Community Profiles: 5 of the Most Family-Friendly Cities in Southern California
It is not uncommon for the first city that you think of when discussing Southern California to be Los Angeles, after all, it is the city of dreams and where thousands of people flock annually to try and make a name for themselves. But what if you are looking for a place to raise a family? What cities jump to mind when thinking about schools, safety, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Here is a look at 5 of the most family-oriented communities in Southern California.
Irvine, California
The beautiful city of Irvine attracts many families with its impressive education opportunities — from public elementary schools to the renowned University of California, Irvine. Irvine schools have strong backing from the community, thanks to initiatives such as the city’s Challenge Match Grant program that matches the exact amount raised by the nonprofit Irvine Public Schools Foundation. Irvine’s high home values are because of the easy access to the ocean and numerous parks help create a balance between nature and a thriving business community.
Seal Beach, California
Seal Beach is also home to a wide array of outstanding educational choices. The surrounding Los Alamitos School District boasts California Distinguished Schools, including Seal Beach’s J. H. McGaugh Elementary School. This quiet community of beach homes is also known for its naval weapons station as well as for having the second-longest pier in the state.
Agoura Hills, California
Situated just northwest of Los Angeles, Agoura Hills is close to a number of popular commercial centers. However, it is still is home to several picturesque parks, including the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area. Education has strong roots here, too. The Agoura Hills schools in Las Virgenes Unified School District provide students the opportunities to become well-rounded and well-educated — from elementary school arts and technology programs to Agoura High School’s ComedySportz High School League for young improvisers. A community mainstay for the past decade has been the Reyes Adobe Days fall festival, which highlights California and ranch culture.
Murrieta, California
Affordable homes and good schools make up a big part of the patchwork that is Murrieta, a city that is situated between Los Angeles and San Diego. The median home value in 2013 was about $287,200, which is far below the state average. When it comes to education, Murrieta Valley Unified School District provides academic rigor that assists students to achieve above-average state test scores. The city is also close to Camp Pendleton, the largest training facility for Marines on the West Coast.
Rancho Santa Margarita
Just a hop, skip and a jump from Irvine and the ocean, this small master-planned city prides itself on its village-like atmosphere. While it continues to embrace its growth, which has been strong in the past few years – long-term income showed a 31.22% increase from 1999 to 2012. With schools in two districts, Rancho Santa Margarita’s quality education is backed by students’ state test scores, which are especially high in science. Local businesses also play a key role in the city’s growth, and the chamber of commerce, with its rebranding in 2012, is determined to attract small business.