3 Things You Didn't Know About Orange County

By Danae Aballi-Mecham

Danae Aballi-Mecham is a long-time real estate industry veteran. She has worked in various positions in the industry having grown from an independent real estate agent to running a team of 5 top producing agents.

When most people think of Orange County, they picture palm trees, beaches, and Disneyland. But there’s more to this area than sunshine and surfboards. Orange County is one of California’s most carefully planned and protected regions, with strong community values and a deep connection to nature. Whether you’re thinking about moving here or simply curious about what makes it different, here are three things most people don’t know about Orange County.

Orange County isn’t built for short-term stays. Many people assume they can rent a beach house for a quick vacation, but short-term rentals are limited. Only a few cities like Newport Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente allow them, and even then, only in small zones with strict rules. Newport Beach alone has a waiting list of more than 600 people hoping for a permit.

These restrictions are designed to protect the community’s peaceful, residential character. Locals value stability and connection, not constant turnover. When you live here, you know your neighbors. Streets stay quiet, and families feel settled.

That’s a big part of why Orange County still feels personal and relaxed, even with its popularity.

You won’t find many high-rises. If you’re used to big cities, you might expect tall buildings and dense downtown areas. Orange County is different. There are only a few high-rise buildings in Irvine and one new project under construction in Santa Ana. Most of the area is made up of low-rise homes and neighborhoods with open skies and coastal views.

This is intentional. The county focuses on preserving natural light, ocean views, and outdoor space. People here prefer to see the horizon, not a skyline.

You’ll find Spanish-style homes, beach cottages, and modern designs surrounded by parks and water instead of steel and concrete. The result is a community that feels more like a retreat than a city.

Almost half of Newport Beach is water. This one surprises a lot of people. Newport Beach covers 44 square miles, and 22 of those are water. The harbor alone holds more than 9,000 boats, making it one of the largest private harbors in the world. Boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking are part of everyday life here.

Beyond the harbor lies the Back Bay Ecological Reserve, an area of about 800 acres of protected wetlands. It’s home to nearly 200 species of birds and one of the few remaining estuaries in Southern California. Locals come here to walk, bike, or enjoy the scenery. It’s proof that luxury living and nature can coexist.

Living in Orange County is about more than the beach. It’s about community, open space, and a lifestyle that blends comfort with nature. A few key differences are what make this area so special.

If you’re thinking about moving here or want to learn more about the neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle, feel free to call or text me at 949-216-8565 or email me at danae@danaeaballi.com. I’d be happy to share local insights and help you find the perfect place to call home in Orange County.