🧭 Moving to Orange County
Just moved to Huntington Beach?
Curated by Simir Shah
Who lands here
Families who want beach life with suburban yards, surf and outdoor enthusiasts, and households drawn by the city's size and range of neighborhoods from downtown to Huntington Harbour.
The vibe
Laid-back and outdoorsy. Downtown and the pier are busy with visitors and big events like the U.S. Open of Surfing and the Pacific Airshow; inland neighborhoods are quieter, with Central Park, the library and sports complex.
Schools
School assignment here is complicated: four separate K-8 districts (Huntington Beach City, Ocean View, Fountain Valley and Westminster) feed into Huntington Beach Union High. Check your exact address with each district before choosing a home.
Getting around
Most families drive; OCTA buses run along Beach Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway and major streets, and kids 6 to 18 ride OC Bus free through Youth Ride Free. There's no Metrolink station in the city.
Finding your community
The city-run library centers on the Central Library in Central Park, with Banning, Helen Murphy, Main Street and Oak View branches; Oak View offers bilingual storytime. The SANDS activity guide is mailed to every household.
Now go explore Huntington Beach
A friendly orientation, not advice. Neighborhoods, schools and prices change and depend on your exact address — always verify school assignments and lease details directly. New to the area? Start with the New to SoCal hub.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Huntington Beach a good place for families new to Southern California?
Huntington Beach, 'Surf City USA,' is a big beach city with miles of coastline, a lively Main Street and pier, and large inland suburban neighborhoods around Central Park. Families who want beach life with suburban yards, surf and outdoor enthusiasts, and households drawn by the city's size and range of neighborhoods from downtown to Huntington Harbour.
How are the schools in Huntington Beach?
School assignment here is complicated: four separate K-8 districts (Huntington Beach City, Ocean View, Fountain Valley and Westminster) feed into Huntington Beach Union High. Check your exact address with each district before choosing a home.
Do I need a car in Huntington Beach?
Most families drive; OCTA buses run along Beach Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway and major streets, and kids 6 to 18 ride OC Bus free through Youth Ride Free. There's no Metrolink station in the city.