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About
Orange County
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| General Information |
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Orange County is located on the southeastern border of Los Angeles
county in Southern California in the U.S.A. It is a residential
& business county of about 2,600,000 residents. Roughly
rectangular in shape, Orange County covers 790 square miles. In
population it is among the top ten most populous counties in the
nation and is still growing. It is located midway between Los
Angeles and San Diego, bounded by a 42 mile coastline to the west
and mountains to the east.
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| Climate |
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A superb year round climate and
the nearby sun-splashed waters of the blue Pacific Ocean make
Orange County a popular place to live. In many parts the sun
shines during daylight hours over 75% of the year. Summer
temperatures for most of the County fall generally, in the 60s
and 70s. Winter temperatures fall generally in the 50s. In an
average year the rain limits itself to 10-13 inches. In the
northeastern side of the County are the Santa Area Mountains.
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Santiago the highest peak, 5687
feet, often dons a mantle of snow in the winter. The Southwest
side, descends to the Ocean and to about 42 miles of beaches used
year-round.
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| Business & Economy |
| The industries… the aerospace
firms with major contracts… the computer and electronics firms
transforming Orange County into a Southern California version of
Silicon Valley… the biomedical companies forging the future on
a daily basis… the 468 bank and 335 savings & loan
branches- all help to define the economy that fuels the fires of
Orange County’s success.
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To the uninitiated, Orange County
seems an urban area, a metroplex comprised of 27 cities-each with
its own identity and flavor. Upon closer examination, Orange
County is quite distinguishable from its Los Angeles neighbors,
indeed from every other Southern California market for one
over-whelming reason. The level of affluence enjoyed by its
residents.
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| This is a place like no other. A
staggering whirl of consumer choice, untempered optimism and
entrepreneurial spirit forms an unforgettable image of success.
From the storied yacht havens like Newport and Huntington harbors
to the according-to-plan excellence of Mission Viejo and Irvine.
Amidst the thriving aerospace and biomedical frontiers of
tomorrow. Among the county’s own financial magnates and fans
of the local major league teams. In stores like Cartier...
beaches like Laguna.. Employers like Boeing and
diversions like Disneyland. This is what California and the
nation aspires to become. This is a place like no other and part
of no other. This is Orange County. This is an image of success.
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| The richest major market in
Southern California, Orange County has an average household
income of $72,153 making it by far the most affluent of all
Southern California markets. Also 32% of Orange County households
have an income of more than $100,000 per year
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| The highest per capita retail
sales in Southern California. The typical Orange County resident
rings up approximately $10,000 in retail purchases yearly (a figure that is 15%
higher than Los Angeles residents), This is a retailer’s
“Fantasyland”, with world-famous malls like South Coast Plaza
and Fashion Island. Prestige retailers like Neiman Marcus, Gucci,
Tiffany, Cartier and Saks Fifth Avenue do big business in Orange
County.
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| The 11th largest
manufacturing area in the US is Orange County. No longer under
the shadow of Los Angeles, Orange County has a greater share of
jobs in manufacturing than either LA County or the state as a
whole.
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| Orange County is one of the
world’s most important centers of high technology. Although not
as frequently mentioned as places like Silicon Valley and
Boston's Route 128, Orange County is considered by many to be
one of the most important high-technology centers in the world,
and it is growing rapidly. Its base is not limited exclusive to
semiconductors and computers, but is much more diverse and more
viable in the long run. |
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| The beach |
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When you live in Orange County
you will be just minutes to the beach. There are
sunny, sandy beaches. You can spend your days, swimming, sunning,
surfing, snorkeling or sailing. Because of the mild weather year
round, more residents visit the beach than they possibly would be
elsewhere.
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They enjoy the seabreeze whispering through the palms trees while the
sun warms the lush landscape. The nearby marinas offer zesty
seafaring adventures. Boating enthusiasts will especially enjoy
Newport Beach where an entire fleet of yachts and sailboats call
Newport Harbor home. This region includes but is not limited to,
the communities of Corona Del Mar, Dana Point, Huntington Beach,
Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. In fact Huntington Beach is home
to one of the world’s top surfing competitions. Here are some
of the best surfing waves imaginable.
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| Education |
| Orange County is a well-organized
and a well educated metropolitan County. Many of its elementary
& secondary schools score among the highest in the state. As
a matter of fact no place on earth has more educated people than
California. There are 28 state Universities, 94 private colleges
and universities and 106 community colleges. There are more
scientists and engineers than in any other state and nearly 1,500
research laboratories. Orange County has a large share of all
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| Transportation |
| There are several car rental
companies that will help you satisfy your drive to get around
conveniently. Also Metro link is a light rail commuter service
that runs from downtown Los Angeles to San Clemente. Taxis can be
handy for short hops throughout Orange County with no worries
about navigation or finding parking. Regarding limousine service,
there are several companies that would love to have you stretch
out and relax in one of their stretch limos. Also the Orange
County Transportation Authority offers bus service throughout
Orange County. Finally Ferries depart from Balboa Pavilion in
Newport Beach to go to Santa Catalina Island. The trip takes 75
minutes.
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| Regarding Air. Several regional
and international airports are at your service in the Orange
County area. There is John Wayne Airport in Newport Beach, Los
Angeles International Airport, Ontario International Airport and
Long Beach Airport.
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| Sports |
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In abundance are local sports, especially
for kids. There is baseball, basketball, hockey, football,
soccer, gymnastics, ballet, softball. In the ocean, swimming,
surfing, boating, fishing and sailing. Besides all that, every
place you turn around there seems to be a golf course. Whether
you like to play hard or just kick back and relax, Orange County
is the perfect place to refresh the body and the spirit.
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Dining
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Want to hear the sounds of the sea
while dining in a waterfront restaurant? Orange County can
satisfy your appetite, whether it’s for a midday meal or a
maestro’s performance. So what are you hungry for? From
hotter-than-jalapeno Mexican food to five-star haute cuisine,
Orange County has all types of dinning for all types of budgets.
California is a food - lover’s paradise, and the birthplace of
culinary trends that eventually move across the nation. People
here are simply inventive when comes to food. All in the best of
taste, of course. Think of Szechwan. Or sushi. Or the light,
pleasing taste of California cuisine. Many cultures have come
together in California, which makes the California cooking pot a
very appealing melting pot. Mexican food may be omnipresent in
California, but there is also an endless variety of restaurants
offering tastes from other cultures. Orange County has a full
plate of restaurants dedicated to serving up exotic and
international cuisine. You can warm up to simmering Cajun
jambalaya. Or sample tasty Chinese dim sum. Fill up on filled
phyllo turnovers at one of the Greek restaurants in the area.
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| If you are feeling saucy, seek out
Indian tandoori, chicken curry, BBQ ribs or enchiladas with chili
mole sauce. You will also find meaty German brautwurst and
simple, fresh Italian pastas. In short, there is long list of
favorites from around the world, right here. And, if you want
something that’s a little closer to home, there are plenty of
places to grab classic American favorites such as steaks,
burgers, and fried chicken.
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| Music & entertainment |
| There are all types of fun, every
night of the week from hard rock to hip-hop and from blues &
jazz to Broadway show pizzazz. Or maybe the symphony is music to
your ears. Orange County is a gateway to entertainment, glamour
and services of Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills &
Newport Beach.
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Movies, plays, symphonies, chamber
music, exhibits Orange County has them in abundance. And there
are museums that are simply world class.
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| Other interesting points in and around Orange County |
| Disneyland |
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It is probably the most
famous theme & entertainment park in the world. It
draws millions of tourists every year. It is located in
Anaheim in the North Orange County area.
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| Six Flags Magic Mountain |
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A theme and entertainment
park north of Los Angeles, off Interstate 5.
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| Griffith Park & Visitors center |
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4000 acres of land at the
foot at the Santa Monica Mountains in Los Angeles. It
contains golf courses, tennis courts, picnic areas,
equestrian centers and rides. This area also claims the Los
Angeles Zoo, the Griffith
Observatory and the Greek Theater where live
performances are held.
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| Bowers Museum of Cultural Art |
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displaying art by the world's
indigenous people. It is located on Main St. in Santa
Ana.
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| Balboa Pavilion |
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is an elegant place to enjoy
the beautiful scenery of Newport bay. It contains
restaurants and shops. It is located in Balboa
neighborhood of Newport Beach.
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| Whale & Wildlife Watching |
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From December to April, gray
whales blowing into the waters along the Orange County
coast line. You can get close to these migrating mammals
on a whale watching tour. Cruise operators offer gray
whale excursions that will put you right in the middle of
a pod of whales. Boats usually depart from Newport harbor
or Dana Point harbor.
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| Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve |
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300 acre salt mars. More than
350 types of birds make their home here. Located on
Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach.
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| Bren Art Gallery |
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At the University of California in Irvine.
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| Knott's Berry Farm |
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A theme park located in Buena Park.
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| International Museum of Surfing |
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in Huntington Beach.
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| Laguna Art Museum |
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in Laguna Beach.
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| Little Saigon |
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A neighborhood with a taste of the Vietnamese culture and cuisine. It is located in
Westminster.
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| Long Beach Museum of Art |
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in Long Beach.
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| Queen Mary Seaport. |
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The largest Ocean Liner every
build. It is now a historic hotel and attraction. It is
located in the Long Beach harbor.
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| Movieland Wax Museum |
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in Buena Park.
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| Nautical Heritage Museum |
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in Dana Point.
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| Orange County Marine Institute |
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in Dana Point
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| Richard Nixon Library. |
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It presents the past of the
37th president who was born in Yorba Linda.
The library is located in Yorba Linda.
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| Santa Ana Zoo |
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in Santa Ana.
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| Sherman Library and Gardens |
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in Corona Del Mar.
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| Universal Studios |
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in Los Angeles.
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| Shopping Malls: |
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Huntington Beach mall, South
Coast Plaza, which is the largest shopping mall in the
world, Fashion Island in Newport Beach and Westminster
mall.
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| Stadiums: |
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Dodger Stadium, Great Western
Forum, Anaheim Stadium, Los Angeles Coliseum.
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| Performing Arts: |
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Irvine Meadows Amphitheater,
Orange County Performing Arts Center, South Coast
Repertory theater.
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[ About Orange County | Orange County homes
| Home Financing ]
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| Source: Orange County Register www.ocregister.com |
