Orange County, between Los Angeles and San Diego, epitomizes Southern California suburbia and coastal luxury. Founded in 1889, its county seat is Santa Ana; other key cities include Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Laguna Beach. Historically, citrus groves and oil fields gave way to post-WWII housing booms and theme-park-fueled tourism (Disneyland opened 1955). The county is densely suburban-urban, with Mediterranean-inspired architecture, planned communities, and coastal mansions. Median home prices now average around US $1 million – 1.3 million, among the highest in the state; luxury enclaves like Newport Coast easily exceed US $3 million. Building costs can range US $500 – 800 per sq ft near the coast. Orange County is entirely urban/suburban, linked by freeways and beach culture. Los Angeles is 40 minutes north; San Diego 1½ hours south. The county blends seaside affluence, corporate prosperity, and family-friendly neighborhoods.