Orange County residents say the American dream is slipping away
Republicans and Democrats, renters and homeowners, rich and poor—agree on at least one thing: Buying a home is harder today than it was for their parents. The latest UCI-OC Poll suggests that's just the beginning of the problem.
A recent poll conducted by UC Irvine's School of Social Ecology reveals that Orange County residents are finding it harder than ever to achieve the American dream. Despite regional wealth, residents are more pessimistic than the national average as only 45% believe the dream remains attainable locally, with the other 45% believing it is no longer attainable.
Key obstacles include buying a home (cited by 93% as more difficult), raising a family (79%), and securing a good job (70%). While 69% of respondents felt hard work alone is insufficient, residents remain loyal to the area, wanting future generations to have what they had but acknowledging the increasing difficulty. The poll found no consensus on what the American dream entails, with younger residents redefining it due to the unattainability of the traditional version.
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