Paid Parking Officially Arrives in Old Towne Orange

A major change to how visitors park in the historic district begins as the City of Orange launches paid parking in Old Towne Orange starting Monday, February 9, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

The new system introduces parking pay stations throughout the Old Towne area, giving drivers several ways to pay. Visitors can use coins, credit or debit cards at kiosks, pay digitally, or even pay by text message. The goal is to make parking more flexible while improving availability near shops, restaurants, and local businesses.

City officials say the program is intended to help increase turnover in high-demand spaces around the Plaza so more visitors can find parking close to their destinations. By reducing long-term parking in the busiest areas, the city hopes to make short visits — whether grabbing coffee, shopping, or dining — easier and less frustrating.

The change affects the core Old Towne district, where parking demand has steadily increased in recent years. While some drivers may need time to adjust, the city emphasizes that multiple payment options are available and that the program is designed to be simple to use once familiar.

As Old Towne continues to attract residents and visitors alike, the new parking system represents a shift toward managing demand in one of Orange’s most active areas. For many, the update marks the beginning of a new routine: park, explore, and enjoy Old Towne with a bit more predictability when searching for a space.