352,911
Population
Sunny Days: 280
95100 Affordability
85100 Schools
85100 Diversity
80100 Safety
Anaheim, California
Ducktown
Downtown Anaheim, Credit: Town Square Publications
Walt Disney, Mickey, & Disneyland, Credit: Steve DiMatteo
Downtown Anaheim Farmer's Markeet
Yorba Regional Park, Credit: Jizelle O.
LookyLOO Review of Anaheim
The Ocean Breeze
There's a nice ocean breeze that blows much of the year to remind you you’re on some pretty valuable California real estate. We also like The Packing District where over 50 artisans offer Bubble tea, grilled cheese, hot pot, cocktails, and crepes at this two-story culinary Mecca. Bonus: On any given day, the Packing District is a musical smorgasbord with rockabilly, folk, soul, jazz, and western swing bands.
Housing and the cost of living are not cheap (40% higher than the national average) and there are still some not-so-safe neighborhoods but most agree you just need to be smart about where and when you move through the city (just like every big city).
Lifestyle
Anaheim is a tale of two cities when it comes to lifestyle. On the one hand, you have Disneyland. If you want to make the park the centerpiece of your social and “cultural” life then you’re all set.
On the other hand, you have downtown Anaheim which while not “major” relative to neighboring cities like Los Angeles or Pasadena, does have a commercial district called Center Street Promenade, which has plenty of shops, restaurants, a big farmers market, and several museums. The Colonial District is the other big draw downtown. This area includes; the Mother Colony House which is a beautiful older museum, Pearson Park which houses an outdoor theater for performances, and the Packing House gourmet food hall.
To see what's happening in Anaheim check out the calendar of events.
Worklife
It should probably go without saying but lots and lots of people who live in Anaheim work at Disneyland and in the tourism economy. Since Anaheim also has two major sports teams, the Ducks and the Angels, you can work in the service/entertainment and tourism industry and not work at Disney. The Anaheim Canyon business park is one of the largest industrial districts in California so if you’re working in Anaheim in a professional capacity, particularly tech, there’s a good chance you’re commuting here. As with most California cities, the commute is a constant consideration for your in work-life balance. Pick the wrong job or neighborhood and your commute can be a living hell. Pick right or WFH and everything comes up roses.
Schools
Anaheim Union High School District is the high school district for Anaheim. It receives a "B+" on niche.com including an "A" for College Prep.
AUHSD admittance policy is based on residential addresses within district boundaries. Open enrollment and inter-district transfers may be available, subject to space availability, deadlines, and approval from both the resident and receiving districts.
The highest-performing schools in the district include:
-Oxford Academy is the #4 highest-rated public school in the county. It receives an "A+" grade on niche.com with the highest ratings for Academics, Teachers, and College Prep. It admits students in grades 7-12.
-Cypress High School is the 2nd highest-rated school in the district, receiving an "A+" on niche.com. It receives high grades for College Prep, Academics, and Diversity.
-John F. Kennedy High School is the 3rd ranked high school in the district, also receiving an "A+" on niche.com. JFK receives high grades for Academics, Diversity, and College Prep.
Why You Should Move Here Now?
Break Free
If you want to escape the madness of a big city, but still have lots to do, Anaheim is a good choice for your short-list. Naturally, there’s lots of family fun to be had (theme parks, children’s museums and parks) but there’s also grown-up fun. Check out the Anaheim GardenWalk which offers loads of restaurants, entertainment, shopping, Center Street Promenade for artisan goods, and the Old Towne Historic District for antique shopping.
Reviews of Anaheim from Locals
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Roxerz
Living in Anaheim
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉
I'm from DMV, sister is in NOVA and I moved to Anaheim. Perfect location, near everything, crumby city though. A lot of petty crime, homelessness, etc. We like living here because we can do everything outside of this city but our neighbor had his truck stolen in our gated neighborhood, our mailboxes are burglarized on a daily basis, and people steal Amazon packages here and there. Helicopters used to fly over my neighborhood every 2-3 days but not so much anymore and across the street was a naked guy who barricaded himself in his bathroom and died when SWAT was deployed. I pay $2k rent/mo for 1 bdrm apt for all this lol.
Tysons/Fairfax is like Costa Mesa/Irvine. Anaheim is like the PG County of Maryland.
For more reviews of what living in Anaheim is like from locals check out: The Reviews
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Living in Anaheim
Neighborhoods in Anaheim
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Colony Historic District
Young Professionals / Retirees
The Colony Historic District includes the Packing House District, a hot spot for young professionals to live and socialize. Plenty of breweries, restaurants, parks and shopping all within walking distance make it an easy choice if you’re just moving to Anaheim and want to live where you go out. The District also has plenty converted and new buildings with nice (albeit pricey) lofts/condos/apts for younger population as well as retirees looking to live in an active neighborhood.
- Colony Historic District
- Platinum Triangle