Top 10 Cities Near Santa Ana, CA to Buy or Rent Your Next Home

If you’re looking for a home in Santa Ana, CA this year, exploring the cities nearby might be your best bet. These neighboring cities offer a blend of affordability and accessibility, providing a range of options for both renters and buyers.  In this Redfin article, you can compare rent and housing costs, learn commute times, and find something that fits your budget and preferences. Live at an arm’s reach away from Santa Ana in these top cities.

1. Irvine

Average commute to Santa Ana: 15 min
Median home sale price: $1,668,000
Average rent: $3,457

Irvine is great for: Education, technology jobs, friendly environment, parks and recreation

Irvine is a master-planned city known for its high quality of life and excellent educational institutions, including the University of California, Irvine. The city boasts numerous parks and green spaces, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Irvine Spectrum Center is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, attracting both locals and visitors.

The city’s economy is bolstered by a strong presence of technology and semiconductor companies, contributing to a robust job market. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with access to top-rated schools, quality neighborhoods, and a variety of community events. Irvine is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives, enhancing its appeal as a place to live and work.

Interested in moving to Irvine? Check out:
Homes for sale in Irvine, CA | Apartments for rent in Irvine, CA | Houses for rent in Irvine, CA

2. Anaheim

Average commute to Santa Ana: 20 min
Median home sale price: $800,000
Average rent: $2,072

Anaheim is great for: Entertainment, tourism, diverse dining options, sports

Anaheim is famously home to Disneyland Resort, making it a major tourist destination. The city also features the Anaheim Convention Center, which hosts numerous events and conventions throughout the year. Angel Stadium and the Honda Center are popular venues for sports and concerts, adding to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Anaheim’s economy thrives on tourism, hospitality, and entertainment industries, providing ample job opportunities. The city offers a diverse range of dining options, from international cuisine to local favorites. Residents enjoy a lively lifestyle with access to various cultural and recreational activities, making Anaheim an exciting place to live.

Interested in moving to Anaheim? Check out:
Homes for sale in Anaheim, CA | Apartments for rent in Anaheim, CA | Houses for rent in Anaheim, CA

3. Huntington Beach

Average commute to Santa Ana: 25 min
Median home sale price: $1,293,500
Average rent: $2,350

Huntington Beach is great for: Surfing, beach lifestyle, outdoor activities, community events

Huntington Beach, also known as “Surf City USA,” is renowned for its beautiful beaches and surfing culture. The Huntington Beach Pier is a landmark that attracts both locals and tourists, offering stunning ocean views and a variety of dining options. The city hosts numerous events, including the annual U.S. Open of Surfing, adding to its vibrant community vibe.

The local economy benefits from tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors, providing a range of employment opportunities. Residents enjoy a laid-back beach lifestyle with access to outdoor activities such as surfing, biking, and beach volleyball. Huntington Beach is also known for its strong sense of community and numerous parks and recreational facilities.

Interested in moving to Huntington Beach? Check out:
Homes for sale in Huntington Beach, CA | Apartments for rent in Huntington Beach, CA | Houses for rent in Huntington Beach, CA

4. Costa Mesa

Average commute to Santa Ana: 10 min
Median home sale price: $1,413,500
Average rent: $2,624

Costa Mesa is great for: Arts and culture, shopping, dining, outdoor activities

Costa Mesa is a vibrant city known for its arts and cultural scene, with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts being a major attraction. South Coast Plaza, one of the largest shopping centers in the country, offers a wide range of high-end retail stores and dining options. The city’s numerous parks and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

The economy in Costa Mesa is diverse, with strong retail, hospitality, and arts sectors. Residents enjoy a dynamic lifestyle with access to cultural events, fine dining, and a variety of entertainment options. Costa Mesa is also known for its community-oriented atmosphere and numerous festivals and events throughout the year.

Interested in moving to Costa Mesa? Check out:
Homes for sale in Costa Mesa, CA | Apartments for rent in Costa Mesa, CA | Houses for rent in Costa Mesa, CA

5. Tustin

Average commute to Santa Ana: 10 min
Median home sale price: $877,500
Average rent: $3,555

Tustin is great for: Historic charm, welcoming environment, parks and recreation

Tustin is a city that combines historic charm with modern amenities. Old Town Tustin features preserved historic buildings and a variety of shops and restaurants, creating a quaint and welcoming atmosphere. The city is home to numerous parks and recreational facilities, making it ideal for outdoor activities and events.

The local economy is supported by retail, education, and healthcare sectors, providing a stable job market. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with access to top-rated schools, great neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. Tustin is also known for its annual events and festivals, which bring the community together and celebrate the city’s heritage.

Interested in moving to Tustin? Check out:
Homes for sale in Tustin, CA | Apartments for rent in Tustin, CA | Houses for rent in Tustin, CA

6. Garden Grove

Average commute to Santa Ana: 15 min
Median home sale price: $979,500
Average rent: $2,125

Garden Grove is great for: Cultural diversity, community events, parks and recreation

Garden Grove is a culturally diverse city known for its vibrant community and numerous parks. The city hosts the annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, one of the largest community festivals in the western United States. The historic Main Street offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, adding to the city’s charm.

The economy in Garden Grove is supported by retail, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, providing a range of job opportunities. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with access to quality schools, good neighborhoods, and a variety of community events. Garden Grove is also known for its strong sense of community and numerous cultural festivals and events.

Interested in moving to Garden Grove? Check out:
Homes for sale in Garden Grove, CA | Apartments for rent in Garden Grove, CA | Houses for rent in Garden Grove, CA

7. Fullerton

Average commute to Santa Ana: 20 min
Median home sale price: $1,042,500
Average rent: $2,200

Fullerton is great for: Education, arts and culture, historic charm

Fullerton is a city known for its educational institutions, including California State University, Fullerton. The city boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with the Muckenthaler Cultural Center and Fullerton Museum Center being popular attractions. Downtown Fullerton offers a mix of historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, creating a lively atmosphere.

The local economy is supported by education, healthcare, and retail sectors, providing a stable job market. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with access to quality schools, and a variety of cultural and recreational activities. Fullerton is also known for its historic charm and numerous community events and festivals.

Interested in moving to Fullerton? Check out:
Homes for sale in Fullerton, CA | Apartments for rent in Fullerton, CA | Houses for rent in Fullerton, CA

8. Orange

Average commute to Santa Ana: 10 min
Median home sale price: $1,110,000
Average rent: $3,367

Orange is great for: Historic charm, friendly environment, parks and recreation

Orange is a city known for its historic charm and friendly environment. Old Towne Orange, a historic district, features preserved buildings, antique shops, and a variety of dining options, creating a quaint and welcoming atmosphere. The city is home to numerous parks and recreational facilities, making it ideal for outdoor activities and events.

The local economy is supported by retail, education, and healthcare sectors, providing a stable job market. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with access to top-rated schools, quality neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. Orange is also known for its annual events and festivals, which bring the community together and celebrate the city’s heritage.

Interested in moving to Orange? Check out:
Homes for sale in Orange, CA | Apartments for rent in Orange, CA | Houses for rent in Orange, CA

9. Westminster

Average commute to Santa Ana: 20 min
Median home sale price: $1,070,000

Westminster is great for: Cultural diversity, community events, parks and recreation

Westminster is a culturally diverse city known for its vibrant community and numerous parks. The city is home to Little Saigon, a bustling district with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Westminster hosts numerous community events and festivals, adding to its lively atmosphere.

The local economy is supported by retail, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, providing a range of job opportunities. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with access to quality schools, great neighborhoods, and a variety of community events. Westminster is also known for its strong sense of community and numerous cultural festivals and events.

Interested in moving to Westminster? Check out:
Homes for sale in Westminster, CA | Apartments for rent in Westminster, CA | Houses for rent in Westminster, CA

10. Lake Forest

Average commute to Santa Ana: 25 min
Median home sale price: $1,205,000
Average rent: $2,364

Lake Forest is great for: Parks and recreation, friendly environment, community events

Lake Forest is a city known for its numerous parks and recreational facilities, making it ideal for outdoor activities and events. The city features the Lake Forest Sports Park and Recreation Center, which offers a variety of sports and recreational programs. The city’s two man-made lakes, Lake Forest Beach and Sun and Sail Club, provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities.

The local economy is supported by retail, healthcare, and technology sectors, providing a stable job market. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with access to top-rated schools, great neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. Lake Forest is also known for its annual events and festivals, which bring the community together and celebrate the city’s heritage.

Interested in moving to Lake Forest? Check out:
Homes for sale in Lake Forest, CA | Apartments for rent in Lake Forest, CA | Houses for rent in Lake Forest, CA

Methodology: All cities are less than 50 miles away from Santa Ana. Median home sale price and rent data sourced from Redfin and Rent.com during June, 2024.

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