Why Companies Are Choosing Orange County for Their Headquarters
Orange County’s office market continues to defy national headwinds as companies large and small double down on high-quality spaces that offer premium amenities, prime locations, and strong service. The trend reflects an enduring “flight to quality,” said Roger DeWames, president of Irvine Company Office Properties, who described tenants as increasingly focused on environments that enhance employee experience and operational flexibility.
“Our workplaces offer options that scale with the needs of our customers and are adjacent to abundant dining, housing, retail, and entertainment destinations,” DeWames told GlobeSt.com. “A variety of on-site amenities, from dining and fitness offerings to outdoor spaces designed for collaboration and air quality systems, help improve employee well-being and productivity.”
Recent expansions underscore the momentum. Tarsus Pharmaceuticals grew its headquarters footprint by 54% to 60,000 square feet at Spectrum Terrace, drawn by the campus’s accessibility, expansive outdoor meeting spaces, and modern design. Similarly, OC Solar more than tripled its office presence by moving from Venture Park to Innovation Office Park, where Irvine Company’s Flex+ model offers a village-like, open-air setting. Tenants there can access the Olive Grove Cafe, featuring MoonGoat Coffee Bar, and a pavilion equipped for casual collaboration with TVs, heaters, and BBQs.
Pat Ryan, senior vice president at JLL, told GlobeSt.com that companies continue to base their headquarters in Orange County because of its deep labor pool, diverse industries, and lifestyle advantages. “Executives value its quality of life, strong schools, and safe coastal communities that make recruiting and retention easier,” Ryan said. “Employee retention rates are generally higher than those of other California hubs.”
Supported by universities such as UC Irvine and Chapman, with additional pipelines from USC, UCLA, and CalTech, the region ranks among California’s most stable business environments. More than 45 public companies headquartered in Orange County represent a combined market capitalization of over $235 billion, spanning sectors from semiconductors to life sciences, gaming, and aerospace.
Ryan added that Orange County combines lower occupancy costs with premier markets like West Los Angeles and San Francisco, and with access to the Inland Empire—the nation’s top industrial distribution hub. That proximity gives headquarters teams critical supply chain advantages.
DeWames said Orange County’s newest campuses are designed to bring employees together and help companies adapt as their needs evolve. “Businesses want spaces that not only offer a great employee experience but also streamline operations and foster accessible collaboration,” he said. “Our portfolio can seamlessly integrate multiple uses within a connected environment, providing the versatility needed for customized workflows and efficient space utilization.”
Source: GlobeSt/ALM