45 Underrated Religious College Towns Across America You'll Fall in Love With

42. Orange, California: Sacred Stillness in Suburban Sprawl

While Orange may sit amid Southern California's bustle, it’s also home to the unexpectedly serene Christ Cathedral, formerly the Crystal Cathedral—now a Catholic megachurch and diocesan hub. Nearby Chapman University adds academic presence, but the town’s core pulses with quiet reverence and architectural beauty. The cathedral’s modern glass towers reflect both sun and spirit, while surrounding gardens offer meditative walks. Downtown Orange, with its antique shops and tree-lined plaza, fosters a community rooted in tradition and warmth. This surprising pocket of faith and beauty proves that sacred spaces can still flourish amid suburban sprawl.