranking alone. We need to look at the entire lifestyle package. A lower price point might come with a harder commute. A coastal option may still be expensive, but offer a totally different day-to-day quality of life. A great school district may be worth the drive for some families and completely wrong for others.
These are five of the best places to live outside Orange County that consistently come up in relocation conversations. We are ranking them from five to one, but each one works for a different type of buyer. Prices referenced here are the reported figures discussed as of January or early 2025, and market conditions can always change.
Table of Contents
- Best Areas to Live OUTSIDE of Orange County!
- Area #5: Cerritos, CA
- Area #4: Chino Hills, CA
- Area #3: East Long Beach, CA
- Area #2: Carlsbad, CA
- Area #1: Arcadia, CA
- FAQs About the Best Places to Live Outside Orange County
Best Areas to Live OUTSIDE of Orange County!
Before getting into the list, here is the framework we use when comparing the best places to live outside Orange County. We want to know what cannot be compromised and what can.
- Commute: Is the household tied to Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, or remote work?
- Schools: Is access to strong schools the primary reason for moving?
- Home value: Are we trying to maximize square footage, lot size, or long-term desirability?
- Lifestyle: Do we want beaches, trails, restaurants, nightlife, parks, or a quieter family rhythm?
- Neighborhood feel: Do we prefer master-planned polish, historic character, a walkable district, or a close-knit community?
The best places to live outside Orange County are not necessarily cheap substitutes. Some are still premium markets. The real question is whether the value proposition matches what we need from our next home.
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Area #5: Cerritos, CA
Cerritos: Close to Both Orange County and Los Angeles
Cerritos sits just north of Orange County on the southeast side of Los Angeles County. Location is its biggest advantage. For households whose work, family, or routine spans both LA and OC, Cerritos is one of the most practical choices on this list. We are not moving far away from Orange County, but we are opening up another market to consider.
The median sales price discussed for Cerritos was about $1.1 million, up 4% year over year. That is important to understand upfront. Cerritos is not a deep-discount market. It is still a competitive, established area where good schools and location continue to support demand.
For families prioritizing education, Cerritos deserves serious attention. Whitney High School is a major draw and was identified as the number one high school in California and number 16 nationally by U.S. News in the discussion. School quality is often a primary driver for buyers, and that demand shows up in the local housing market.
There is also a slower, more established neighborhood feeling here. We see many older residents and multigenerational households, along with parks and a wide range of nearby food options. Filipino, Korean, Taiwanese, Cantonese, and shabu restaurants are all part of the local draw. More young families have been coming in because of the convenience and price point, but this is not the same young-family density we see in some newer suburban communities.
What to watch out for in Cerritos
- Whitney High School is not an automatic enrollment just because we live in the area. Students must test in.
- The median price around $1.1 million means we should not treat Cerritos as a bargain market.
- Street parking can be restrictive, especially for overnight guests. This is a real consideration for households that host family often or have frequent gatherings.
For buyers balancing LA and Orange County and placing schools high on the list, Cerritos remains one of the best places to live outside Orange County. We just need to go in with clear expectations about price, admissions requirements, and parking.
Area #4: Chino Hills, CA
Chino Hills: More House, Nature, and a Suburban Setup
Chino Hills is in San Bernardino County, but it is more geographically accessible from Orange County than many people expect. It is adjacent to the Los Angeles County side of the region and can make sense for buyers who want a polished suburban environment without paying Orange County pricing.
The median sales price discussed was about $920,000, up 4.8% year over year. That lower entry point is why Chino Hills keeps coming up among the best places to live outside Orange County. Buyers can often get better price per square foot and a clearer sense of getting more house for the money.
The best comparison for the feel is Irvine, particularly for anyone who likes well-groomed neighborhoods and a master-planned suburban structure. Not every part of Chino Hills is master planned, but the city offers that organized, residential atmosphere that many buyers want.
Nature is built into the lifestyle here. Chino Hills has more than 3,000 acres of open space, over 40 parks, and about 50 miles of trails. If walking out the door and getting onto a trail matters to us, this is a very compelling part of the package.
What to watch out for in Chino Hills
The two biggest tradeoffs are straightforward: the commute and the heat. If we do not have remote work or a flexible schedule, we need to take the daily drive seriously. Chino Hills may be accessible on a map, but it can still be inconvenient for a regular Orange County commute.
It is also noticeably hotter than coastal Orange County. The weather shift is real when we drive inland. For some households, that does not matter. For others, especially those used to the coastal climate, it is a major lifestyle factor.
Chino Hills is one of the best places to live outside Orange County for families who want suburban comfort, outdoor space, and more value, especially when a daily coastal commute is not the center of life.
Area #3: East Long Beach, CA
East Long Beach: Coastal Energy With Several Different Lifestyles
Long Beach is a large city, so we need to be very specific. We are talking about East Long Beach, which sits on the southern edge of Los Angeles County directly above Orange County’s northwestern corner. It is adjacent to Seal Beach, so this is one of the best places to live outside Orange County for staying extremely close to OC while accessing Los Angeles County pricing.
The citywide median price discussed was around $825,000, but that figure covers all of Long Beach. East Long Beach neighborhoods can be meaningfully more expensive, and the lifestyle varies dramatically by neighborhood.
Naples Islands
Naples Islands is the highest-price option within this East Long Beach breakdown. The average single-family home sale price discussed was around $1.55 million in 2025, with canal-front properties and homes with private docks reaching much higher.
Naples consists of three man-made islands linked by pedestrian bridges. Golf carts are an actual mode of transportation, private docks are part of the appeal, and stand-up paddle boarding is everywhere. It is a specialized waterfront lifestyle, not simply a place to buy a house.
Belmont Shore
Belmont Shore generally sits in the roughly $1.3 million to $1.7 million range discussed. This is the place for buyers who want to live outside of the house as much as inside it. It is walkable, close to the coast, and connected to boutique coffee shops, bakeries, brunch spots, Second Street, and nightlife.
We often see Belmont Shore fitting buyers who value energy, convenience, and a younger, more social environment.
Bixby Knolls
Bixby Knolls offers a more family-oriented version of Long Beach. The discussed price range was around $1 million to $1.25 million. Larger lots, homes largely built from the 1920s through the 1940s, wide tree-lined streets, and a strong neighborhood identity set it apart.
If we want a distinct neighborhood rather than a master-planned suburb, Bixby Knolls is one of the best places to live outside Orange County worth exploring.
What to watch out for in Long Beach
Long Beach is not a market where we should buy by ZIP code. Conditions and neighborhood feel can change significantly from block to block. We need to research specific streets, spend time in the immediate area, and understand exactly what we are buying into.
Area #2: Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad: A Full Coastal Lifestyle in North County San Diego
Carlsbad is in North County San Diego, south of Orange County and next to Oceanside. It is one of the best places to live outside Orange County for buyers who want to leave OC without leaving the coast behind.
The median sales price discussed was around $1.4 million. Yes, that is still a premium price point. But the comparison is not to inland markets. We need to compare it with Orange County coastal communities. Against a coastal market like San Clemente, discussed at around $1.6 million, Carlsbad can offer more value while preserving the beach-oriented lifestyle.
Carlsbad brings the full package: beaches, trails, restaurants, family attractions, and a highly polished environment. Legoland is in Carlsbad, which can be a meaningful lifestyle perk for families. The dining scene is also notable, with two Michelin-star restaurants mentioned, including one on the waterfront.
We are paying for a more complete and refined coastal setup. That is exactly why Carlsbad works for some households and does not work for others.
What to watch out for in Carlsbad
If being close to the beach is the only priority, Oceanside next door was discussed at a much lower median price of about $875,000. Carlsbad makes more sense when we want the whole lifestyle package, not just proximity to sand.
Tourism is also a major part of Carlsbad’s identity. Beach-adjacent neighborhoods and inland Carlsbad can feel very different, so neighborhood selection matters. We should decide whether we want to be close to the activity or farther inland with a quieter residential environment.
Area #1: Arcadia, CA
Arcadia: Prestige, Schools, and Long-Term Desirability
Arcadia is in the San Gabriel Valley, north of Orange County. It is definitely not OC-adjacent, and it is not about beach access. But for families focused on education, community, prestige, and long-term desirability, Arcadia is at the top of our list of the best places to live outside Orange County.
The median home price discussed was about $1.7 million, up 12% year over year, the strongest appreciation figure in this ranking. Arcadia is not an affordability play in the traditional sense. It is a purposeful alternative for buyers who are willing to trade the Orange County coastal lifestyle for a powerful education and community-focused environment.
School quality is the main driver. Arcadia Unified was described as ranking in the top 1% nationally by Niche, and 11 schools have received National Blue Ribbon designations. This is a major reason the city draws families, including many buyers with close ties to East Asian communities who want to live in a place where education is central to the local identity.
Arcadia is sometimes called the Chinese Beverly Hills. The city also has destination shopping at Westfield Santa Anita and the historic Santa Anita Park, where Seabiscuit trained. Those landmarks add to the area’s personality, but the real core of Arcadia is its family-oriented community and its schools.
What to watch out for in Arcadia
- Arcadia is far from Orange County and far from the coast.
- LA County traffic can make an Orange County commute stressful, even if it is only a few days per week.
- The city has more community and family events than nightlife or the broader entertainment options found in Los Angeles.
- Its inland location can mean warmer temperatures than coastal communities.
Still, for buyers looking at Orange County mainly because of schools and family lifestyle, Arcadia can be one of the best places to live outside Orange County. It is a different path, but for the right household, it is a very strong one.
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FAQs About the Best Places to Live Outside Orange County
Which of these areas is closest to Orange County?
Cerritos and East Long Beach are among the closest options discussed. East Long Beach sits directly next to Seal Beach, while Cerritos is just north of Orange County and can work well for households connected to both LA and OC.
Which of the best places to live outside Orange County offers the most house for the money?
Chino Hills is the clearest fit for buyers who want more square footage and a better price per square foot. Its discussed median price of about $920,000 is lower than the other options, while still providing a polished suburban environment and extensive outdoor space.
Which area is best for a coastal lifestyle?
Carlsbad is the strongest full coastal lifestyle choice, with beaches, trails, dining, and family attractions. East Long Beach also offers coastal living, but the lifestyle varies by neighborhood, from the canals of Naples to the walkability of Belmont Shore.
Which location is best for families focused on schools?
Arcadia and Cerritos are the standout choices for school-focused families. Arcadia is centered on its highly regarded district and education-driven community, while Cerritos draws buyers seeking access to strong schools, including Whitney High School through its competitive admissions process.
How should we choose among the best places to live outside Orange County?
We should start with the realities of our everyday life: commute, family needs, school priorities, budget, and lifestyle. The right city is not the one with the highest overall ranking. It is the one that fits our specific timeline and the way we actually want to live.
Every one of these best places to live outside Orange County offers a compelling alternative, but there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right move depends on what matters most to you, whether that's top-rated schools, an easier commute, coastal living, more space, or better value. By comparing the tradeoffs and focusing on your priorities, you can choose a community that truly supports your lifestyle and long-term goals.
Whether you're exploring communities just outside Orange County or narrowing down the best place for your next move, we're here to help. Call/Text 602-828-7381 or book a FREE consultation here to get personalized guidance, compare your options, and make your move with confidence.
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