Apartments for rent in Orange County, CA

Getting to Know Orange County, CA

Bordered by Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties, Orange County is regarded worldwide as one of the most attractive, exclusive and popular regions of California.

"The OC" is home to a number of major urban communities, such as Anaheim, Orange and Huntington Beach, and a wealth of amenities make it a great place for both tourists and apartment residents. Orange County's favorable climate is renowned nationwide, and plenty of locals spend their free time soaking up the sun on the area beaches. To that end, there's no shortage of options--the county offers 42 miles of beaches that are open year-round, including Huntington Beach, known as Surf City, USA, for its incredible waves.

Orange County Attractions

Besides beach going, apartment residents in Orange County can enjoy one of the region's many theme parks, including Disneyland, the Wild Rivers water park and Soak City. The county is also one of the state's most diverse (for example, the community of Little Saigon has the largest concentration of Vietnamese people outside of Vietnam).

Orange County comprises a number of unique historic sites as well, including the Mission San Juan Capistrano, where visitors head each March to watch the famous migration of swallows, a natural pattern that has spanned centuries. The area is also home to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and renowned places of worship like the Crystal Cathedral.

Shopping enthusiasts find plenty to love in the OC, where shopping centers offer more than just a bank of stores. You can ride a Ferris wheel, catch a movie or relax with a spa massage at Irvine Spectrum Center, or head to Downtown Disney to enjoy live outdoor entertainment and sip cocktails at an open-air café.

Orange County Apartments and Neighborhoods

Comprised of a conglomerate of neighborhoods surrounding four major cities--including Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine and Huntington Beach--Orange County has a number of great areas for you to consider, whether you're seeking a walkable, family-friendly community or one pulsating with an energetic arts and culinary scene. Families with kids enjoy Aliso Viejo, with its great schools, coffee shops and theaters, while young professionals love Newport Beach's trendy restaurants, beautiful beaches and boat-filled harbor. Look no further than ApartmentGuide.com to find Orange County apartments for rent and learn more about the neighborhoods that hold the most promise for meeting your lifestyle needs.

Orange County Public Transportation

With 77 lines and thousands of stops, the OC bus system can get you where you need to be. You can also use the Metrolink rail line for commutes.

Free Things to Do in Orange County

Discover plenty of Orange County activities that won't hurt your budget. Here are our top picks for free activities:

• Beach It: Cap off a busy work week with a fun trip to one of the free local beaches, such as San Clemente, where you can park for free and lounge for hours on the sand.
• Dana Point: Walk along the harbor and admire the tall ships docked there, or hit Dripping Cave Trail for a scenic stroll through the city.
• Bird Lover's Paradise: If you love bird watching, head to Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Huntington Beach, where a meandering trail offers the opportunity to glimpse a variety of bird species.
• Laguna Beach Galleries: Browse the art galleries and artist studios in Laguna Beach, many of which offer free admission.
• Hike the Trails: Slip on your boots for a hike along El Moro Canyon Trail in Laguna Beach or Holy Jim Falls Trail, which leads to a lovely waterfall.

For Families with Kids in Orange County

The OC is a fun place to live no matter how old you are, but moms and dads can easily put smiles on their children's faces with a visit to Disneyland or Knott's Berry Farm amusement park. With 27 school districts and more than 600 schools (many among the best in the nation), parents also have numerous options for their kids' education.

Outdoor Living and Natural Beauty

Orange County delivers outdoor entertainment with numerous parks and beaches just outside your apartment door; spend a sunny afternoon in Crystal Cove State Park, home to hiking, biking and horseback trails, or head to Irvine Regional Park in the foothills, where you can enjoy a scenic train ride.

Pet-friendly Activities

If your pooch is in tow for your move to Orange County, you'll be excited to know that the area is home to several dog parks. Costa Mesa's Bark Park features a separate area for small or elderly dogs, while Huntington Beach offers a Dog Beach where your furry friend can frolic in the water.

Getaways from Orange County

When you need a change of pace, take the ferry to Catalina Island about an hour away to scuba dive or ride on a glass-bottom boat, or drive an hour north on I-5 to reach downtown Los Angeles' art venues and trendy boutiques. You're also just four hours away from the casinos and shows of Las Vegas and less than seven hours from San Francisco.