WELCOME TO ORANGE COUNTY

Southern California is best known for its stunning climate, unrivaled access to institutions of higher education, growing economy, and distinct life-style. A region of diversity—economically, socially, and even geographically— the entire area is filled with thriving communities.

Those who are first discovering Southern California will find a pleasing blend of both scenery and climate. The coastal areas are known for their Mediterranean temperatures and cooling ocean breezes, while the inland high deserts enjoy an abundance of year-round sunshine and balmy weather. Alpine communities await those who enjoy the exhilaration of clear, brisk winters and a fresh blanket of snow. Orange County has evolved into one of Southern California’s shining jewels, attracting as many as 38 million visitors to its kaleidoscope of activities and attractions. With over 73,000 firms calling the region home, the booming hospitality and tourism industries are only a part of the total economic picture.

Stretching from its eastern inland border that lies adjacent to the Inland Empire counties of Riverside and San Bernardino to the Pacific Ocean shores, Orange County covers some of Southern California’s most scenic and beautiful territory. From deeply rooted cities and towns to exclusive residential communities that are perched on massive cliffs overlooking the ocean, the

Orange County region offers a truly astounding diversity of lifestyles.

Economy

The State of California accounts for 12 percent of the entire United States population. Rapid growth marked the state in the years that followed World War II, taking the census from 9.6 million people in 1942 to the current 32 million people. Residents continue to benefit from the flourishing economy. A strong job market combines with an expansive range of business opportunities to draw new residents to the golden shores of Southern California.

As a state, California accounts for 13 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product and is the 7th
largest economic power in the world. The state generates more goods and services than all the other 12 Pacific and mountain states combined. Also the nation’s leading agricultural state, California exports produce, flowers, and trees worldwide; produces 92 percent of the nation’s wine; and leads the nation in the dairy industry. Boasting an economy that gains strength through diversity, California’s electronic, computer, and aerospace industries are also booming. As the Number One travel destination in North America, Southern California generates millions of tourism dollars. Perhaps its most famous asset, the area is also home to Hollywood and its lucrative film industry. With diverse natural resources and burgeoning industries, the depth of Southern California’s economy continues to offer tremendous opportunities.

Services

Planners in Southern California have worked diligently to keep pace with the region’s continued growth and prosperity. California now boasts 4,000 miles of high-speed, multilane freeways as well as 165,000 miles of state highways. With an eye on the future, Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, continually works to improve the quality of Southern California’s busy freeway systems. Caltrans has also developed and installed additional mass transit
opportunities such as the highly successful Metrolink.

Although Southern California is home to a number of international airports in key locations like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Ontario; Orange County offers residents the convenience of a local, full-service airport in Santa Ana, the John Wayne Airport.

The state-of-the-art healthcare amenities in the area are equally abundant. With hundreds of cutting-edge hospitals and medical centers throughout the region offering the finest in diagnostics and treatment, residents have the assurance of world-class professional services.

Southern California residents also benefit from some of the most prestigious and comprehensive educational facilities in the nation. Home to the largest community college system in the world, the state offers residents the choice of hundreds of affordable two-year institutions. With 23 campuses and 350,00 students, California State University educates more than half of all Californians seeking degrees, while the University of California’s nine campuses produce 41,000 graduates annually.

Students can also choose from dozens of private universities and colleges including the world-
renowned University of Southern California, Pepperdine University, and Claremont Colleges. The
premier educational institutions that dot the region provide students with elite academic programs and unique research opportunities in all disciplines.

Newcomers will discover a wealth of attractive housing options that include premier, masterplanned golf communities; elegant homes with ocean vistas, cozy bungalows in tree-shaded neighborhoods; or magnificent estates surrounded by exquisite gardens. The possibilities are virtually endless.

Lifestyle

With its miles of sun-kissed coastline, Southern California offers residents the chance for year-round swimming, sailing, and sunbathing. From the famous 3.5 mile Santa Monica State Beach or the relaxed atmosphere of Newport Beach to the exquisite views of Sunset Beach, the crystal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean are undoubtedly Southern California’s greatest natural asset.

The majority of the eastern portion of Southern California is comprised of thousands of acres
of undisturbed, pristine desert. Truly a desert oasis, Palm Springs has become known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” and the “Playground of the Rich and Famous.” Orange County is home to the world-famous attraction of Disneyland, a truly magical wonderland that captures the heart of each new generation.

Supporting a year-round active lifestyle, Southern California offers unrivaled opportunities for outdoor enjoyment, relaxation, exercise, and activities. Miles of trails invite hiking, jogging, skating, biking, and horseback riding. Private clubs for tennis and golf abound, although first-rate public facilities are also available close to home.

Orange County residents have access to a plethora of recreational settings, from the desert cities of Palm Springs and Desert Springs to the alpine beauty of the Big Bear area. Not far from home in Orange County, the four pine-clad National Forests of Angeles, San Bernardino, and Cleveland allow residents to delight in boating, fishing, camping, and hiking throughout the summer
and enjoy skiing in the winter. The cool crystal waters of the mountain alpine lakes ensure a refreshing retreat in the warm summer months.

Whether you choose to settle in a vibrant coastal community or a bustling urban environment, the natural beauty and enviable lifestyle of Orange County is sure to provide a rare quality of life.