Orange

Orange is a city in Orange County, California, United States, covering roughly 25 square miles (65 square kilometers) in the northern part of the county. The city sits at an elevation of about 58 meters above sea level and borders several neighboring communities, including Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove.

The city began in 1869 as Richland and received the name Orange in 1873 after the postal service rejected the original name because of duplication. By the late 19th century, the area became a center for citrus growing, which shaped the regional economy for many decades.

A public library dating from 1894 stands on Plaza Square and still serves as a gathering spot for readers and families. On weekends, farmers markets often take place on the central square, where locals buy fresh produce and chat with neighbors.

The highway junction of Interstate 5 with State Routes 57 and 22 allows quick connections to many destinations across Southern California. Parking is available in several public areas, especially near the central square.

The city core was laid out as the only one in California around a central square, which earned the place its nickname Plaza City. Today, this square forms the center of a district with preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Location: Orange County

Inception: 1869

Elevation above the sea: 58 m

Website: https://cityoforange.org

GPS coordinates: 33.80306,-117.83250

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:00