Heres Why Orange County Families Are Making the Move North To The Bay Area

While Bay Area headlines scream "population exodus," certain cities like Belmont saw 3.9% growth in 2024. Which communities are actually attracting Orange County families, and how can they get from SoCal to NorCal?

(firmenpresse) - Key TakeawaysDespite overall Bay Area population decline, Belmont and Burlingame showed strong growth in 2024 with increases of 3.9% and 2.55% respectively.Growing Bay Area cities offer families access to top-rated schools, tech jobs, and family-friendly amenities that offset higher housing costs.Orange County families moving to the Bay Area can expect median home prices of $1.3 million in San Francisco compared to $1.2 million in Orange County - but higher incomes might offset those costs.Professional moving services are needed for long-distance relocations from Orange County to growing Bay Area communities.While some headlines focus on the Bay Area s population exodus, a closer look reveals a different story emerging in select cities across the region.
Certain communities continue attracting families, particularly those seeking better schools, career opportunities, and lifestyle amenities that make the higher cost of living worthwhile.
Belmont and Burlingame Show Strong Bay Area GrowthSan Mateo County demonstrated notable growth in 2024, with Belmont posting an impressive 3.9% population increase. The city of just over 25,000 residents added more than 1,000 new residents last year, according to California Department of Finance estimates. Burlingame followed closely with a 2.55% growth rate, reaching 31,552 residents by early 2025.
These growth numbers stand in stark contrast to the broader Bay Area trend. While the region overall managed a modest 0.04% increase (about 2,500 more residents), the majority of the area s 69 cities actually lost population during the same period. San Francisco itself dropped 0.39%, losing approximately 3,000 residents, while San Jose fell by 0.08%.
Which Bay Area Cities Families Are Actually Moving ToThe data reveals specific pockets of family-friendly growth across multiple counties. Understanding these patterns helps families identify communities where they ll find neighbors in similar situations, established family services, and growing school enrollments - rather than declining ones.

San Mateo County s Family-Friendly Growth LeadersBeyond Belmont and Burlingame, San Mateo County s appeal extends throughout the Peninsula. South San Francisco grew by 0.39%, while Hillsborough added 0.38% more residents. These communities offer families proximity to both Silicon Valley job centers and San Francisco s cultural amenities, plus some of California s highest-rated school districts. The consistent growth across San Mateo County suggests that families recognize the value proposition, despite the higher housing costs.
East Bay Cities Gaining ResidentsBerkeley leads East Bay growth with nearly 1,700 additional residents - a 1.32% increase. Dublin in Alameda County grew by 1.16%, adding 859 residents, while Newark expanded by 1.04%. Oakley in Contra Costa County matched Berkeley s 1.32% growth rate. These East Bay communities typically offer more affordable housing options while maintaining access to BART and other transit connections to major employment centers.
South Bay Communities Still Adding FamiliesSanta Clara County s growth story centers on specific cities rather than the region overall. Gilroy added 674 residents for 1.1% growth, while Santa Clara city itself grew by 0.57%. Even premium communities like Los Altos (0.62% growth) and Palo Alto (0.33% growth) continue attracting families despite high housing costs - suggesting that access to top-tier schools and tech jobs remains compelling.
Why Some Bay Area Cities Attract Families While Others Lose ResidentsThe pattern of selective growth shows what matters most to families making relocation decisions. Cities experiencing growth share common characteristics that create attractive environments for raising children, even when housing costs exceed national averages.
Top-Rated Schools and Family Services in Growing AreasGrowing Bay Area cities consistently rank among California s best for families. San Jose was ranked 14th nationwide for families in 2025, citing excellent schools, job opportunities, and family amenities. Fremont and San Francisco also appeared in national top-10 rankings for family-friendly cities. These communities invest heavily in parks, libraries, youth programs, and educational resources that make the higher cost of living worthwhile for families prioritizing their children s opportunities.
Tech Job Hub Status Continues Despite Regional CompetitionThe Bay Area remains a global technology epicenter, offering career advancement opportunities that are difficult to find elsewhere. While Orange County s job market shows growth, tech salaries in Silicon Valley and San Francisco continue setting industry standards. Families moving from Orange County often find that higher Bay Area incomes help offset the increased living expenses, particularly when both parents work in high-demand fields.
Cost Reality: Bay Area vs Orange County Living ExpensesUnderstanding the true financial impact requires looking beyond sticker prices to income potential and long-term financial benefits. While housing costs might be concerning at first, many families soon discover that total financial outcomes favor Bay Area locations when factoring in career growth and earning potential.
Housing Price Comparison: San Francisco s $1.3M vs Orange County s $1.2M Median HomesSan Francisco s median home price of $1.3 million exceeds Orange County s $1.2 million median, representing a $100,000 difference that impacts family budgets. Rental markets show similar gaps, with San Francisco three-bedroom apartments averaging $5,766 monthly compared to Orange County s $3,682. These housing cost differences often determine which Bay Area communities families can realistically consider.
However, families moving from Orange County frequently target growing communities outside San Francisco proper, where housing costs level out while maintaining access to job centers. Professional moving services specializing in Orange County to Bay Area relocations report increasing demand for Peninsula and East Bay destinations rather than San Francisco itself.
But Bay Area s Income Potential May Help Offset Living CostsWhile Orange County s cost of living runs 57% above the national average, with housing costs significantly higher, Bay Area incomes often compensate for the differential. Tech industry salaries, startup equity opportunities, and career advancement potential create financial benefits that materialize over time. Families frequently find out that their increased earning power in Bay Area markets justifies the initial housing cost shock, particularly when considering long-term wealth-building opportunities.
What Orange County Families Need to Know Before Making the MoveSuccessful Bay Area relocations require strategic planning that goes beyond simply finding housing. Understanding specific neighborhoods, logistics, and systems helps families avoid common pitfalls and settle more quickly into their new communities.
1. Research Specific Growing Neighborhoods Like Belmont and DublinFocus research efforts on communities with documented population growth rather than areas experiencing decline. Growing cities typically offer expanding family services, new school enrollments, and developing infrastructure. Belmont s 3.9% growth signals community vitality, while Dublin s 1.16% increase suggests steady family appeal. Visit potential neighborhoods during school hours and weekends to observe family activity levels and community engagement.
2. Plan Professional Moving Services for Long-Distance RelocationLong-distance moves from Orange County to Bay Area locations require experienced logistics coordination. Professional movers familiar with both regions understand permit requirements, parking restrictions, and optimal travel routes. Moving costs from Orange County to Bay Area destinations typically range around $2,000, varying by distance, volume, and additional services like packing and storage.
3. Compare School Districts Using Online Resources and RankingsResearch school district performance, enrollment trends, and program offerings before choosing neighborhoods. Growing Bay Area cities often feature expanding educational options, new facilities, and increasing resources. Use GreatSchools.org and state testing data to compare districts, but also visit schools in person to assess culture and community involvement levels.
These Growing Bay Area Cities Could Be Your Family s Next HomeCities like Belmont, Burlingame, Berkeley, and Dublin prove that certain Bay Area communities continue attracting residents despite broader regional challenges. These growing areas offer families access to exceptional schools, career opportunities, and community amenities that justify the higher living costs.
For Orange County families considering the move, focus on communities with documented growth rather than areas experiencing population loss. The difference often determines whether children find established peer groups, whether community services expand or contract, and whether property values appreciate over time. While housing costs require careful financial planning, many families discover that Bay Area career opportunities and educational advantages create long-term benefits that extend well beyond the initial investment.
Got2Move provides professional moving services that help families transition smoothly from Orange County to their new Bay Area communities.

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Datum: 08.10.2025 - 17:01 Uhr
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Typ of Press Release: Unternehmensinformation
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Date of sending: 08/10/2025

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