Best Cities to Raise a Family in the Orange County and San Diego Area

Southern California is home to many of the most appealing towns and cities in the U.S. With incredible year-round sunny weather, gorgeous soft-sand beaches, and a laid-back local culture, few places in the world are better for settling down. Many communities in the Orange County and San Diego area are ideal for families, with high safety ratings, family-friendly attractions, and great schools. Let’s look at some of the best cities to raise a family here.

Mission Viejo is a huge master-planned Orange County community home to over 90,000. Mission Viejo has an extensive range of outdoor amenities, including golf courses, public parks, and sports facilities. It is an affluent city that regularly ranks among the safest in California and has top-notch school options as well.

Coronado is a San Diego County city that sits on a peninsula just across from San Diego. It is famed for its scenic sandy beaches with stunning views of the city’s skyline. With a small population of just under 20,000, it is a pleasant city for families that desire a picturesque locale to spend their days surfing and sunbathing.

Solana Beach is a small coastal city in San Diego County lined with palm trees and beaches. Known for its endless walkable trails showcasing its picturesque setting, Solana Beach is ideal for families due to its laid-back nature and high safety ratings. For ocean lovers, this city has unmatched surf and quiet beaches to enjoy the sunny California weather.

Irvine is a major Orange County city home to more than 300,000 residents. It has a thriving economy and solid safety ratings for a city of its size. Its family-friendly attractions include the Pretend City Children’s Museum, fun for those with younger children, and Bommer Canyon, one of its many scenic natural areas ideal for a family hike.

Located just north of San Diego in San Diego County, Encinitas is a scenic coastal community with incredible sandy beaches, beautiful homes overlooking the water, and stellar surfing conditions. It is a safe area perfect for families, with outdoor recreation options and quality local schools. It is an appealing city that is a short drive away from San Diego.

Laguna Beach is one of Orange County’s most picturesque cities, a chic beachfront community with gorgeous coastal scenery. There’s a lot to love about life in Laguna Beach for families. This affluent community has stunning luxurious homes, excellent safety ratings, and world-class shopping and dining options. It also has terrific parks and trails that help families lead healthy, active lifestyles.

Tustin is one of Orange County’s most historic cities, a busy hub home to nearly 80,000. Tustin was recently ranked among Fortune’s 25 Best Cities to Live for Families list for  2022 due to its unmatched dining scene, which includes two Michelin-starred restaurants, gorgeous public parks, and amazing weather. Tustin has diverse neighborhoods with plenty for families to explore.

Laguna Niguel is a city of around 64,000 in the San Joaquin Hills. It is centrally located in Orange County with easy access to nearby beaches. The town itself has amazing public parks and the nearby Marine Mammal Center, which houses local sea lions and seals. Many first-rate schools are located within the city, and there are ample tasty family-oriented dining options.

Newport Beach is another Orange County city that is known across the country for its stunning beaches and picturesque look. It is a wealthy community that is a hub for those who love the water, and its impressive safety ratings help make it perfect for families. Its piers and boardwalks are lined with attractions and amusement park rides, adding to its family-friendly appeal.