There is always going to be a lot of draw for moving to California from across the United States. The climate, the relaxed atmosphere, and the high-quality lifestyle really do make this area, especially Orange County, very appealing. But, let's put aside all of the Hollywood talk and think about financials first. Is moving to California a good idea for you? And, if so, what can you expect from this area when it comes to home values and the real estate market in general?Backyard View of Newport Coast Home | Image Provided by CRMLSWhat You Should Know About Orange County Real EstateOrange County is seeing a significant amount of interest from home buyers, with most of those buyers coming into the area from other California cities. That being said, a large portion of buyers move from out of state, especially for employment opportunities in certain industries. With an increased number of people looking to buy a home here, there is more demand. And, with that demand comes higher real estate prices.Depending on where you plan to buy a home in the area, you could see home values ranging from $400,000 up to several million on average. Overall, Orange County's median sale price for 2016 was about $640,000. Of course, there are many areas where home values are significantly higher than this. Those looking for Orange County's more affordable housing options can likely find properties to fall in love with in Stanton, Santa Ana, or Anaheim. So, should you buy a home here? There are plenty of reasons to consider a move to California and Orange County in general. There is plenty of opportunity to find a job. There's a great deal of diversity here as well, and high-quality education is available throughout Orange County and the state in general. When it comes to the affordability of the area, Orange County isn't going to be the least expensive. However, it is likely to see home values grow in the long term. This can make it an ideal place to live. Additionally, wages and salaries are typically higher in the Orange County area as well, offsetting the increased home values for those moving into the area for work. Does Orange County sound like it could be someplace you call home? Contact Neal Prochoren today to discuss your real estate goals, and what you're looking for out of a home in this area.