What Orange County Living Is Really Like Orange County life: traffic, taxes, treats. Traffic: Orange County traffic is bad on an absolute scale, but relatively better than surrounding areas like LA, San Diego, and the Inland Empire. The county’s well-planned road system, including major thoroughfares and toll roads, helps mitigate congestion. Public transportation is limited. Taxes: California, and Orange County specifically, has high taxes overall, particularly state income tax, which is among the highest in the nation. Sales tax also varies by city. Property taxes, while still significant, are comparatively lower due to Proposition 13, which limits annual increases in assessed value. ” Mello-Roos” taxes, additional levies for infrastructure, vary by area and can significantly increase property taxes, particularly in newer developments in South Orange County. Cost of Living: Extremely high compared to the national average, mainly due to housing costs. However, other aspects of the cost of living are150
Category: Orange County
Irvine Living
Irvine life: reality versus perception. Abundant Parks and Green Spaces: Irvine boasts numerous parks, often within close proximity to residential areas, offering various amenities like pools and tennis courts. Master-Planned City with Amenities: Initially conceived as a suburb, Irvine has evolved into a self-contained city with extensive retail, commercial, and office spaces, including a major university (UC Irvine) and a regional airport. High Cost of Living: Irvine’s desirability contributes to a high cost of living, with median single-family home prices around $1.9 million. Coastal areas and new constructions command even higher prices. Highly Ranked Schools: The Irvine Unified School District consistently ranks among the best in Orange County and the nation, attracting families but also creating a highly competitive academic environment. Safety and Crime: Irvine consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in America, although individual perceptions of safety can vary. The city prioritizes safety and maintains a strong reputation in this regard.150
