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A Comprehensive Guide about Living in Orange County

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  • Get Information in our Orange County Guides

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Discover Events & Make New Friends

If you’re wondering how to navigate the challenges of life abroad, you’re not alone. Join InterNations and connect with a community of like-minded expats in the USA! You’ll find many ways to network, socialize, and make new international friends.

Don’t miss a variety of welcoming online and in-person events. Join groups to pursue your hobbies — from sports to music, there’s something for everyone With InterNations, you’ll quickly feel at home wherever life takes you.

What Members are saying

Everyone should join InterNations to enjoy everything from business events to networking to cultural and travel experiences.

Ranim, InterNations Cairo

InterNations helped me meet many people of different cultures - now I'm more open-minded and happier!

Nicholas, InterNations Yaounde

InterNations Worldwide at a Glance

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Cities Worldwide

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Destination Guides

5M

Members around the world

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Cities Worldwide

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events and activities each month

6,000

events each month

200+

Destination Guides

  • Brian Norris

    When first moving to Washington, D.C., I didn't know many people outside of the office. InterNations has changed that with some exciting events.

Life in Orange County

Healthcare in Orange County

Healthcare in the USA is amongst the best in the world. Largely privatized, it is also amongst the most expensive. Orange County is home to a vast majority of medical services, multiple hospitals with emergency rooms and even specialized children’s hospitals. While access to healthcare facilities in the county is good, those considering living in Orange County need to be aware that medical insurance is a must. Immigrants and green card holders are not always eligible for public programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Program, but there are a number of companies who specialize in providing cover for those who do not qualify for private or domestic US health insurance. Be aware that these specialist services can come at a price, so make sure you do your research prior to moving and factor in the cost of adequate cover when developing a budget.

Education in Orange County

The education system in the USA is highly regarded internationally. Children begin school at the age of five, graduate to middle school at 11 and transfer to a high school at the age of 14, achieving a high school diploma upon leaving at 18.

The curriculum is managed at a county level, not nationally, and Orange County has an excellent reputation for schooling. As well as a number of private institutions, such as Eldorado Emerson and St. Mary’s School, which cater to expatriate communities and provide qualifications including the International Baccalaureate, the county also hosts a collection of highly ranked high schools.

For more information on various education options in the US in general, please refer to the various articles in the Family, Children & Education section of our Extended Guide to the US.

Culture and Leisure

Famous for its parks and attractions, living in Orange County offers lots of opportunities to discover new things and make the most of a whole host of experiences on your doorstep. Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm offer fantastic diversions for kids of all ages (not to mention visiting family members) whilst the 40 miles of coastline means you’ll be able to wander on the beach to your heart’s content. A mecca for surfers, the county offers a variety of water sports as well as a web of fantastic hiking trails.

And if all that sounds far too energetic? Fear not! California is home to 90% of America’s vineyards, meaning you’ll have some of the best wine in the country on your doorstep — and a fantastic excuse to spend a weekend or two sampling it.

The crime statistics for Orange County are impressive, and it boasts the lowest crime rate in the state relative to its population size, with property crime noted to be particularly low. As with any location, some areas are known to be safer than others. Yorba Linda is a suburban town often hailed as the safest in the county. It has an affluent community and thriving economy and it is easy to commute to downtown Los Angeles from there. Another city of note is Irvine. Declared to be the safest metropolitan community in America by the FBI, it is full of open space, has a university and a thriving business hub, cementing its appeal to young professionals and families alike.

See all upcoming events for expats in Orange County

Our Global Partners

  • Brian Norris

    When first moving to Washington, D.C., I didn't know many people outside of the office. InterNations has changed that with some exciting events.

  • Caroline Stiles

    In such an international city such as Washington, D.C. InterNations holds great events for everyone to network and enjoy themselves.

Our Global Partners

Other Communities in United States of America

Like-Minded Expatriates in Orange County

United States Guide Topics