Orange, CA apartments for rent

The city of Orange is known as being a mid-sized city in Orange County, California. It enjoys a small-town vibe, sublime location and high concentration of historic buildings in the Old Town. It’s also a popular choice among families, thanks to its low crime rate and fantastic school system. Orange ranks as the 23rd-healthiest city in the country, along with the 104th-best city in America for young professionals. 

How big is Orange? 

The Los Angeles suburb occupies 26 square miles — which is about the same as neighboring Santa Ana, although Orange has less than half the population with a total of 140,289 residents. The city is also almost 27 times smaller by population and 18 times smaller by area than Los Angeles. 

Where is Orange located? 

Situated 30 miles southeast of downtown LA, Orange enjoys easy access and good transportation links in all directions. San Diego — located 90 miles south of the city — can be reached via the Santa Ana Freeway (Interstate 5), which can also lead you to the downtown core of Santa Ana in 40 minutes in light traffic. 

What is the weather like in Orange? 

Orange enjoys pleasantly warm weather year-round, with bouts of occasional rain. August is the hottest month with highs hovering around 84°F, while December is the coldest, experiencing lows of 46°F. January is the wettest month with around 3.2 inches of rainfall. The city experiences 15 inches of precipitation per year. Orange’s close proximity to the coast ensures slightly cooler temperatures than the cities located in the inland areas of southern California. 

What are the advantages of living in Orange? 

Boasting a superb location with easy access to the coast, mountains, state parks, reserves and big cities, Orange offers plenty of exciting things to do. With a mix of diversity and low crime rates — as well as the vibrancy of a college town, the bustle of a large city and the friendliness of a close-knit community — Orange is an interesting mixture offering the finest living conditions to its residents. The historic center with its unique atmosphere is an additional highlight. 

What are the disadvantages of living in Orange? 

On the flipside, commuting outside of town during rush hour can be a time-consuming, arduous task. With the city’s Metrolink station (which serves as a transfer stop between Orange County and the IEOC lines) being the second-busiest in the state, commuting in the city can be quite hectic. The roads are similarly busy, with the Santa Fe section of Interstate 5 often being referred to as the “Orange Crush.”

How much does public transportation cost in Orange? 

Metrolink offers rail services in three different directions: northwest LA, southeast to Oceanside (northern San Diego) and northeast to San Bernardino (Inland Empire). You can reach LA for a whopping $9 one-way. A weekend pass costs $10, a round-trip will set you back $18, a seven-day pass costs $63 and a monthly pass is set at $252. The Orange County Transport Authority (OCTA) offers additional bus services, with base fares costing $1.75, a day pass priced at $5, a seven-day pass costing $20 and a 30-day pass for $60. Although local public transportation services offer good connections, many residents still drive a private vehicle, with a gallon of gasoline generally costing around $3.15. 

How much does a meal cost in Orange?

A typical meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs $15, while a combo meal at a fast-food eatery will set you back $6.50. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs $55, on average, while a regular coffee is priced at $4. 

How much do utilities cost in Orange? 

Basic monthly utilities — including heating, cooling, water, electricity and garbage — cost around $140, while a high-speed internet connection will generally cost an additional $70 monthly.

Orange Housing Statistics

What are the main industries in Orange? 

Orange residents earn well above state and national averages, enjoying a medium household income of $83,500. Healthcare, social assistance, manufacturing and retail trade are some of the main industries. Meanwhile, office and administrative support occupations; sales roles; and management positions are the most common jobs held by Orange residents. Residents working in the fields of architecture and engineering are the highest-paid. 

What are the top companies in Orange? 

The city’s top employers are all within the hospital/medical fields and include the Irvine Medical Center with 4,000 employees; the Sister of St. Joseph Hospital with 3,853 employees; and the Children’s Hospital of Orange with 2,400 employees. 

What is the Orange school system like? 

Orange has a total of 24 public schools, which are governed by the Orange Unified School District. El Modena High is counted as one of the finest schools in the city, as it excels in preparing students for higher education. McPherson Magnet School ranks as the top elementary and middle school, accepting students between grades K through 8. Its students frequently score well above average in tests. 

What are the top colleges in Orange? 

Chapman University is made up of 10 separate colleges, with each building focusing on a different area of study. The higher education institution offers programs in more than 100 study areas that range from media arts and film to technology and science. Santiago Canyon College is the main public community college in Orange, offering a variety of career-technical designed programs, along with more academic study areas. 

Orange Employment Statistics

Orange Education Statistics

Orange Household Statistics

Are there parks in Orange? 

Orange is a fantastic place for outdoor enthusiasts, as it lies near two regional parks; is bordered by the Santa Ana River; and is home to several neighborhood parks, as well. Irvine Regional Park offers a wealth of hiking trails for all individuals of different levels to enjoy, in addition to campsites, a lake, a miniature railway line and an outdoor rec center perfect for kids. The Orange County Zoo can also be found in the park, boasting a total of eight acres of local wildlife and plant life. 

Where to shop in Orange? 

With a mix of big brand names, small independent stores, gyms, movie theaters, restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and other entertainment venues, The Outlets at Orange is a popular shopping spot among residents and tourists alike. The historic Old Town is also home to antique stores, trendy boutiques, and arts and crafts stores. On Saturdays, the Orange Flea Market is the finest place in town to haggle. OHG — the Orange Home Grown farmers market held every Saturday — is a great place to purchase fresh produce. The OHG farm can also be visited. Here, workshops focus on anything from urban chicken farming to farm-to-table dinners and wine pairings. 

What family activities are there in Orange? 

The original Disneyland is less than five miles away and is a great place to take the children for a family outing.

What to know about renting in Orange?

Those looking to move to Orange should be aware of the fact that southern California is almost twice as expensive as the national average. The cost of renting is generally higher than other parts of the country, but it’s not such a steep increase when compared to buying a home. Groceries and healthcare, on the other hand, aren’t that much more expensive than the rest of the U.S. Here, you don’t need to worry about the scorching heat, as Orange enjoys a cooler weather pattern than cities located in more inland areas of the county. So, having an apartment with AC is not as essential as it is in other parts of southern California. You should, however, have a car with an air conditioner, as the long commute times can prove to be quite hot. Definitely seek employment options that are closer to home if you wish to avoid the daily struggles associated with traffic congestion.