In the past, Orange County was considered a place where people settled down to raise kids. With great weather year-round; noteworthy parks, beaches, schools; overall affordability compared to Los Angeles; and family-friendly activities in the area, it’s obvious why living in the OC is an attractive option for homebuyers.

However, with the addition of trendy restaurants, lively entertainment and nightlife options, employment opportunities, and revamped campuses, more and more millennials are finding themselves drawn to the county. While there are many neighborhoods in Orange County great for raising children, the county is also working towards attracting more millennials to the area. According to Bisnow, marketing officials believe millennials are the key to boosting economic development.

Here are five cities in the OC that attract millennials.

Irvine

Irvine neighborhood photo by shutterstock

View homes for sale in Irvine

There are several reasons why Irvine is becoming a magnet for millennials. The city isn’t just a great place to raise a family, it’s also considered one of the safest communities in the nation. According to Livability, Irvine was listed as one of the “Best Places to Live” thanks to its numerous employment opportunities in technology and engineering. 

Irvine is also a city that dominates when it comes to quality education, so many millennials looking to pursue advanced studies tend to gravitate towards this area. There are currently 10 reputable college campuses in the area such as the University of California, Irvine; Irvine Valley College; and Concordia University Irvine. In addition to the city’s stellar opportunities and schools, Irvine is also filled with parks and open space, ideal for active millennials who enjoy outdoor adventures.

Newport Beach

Newport Beach neighborhood photo by Shutterstock

View homes for sale in Newport Beach

With some homes priced over $1 million, this oceanside community might be unattainable for some millennials. However, for those millennials who can afford to live in this area, Newport Beach features plenty of options when it comes to nightlife, recreational activities, and trendy restaurants. According to OC Weekly, there are so many bars in Newport Beach that it’s been ranked the “6th Drunkest California City.”

With employment opportunities in healthcare, hospitality, and tourism, the economy in Newport Beach is thriving, making it an ideal destination for millennials. There are also plenty of recreational activities for millennials as well, including beachside and field sports such as volleyball, softball, and kickball.

Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa neighborhood photo by Shutterstock

View homes for sale in Costa Mesa

Like Newport Beach, this city also has a high concentration of bars and nightlife, which is why OC Weekly ranked as the 11th Drunkest California City. Costa Mesa is a hotspot for young professionals, with several areas featuring luxury shopping and five-star restaurants. According to Neighborhoods.com, although Costa Mesa home prices are above the national average, the city still has relatively affordable real estate with home prices ranging from the $700s to $2 million.

Many millennials are attracted to Costa Mesa because of its central location near the upscale beach communities of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. Additionally, the employment opportunities in the city aren’t too shabby, with plenty of jobs available in the retail, service, and automobile industries.

Aliso Viejo

Aliso Viejo photo courtesy of woolennium

View homes for sale in Aliso Viejo

Although millennials are indeed waiting longer to get married and start families, this doesn’t necessarily apply to all millennials. For the older millennial generation, settling down and having kids is very much a reality, and neighborhoods that have a lot of partying and nightlife simply aren’t as attractive. For those who are interested in starting a family while being able to enjoy affordable housing, Aliso Viejo is a popular option. Not only is Aliso Viejo a growing destination for master-planned communities, it also has some of the nation’s highest safety ratings.

Homebuyers can find homes starting in the $300s, ideal for millennials looking to set up shop here for the future. There are also several job centers located throughout this town, so residents are free to pursue corporate work with retail brands in the area.

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach Pier photo by Shutterstock

View homes for sale in Huntington Beach

Compared to the baby boomer generation, which “lived to work,” the millennial generation is the opposite: They “work to live.” For those millennials who do their fair share of work, living in a beachside community like Huntington Beachis a great way to be forever young. Known as one of the Surf City USA destinations of the world, Huntington Beach has that air of free spirit, relaxation, and adventure.

Residents are close to the PCH freeway, so there’s quick access to Los Angeles, not to mention Huntington Beach’s Main Street also has seemingly endless options when it comes to nightlife, bars, and dining. For those millennials who are wondering what kind of job opportunities are available in this town, Huntington Beach is booming when it comes to aerospace engineering, sales, management, and tourism.