With inflation showing no signs of stopping any time soon, many looking to purchase a home in Orange County, California, face heightened obstacles in the already pricey market.
According to the California Association of Realtors, the average median home price in the region is just under $1.2 million, according to their January 2023 statistics.
Based on a 2022 year-end report by the association, the average household income to afford a home in the area must be above $280,000 per year, or over $7,000 per month.
As such, The Epoch Times has compiled a list of the least expensive cities in Orange County to purchase a single-family home based on current data through the end of January from real estate firm Redfin.
Stanton
This city takes the number one spot among the 34 Orange County cities measured, with the average single-family home selling for $625,000.At just over three-square miles total, the city is known to be a family-friendly suburb with multiple parks and a family community center, in addition to diverse cuisine including Chinese, Hawaiian, Mexican, Korean and more.
Those with children have dozens of school options to choose from since the city borders both Garden Grove and Anaheim.
Anaheim
The median sales price for a family home in Anaheim is currently $815,000.Serving as the hometown to Disneyland and “Little Arabia”—a cultural district known for vibrant Middle Eastern cuisine, hookah lounges, and social scenes—the city is ideal for those who enjoy entertaining and diverse attractions year round.
Buena Park
The current median sales price according to Redfin is $790,000.The town of just over 80,000, according to the 2020 U.S. census, is home to plenty of entertainment including Knott’s Berry Farm Soak City water park, and Medieval Times.
Santa Ana
According to Redfin, family homes currently are selling just under $800,000.With plenty of well known dining options and several museums for locals to enjoy, Santa Ana is also the second most populous city in the county. Residents also have a wide range of schools to choose from for their children: 54, to be exact.
Garden Grove
Single family homes list on average just under $860,000 according to Redfin.One of the city’s biggest claims to fame is its annual Strawberry Festival, which first debuted in the late 1950s. According to city officials, it is the second largest community sponsored event in the western U.S., second only to the Rose Parade.
La Habra
With a current median of $810,000, this community is ideal for those looking to live a quieter, more suburban-type lifestyle.Located at Orange County’s northernmost corner, La Habra is just over seven square miles, with a population of nearly 62,000. A quiet bedroom community, it is conveniently located within an hour’s drive of many beaches, mountain, and desert recreation areas.
Westminster
Homes here have a current median of $810,000. Home to one of the largest Vietnamese populations on the west coast, the area is known for its “Little Saigon” cultural hub featuring loads of authentic Vietnamese fare, festivals, local businesses, and more.The town of around 90,000 is ideal for those who want to live near the coast on a budget, since the city directly borders Huntington Beach where homes range over $1.2 million on average, according to real estate brokerage estimates.
Brea
At $900,000, Brea is ideal for those with an appreciation for the arts and scenic mountain views.The “city of art,” according to town records, features an “Art in Public Places” program featuring over 180 diverse outdoor sculptures around the city in a wide range of mediums and styles, by nationally and internationally renowned artists—all open to the public for viewing.
The hilly town also has plenty of scenic views of the mountains in addition to nighttime entertainment, including multiple movie theaters and a comedy club.
Fullerton
Known as “The Education Community,” according to city officials, Fullerton is home to award-winning elementary and secondary school systems, plus five universities and colleges, including California State University–Fullerton.Amenities include Heritage House—a historically restored Victorian residence—two championship golf courses, a driving range, an Olympic-sized swim complex, more than 40 parks, and recreation and equestrian trails.
Homes are currently selling for a median of $970,000.
Placentia
The median cost for single-family homes is currently just under $1,000,000.The name Placentia, according to city records, is derived from a Latin word meaning “pleasant place to live,” and is known for being as such to this day. Gardening enthusiasts are encouraged to consider purchasing a home in the area as the land is ideal for raising citrus fruit, walnuts, avocados, and grapes, according to the city’s website.
