Introduction to Living in Anaheim
Quick trivia, what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “Anaheim?”
Well, for most people it’s Disneyland — the famous Walt Disney theme park and every child’s dream vacay.
However, Disneyland isn’t the only thing Anaheim has to offer — far from it. And if you’re planning a move or a short stay, there’s plenty about this Southern California city you may not know.
Are you wondering what life in Anaheim looks like?
Buckle up and let us take you through some of the things you may not already know about the most populous city in Orange County, CA.
1. Maritime Climate Year-Round
Most people in the US have experienced or at least heard of the beautiful sun-kissed Cali weather. And if you’re loaded, you could always get a second home by the beach where it feels like a tropical island when the rest of the country freezes in winter.
Now, Anaheim, which sits in southern California, enjoys a year-round maritime climate courtesy of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
The warm climate results in mild weather and sunshine throughout the year.
Winter in Anaheim, which runs from November to April, is a cool affair with the highest chance of rainfall compared to the other seasons. Temperatures can range from 46.4°F — its lowest — to 71.6°F.
Summers are warm and dry with lows of 62.6°F and highs of 86°F.
2. High Cost of Living
According to Bestplaces.net, the cost of living in Anaheim is 52.2% higher than the national average.
Salary.com, on other hand, produces a much lower figure at 32.6% higher than the national average.
All in all, the message is clear, Anaheim may not be the cheapest place to live.
However, there may be disparities depending on where you live. The cost of living is at its highest within the metro area.
Also, if you intend to buy property, it’s worth keeping in mind that Anaheim’s real estate market is pretty competitive.
3. Low Unemployment Rate
The state of California at large enjoys major economy-driving industries such as tourism, healthcare, business, and manufacturing. This has led to a 4% unemployment rate as of December 2019.
It gets even better, as Anaheim had a 2.4% unemployment rate that same year.
You may be wondering why the city has such low unemployment rates.
The answer is simple actually. Anaheim is home to many large companies with high demand for a large workforce. Some of the biggest employers in the city include Disney, AT&T, Boeing, Isuzu, UC Irvine, Walmart, and Target.
4. Los Angeles Angels and Anaheim Ducks
Are you a sports person?
Perhaps you’d be glad to know that Anaheim doesn’t suck at sports — not with two major sports teams calling the city their home base.
Anaheim’s Los Angeles Angels is a Major League Baseball team. They won the 2002 World Series against the San Francisco Giants.
The city also boasts the Anaheim Ducks, a professional ice hockey team competing in the National Hockey League. The Ducks won the 2007 Stanley Cup against the Ottawa Senators becoming the first Californian team to win the cup.
5. World-Class Theme Parks
Anaheim is home to fantastic, world-class theme parks. Some of the best there is!
You may be thinking Disneyland Park. But you already knew that.
There’s more!
Like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, for instance. This theme park is located within Disneyland Park, but it’s a world of its own. The land is designed to simulate a remote village in the warring Star Wars universe.
If you are a fan of the franchise, a visit to Galaxy’s Edge will be nothing short of a pilgrimage. You’ll be setting foot, for the first time on the distant planet Batuu.
Other popular theme parks in Anaheim include:
- Adventure City — perfect for family thrill rides
- The Ride 7D Ontario — an indoor simulated 7D experience with highly immersive rides
- Goat Hill Junction Railroad — a laidback theme park with free train rides every third week of the month
- Knott’s Berry Farm — a popular 57-acre theme park with amazing food and lots of fun
Be sure to check seasons and hours before visiting!
6. History, Nature, and The Arts
As amazing as theme parks are there are tons of other things you can do in Anaheim.
You can explore downtown Anaheim and get a feel of the city’s historical vibe. Checkout St. Promenade, a local historical center known for its art shops and food outlets.
A short walk away is the Anaheim Packing District, which houses a collection of historic buildings offering unique entertainment and dining experiences.
Further visit: 10 Awesome Places to Go Camping Near Scottsdale, Arizona
You can also visit the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center, which has multiple exhibitions. It also holds events centering on the rich heritage of Orange County.
Also, if you’re up for hiking and some sightseeing hop over to Oak Canyon Nature Center in the Anaheim hills. You want to keep an eye out for native wildlife during nature walks.
7. English and Spanish are Spoken Almost Equally
43% of Anaheim’s population speak Spanish and many other languages are spoken as well. It’ll probably make life easier if you can hold a basic conversation in Spanish.
If you don’t know Spanish, you can always learn it. There tons of meetup groups for new residents and language schools offering Spanish classes.
Conclusion
Is Anaheim a good place to live?
That depends on what you’re looking for. With the high cost of living at play, it’s up to you to weigh your options. Otherwise, the city has a lot to offer to anyone willing to make it a home.
It has good neighborhoods, good schools, and many social amenities. Transportation is great, with bus services handled by the Orange County Transportation Authority.
The city also offers train services under Amtrak and Metrolink.
Author bio
Caitlin Sinclair is the Property Manager at REVO with 5 years of property management experience and many more in Customer Service. She shares her passion for her community and looks forward to making REVO a place to call home.
