The Best Family Communities In OC

Second Annual Parenting Picks for Orange County’s Best Family Neighborhoods

Best Big Cities
Population greater than 100,000
With 2005 Preliminary Crime Statistics
Irvine
Population: 180,803 Average API Score: 897 (1st) Crime Rate: .84↑
Median Prices for Single-Family Residences: $544,750-$1,199,000 (27th)
Parks/Cultural Resources ****
For public education and safety, Irvine is hard to beat. The Irvine Unified School
District, consistently ranked among the finest educational systems in the nation,
led the county in average API score again this year. Irvine was also the safest
large city in America for violent crimes according to a the preliminary 2005
FBI report, and 6th safest for all serious crimes. Though the median housing
price has risen considerably (it ranked 9th last year), there are still a number
of affordable communities in the city, and new housing developments are
being built throughout. One of the nation’s largest planned urban communities;
Irvine has 53 community parks, 40.5 miles of off-street bicycle trails, the Verizon
Wireless Amphitheater and easy access to freeways and the John Wayne
Airport. www.ci.irvine.ca.us.

Huntingtion Beach
Population: 200,763 Average API Score: 822 (17th) Crime Rate: 2.324↑
Median Prices for Single-Family Residences: $657,000 - $1,063,000 (25th)
Parks/Cultural Resources ****
Recognized as one of the safest large cities in the U.S., Huntington
Beach has received impressive accolades in public opinion surveys for
its outstanding quality of life. The city’s average API scores are second
best of all large cities in the county. Well known for its eight miles of
scenic, accessible beachfront, it is also the proud home to one of the
largest recreational piers in the world, 598 acres of public parks and
facilities, a marina and a wildlife preserve. The Huntington Beach
Playhouse, Huntington Beach Arts Center, numerous museums and
excellent library system provide rich cultural resources.

Orange
Population: 136,578 Average API Score: 736(29th) Crime Rate: 1.65↓
Median Prices for Single-Family Residences: $517,000-$677,000 (12th)
Parks/Cultural Resources ****
The only large O.C. city with a decrease in violent crimes this year,
Orange remains a family favorite. Affordable housing (second lowest
among big cities) and good schools add to its appeal. Historic Old Towne,
with its 1950s ambiance, features outdoor dining, specialty shops,
Central Plaza Park and antique dealers, and was voted the county’s
favorite downtown. Life is enhanced by hundreds of acres of parks
and trails, nature centers, Vans Skate Park and endless opportunities
for outdoor activities.

Big City Favorites
Fullerton
Population: 135,672 Average API Score: 780 (21st) Crime Rate: 2.875↓
Median Housing: $555,000-$711,500 (15th) Parks/Cultural Resources ****
Good schools and outstanding recreational and cultural facilities.

Santa Ana
351,697 Average API Score: 692 (32nd) Crime Rate: 5.255↓
Median Housing: $362,000-$785,000 (9th) Parks/Cultural Resources ***
Highest crime rate in the big city category. Kids’ attractions include the
Discovery Science Center and the Santa Ana Zoo.

Costa Mesa
Population: 113,440 Average API Score: 714 (30th) Crime Rate: 2.704↑
Median Housing: $647,500-$747,500 (21st) Parks/Cultural Resources ***
A leading cultural and business center. Expensive homes.

Garden Grove
Population: 172,042 Average API Score: 754 (26th) Crime Rate: 4.334↑
Median Housing: $465,000-$644,500 (8th) Parks/cultural resources**
Culturally diverse with affordable housing.

Best Mid-Size Cities
Population 40,000 to 100,000
With 2004 Crime Statistics, Ranked Across All OC Cities

Rancho Santa Margarita
Population: 49,249 Average API Score: 864 (3rd) Crime Rate: .874↑
(4th) Median Prices for Single-Family Residences: $552,000 (6th)
Parks/cultural resources ***
With its API scores ranking third in the county (and first among mid-size
cities), a low crime rate and housing on the low end of the market,
Rancho Santa Margarita remains a top pick for young families for the
second consecutive year. Development will continue into the foreseeable
future throughout the six communities that comprise the city. A lake,
O’Neill Regional Park, an amphitheater and a variety of public
amenities are only some of the great features this city has to offer.
www.cityofrsm.org.

Aliso Viejo
Population: 44,833 Average API Score: 838 (10th) Crime Rate: .835↓
(2nd) Median Prices for Single-Family Residences: $537,500
(5th) Parks/Cultural Resources ***
This year, Aliso Viejo moved into Parenting OC’s “Best” rank. Only five
years after incorporation, Aliso Viejo is quickly becoming an outstanding
choice for young families. While the city has easy access to major highways,
all residents live within 2.5 miles of the Aliso Viejo Town Center, adding to
the city’s convenience and community feel. Its newly adopted General Plan
will make the city a “walkable” community, with expanded bikeways and
multi-use trails, providing residents with more transportation
options and enhanced safety. www.cityofalisoviejo.com.

Mission Viejo
Population: 98,197 Average API Score: 833 (13th) Crime Rate: 1.244↑ (10th)
Median Prices for Single-Family Residences: $609,000- $688,000 (17th)
Parks/Cultural Resources ****
Renowned for its safety and excellent public schools, Mission Viejo is
recognized nationwide for the quality of life its residents enjoy. Lake
Mission Viejo and 39 community parks and scenic trails offer a wide
range of outdoor activities for all ages. Easy access from major highways,
moderate home prices, a major library and family-friendly activities
and annual events enhance this city’s appeal. www.cityofmissionviejo.org.

Mid-Sized City Favorites
Lake Forest
Population: 78,020 Average API Score: 824 (16th) Crime Rate: 1.554↑ (13th)
Median Housing: $417,000-$520,000 (2nd) Parks/Cultural Resources ***
Most affordable housing of all large and mid-size cities.
Safe, well-planned neighborhoods.

Laguna Niguel
Population: 67,014 Average API Score: 853 (5th) Crime Rate 1.17 (Same) (8th)
Median Housing: $690,000 (20th) Parks/Cultural Resources **
Housing on higher end of range. Open spaces enhance livability.

San Clemente
Population: 65,338 Average API Score: 803 (19th) Crime Rate: 1.374↑ (12th)
Median Housing: $870,000-$981,000 (28th) Parks/Cultural Resources ***
Beautiful beaches and landscape. Expensive housing.

Yorba Linda
Population: 65,621 Average API Score: 836 (12th) Crime Rate: .865↓ (3rd)
Median Housing: $754,500-$853,000 (23rd) Parks/Cultural Resources **
Extensive trail system is great for horse lovers. Singlefamily homes on large lots.

Best Small Cities
Population up to 40,000
With 2004 Crime Statistics, Ranked Across All OC Cities

Brea
Population: 39,584 Average API Score: 845 (9th) Crime Rate: 2.34↑ (22nd)
Median Prices for Single-Family Residences: $635,000-$698,500 (18th)
Parks/Cultural Resources ****
Sunset magazine’s recent choice for “best bounce-back burb,” Brea’s
pedestrian-friendly communities and quaint, 1920s style neighborhoods
give the city its small-town feel. Plans are underway for new singlefamily
housing and revitalization of existing properties as well as a new
sports park and school. Life is enhanced by The Brea Art Gallery, Curtis
Theatre, regional parks, open-air concerts, and a farmer’s market.
www.ci.brea.ca.us.

Laguna Hills
Population: 32,875 Average API Score: 828 (15th). Crime Rate: 1.784↑ (17th)
Median Prices for Single-Family Residences: $509,000 (3rd)
Parks/Cultural Resources **
With housing prices among the lowest in the county and good schools,
this suburban community is a great choice for families. The 43,000
square foot Laguna Hills Community Center and Sports Complex, the
focal point of the city’s recreational, leisure and cultural interests, houses
a gymnasium, fossil exhibit, an art gallery, the Technology Branch of the
Orange County Public Library, a skate park and a prehistoric playground.
www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us.

San Juan Capistrano
Population: 36,078 Average API Score: 738 (28th) Crime Rate: 1.734↑(16th)
Median Prices for Single-Family Residences: $597,000 (12th)
Parks/Cultural Resources ****
A unique community grounded in its history of Native American culture,
the city boasts good schools, low crime and housing tending toward the
lower end of the county’s range. One of California’s most important historical,
cultural, and educational centers, Mission San Juan Capistrano
sponsors weekly events and draws visitors from around the world. The
two-month long Swallows Festival, the Flower and Garden Festival, and
a host of parks and recreational facilities provide abundant activities.
www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Small Town Favorites
Laguna Beach
Population: 24,969 Average API Score: 846 (8th) Crime Rate: 1.155↓ (7th)
Median Housing: $1,182,700 (30th) Parks/Cultural Resources ***
Magnificent landscapes and popular beaches. Very expensive housing.

Seal Beach
Population: 24,098 Average API Score: 861 (4th) Crime Rate: 1.865↓ (19th)
Median Housing: $850,000 (24th) Parks/Cultural Resources **
Quaint, small-town atmosphere. Excellent schools.

Dana Point
Population: 35,110 Average API Score: 759 (25th) Crime Rate: 1.665↓ (15th)
Median Housing: $780,000-$1,100,000 (29th) Parks/Cultural Resources ****
Many beach-oriented family activities and events.
Recent transportation and road improvements.

La Palma
Population: 16,040 Average API Score: 814 (18th) Crime Rate: .995↓ (6th)
Median Housing: $626,500 (14th) Parks/Cultural Resources **
Smallest city in terms of land size. Housing prices tending towards
county average.

Transforming Cities
Anaheim
Home of major sports and tourist attractions and cultural resources,
Anaheim has invested over $600 million in capital improvements
that include greater housing opportunities, enhanced transportation
and increased park and sports field acreage throughout the city. A
General Plan adopted in 2004 modified the zoning designation for the
Platinum Triangle, allowing for a variety of retail, commercial and residential
developments, and new neighborhoods in Mountain Park. Super
speed trains are on track for Anaheim, as is greater economic vitality.
Small, local businesses are supported by a newly adopted three-month
New Business Tax Holiday that waives business license taxes and fees.
www.anaheim.net.

Placentia
Located at the convergence of the Riverside (91) and
Orange (57) Freeways, Placentia is home to 50,323 residents and nearly
3,000 businesses. The city has recently begun an ambitious redevelopment
of 110 acres of land that will bring new housing opportunities and
a Metrolink station. The Recreation & Parks Commission launched a
study that will lay the groundwork for upgrades of existing parks and
facilities. Housing prices currently tend a bit higher than the county
average, with a median cost of $670,000. www.placentia.org.

Orange
Site preparations are underway for two new planned communities in
the City of Orange.The 496-acre Santiago Hills II, located east of
Jamboree Road and west of the toll road SR 241, will feature 1,596
traditional single-family homes and condominiums, two neighborhood
parks and open space that will preserve a riparian habitat. The East
Orange Development project, located east of the toll roads SR 241/261
and north of Santiago Canyon Roads is a 426-acre tract that will include
1,024 single-family homes and townhouses, a 20-acre sports park, two
neighborhood parks and open spaces.

Garden Grove
Orange County’s most ethnically diverse community is experiencing a boom in
development of affordable single-family homes. Over a dozen new communities
have either been built or are scheduled for construction, including the $220 million
Brookhurst Triangle project that will include 510 housing units and 88,000 square
feet of commercial and retail space. The 17.8 square mile city is home to
four annual cultural festivals celebrating Vietnamese, Korean, Arab and
American heritage as well the annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival.

Emerging Communities
Tustin
The city of Tustin continues to attract young families, with
housing prices just below the county average and major efforts underway
to enhance its growth and appeal. Development at the 1,500-acre Tustin
Legacy, the site of the former Tustin Airbase, continues and will eventually
include up to 4,000 homes by several builders, a linear park, a regional park,
and 738 acres of retail and commercial space. The city spent over $16 million
during the past 10 years to develop park and recreation facilities and provides
programs and community service classes for residents of all ages.
Tustin’s historic Old Town, located on Main Street and El Camino Real,
was recently revitalized to preserve the unique character of this economic
center that dates back to the 1880s. www.tustinca.org.

The Great Park
On its way to becoming California’s fifth Great Park (the others are The Presidio,
Griffith Park, Balboa Park and Golden Gate Park) the closed Marine Base at
El Toro in the City of Irvine will enhance the lives of O.C. residents by providing
a wide variety of cultural, recreational and educational benefits. Groundbreaking
took place in May at the 4,693-acre property that will become a master-planned
community based on the voter-approved Measure W. The park will include
housing, offices, public golf courses and shopping, with more than 83 percent
of the total acreage dedicated to open space uses, including a Meadows Park,
a Sports Park, an Educational Campus, an Exposition Center and a Wildlife Corridor.
www.ocgp.org.

Ladera Ranch
This 4,000 acre master-planned community, located in
the southeastern tip of the county, offers a wide range of housing options,
from apartments to luxurious single-family homes, with a median price of
$681,000. Residents enjoy a variety of amenities including 10 miles of biking
and hiking trails that surround the community, three shopping and dining
areas, a library, and access to the highly-rated Capistrano school district.
Traffic calming measures including narrow streets, roundabouts and chokers
enhance road safety.

Quail Hill
Located on the southwest side of the I-405 Freeway in Irvine,
The Village of Quail Hill will include approximately 1,400 homes arranged
within 13 residential neighborhoods. Housing options range from luxurious
to lower-priced single-family homes as wells as townhouses, condominiums
and apartments. A new elementary school opened in 2005 as part of the
highly rated Irvine Unified School District. Named for the rock formation
crowning the adjacent 600 acres of permanent open space, the community
will feature five parks that will include swimming pools, playgrounds, a
community building and picnic areas.