Orange

About Orange

The city of Orange is located in Orange County, California, home to a steadily growing and diverse population. Its historic Old Towne District is a unique attraction in the region, with many of its homes dating back to the 1920s. Unlike many other cities in the area, Orange chose to preserve many of its oldest buildings, many of which you can still visit today.

The History of Orange

Native Americans were the first to settle in the city of Orange, later followed by Spanish farmers. Agriculture served as the primary sector of the economy throughout the 1800s, after which the settlers discovered that orange groves proved especially successful in this region. Citrus fueled several population booms in the area, as did the arrival of the railroads. By the 1950s, other businesses began to blossom in Orange, and the population continued to grow when the area was connected to the metropolitan area via a network of freeways. Today, it's a bustling city that's home to many people who commute to the nearby city of Los Angeles.

Living in Orange

Beautiful weather, convenient amenities and low crime rates draw many people to Orange. You'll find plenty of grocery stores and shopping within the city limits, making everyday life convenient. The city is also home to beautiful architecture, including the famed Crystal Cathedral.

If you enjoy shopping, you'll find plenty of stores to browse at The Outlets at Orange. The Outlets also feature several entertainment options, including a movie theater, bowling alley and skate park. Orange Plaza provides shopping of a different kind, with several antique shops and vintage clothing restaurants. It's a part of Old Towne Orange, a scenic district that's been the filming site for several Hollywood films.

If you're planning to look for a job in Orange, there are several major employers within city limits. The University of California, Irvine Medical Center; Sisters of St. Joseph Hospital; and the Children's Hospital of Orange County provide thousands of local jobs, as does the local Chapman University.

Orange Schools

The Orange Unified School District oversees the public schools in the city, including elementary, middle and high schools. There are also a few private and charter schools in the area, including parochial and magnet campuses.

Chapman University and Santiago Canyon College are two of the largest campuses providing post-secondary education in Orange.

Resources for Moving to Orange

Here's a handy guide to getting settled in Orange:

• Utilities: Southern California Edison is the city's central energy provider. The City of Orange manages water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: Trash and recyclables collection can be expected once a week in most residential areas of Orange.
• Transportation: The Orange County Transit Authority facilitates public transportation in and around Orange, connecting the city to other areas of Orange County.

Orange Housing

From the Craftsman and California bungalows to the Spanish and Mediterranean mansions, Orange offers a wide variety of architectural styles and housing options. The median home value in Orange is fairly high, rising well above the national average.