Santa Ana

CAOrange County, Greater Los Angeles

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$895,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
~310,000 (2025 est.)
Population
Not specified for 2025; recent estimates ~$75,000–$80,000
Median Income
Santa Ana Unified School District: generally rated average to below average; some standout magnet and charter schools
School District Rating

Market Overview

Property Values

$895,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
$617 (June 2025); $578–$617 range
Price per Sq Ft
+7.8% (June 2025); +5.1% (Zillow, June 2025); +9.2% (Oct 2024)
YoY Change

Market Performance

Days on Market18 days (Zillow, June 2025); 42 days (Oct 2024, up 14% YoY)
Market TypeSeller's market
Months of SupplyNot explicitly stated; inventory remains tight, seller's market

Sales Activity

Sales Volume79 homes sold (Oct 2024, +14.5% YoY)
Metro AreaOrange County, Greater Los Angeles
Population~310,000 (2025 est.)

Economic Indicators

Employment & Growth

Unemployment RateNot specified for Santa Ana; Orange County's job growth projected at 2.9% in 2025
Job Growth Rate2.9% (Orange County, 2025 projection)
Median Household IncomeNot specified for 2025; recent estimates ~$75,000–$80,000

Major Employers

  • County of Orange
  • Santa Ana Unified School District
  • First American Financial
  • Behr Paint
  • Ingram Micro

Demographics

~310,000 (2025 est.)
Population
~32 years (recent estimates)
Median Age
Positive, driven by international immigration (277,468 new CA residents 2021–2024)
Population Growth
~70% high school graduates, ~20% bachelor's degree or higher
Education Level

Family Composition

Predominantly family households; large Hispanic/Latino community

Key Industries

Professional & Business ServicesEducationHealthcareManufacturingRetail

Education

School District

Santa Ana Unified School District: generally rated average to below average; some standout magnet and charter schools
District Rating

Top Schools

  • Middle College High School
  • Godinez Fundamental High School
  • Segerstrom High School

Higher Education

  • Santa Ana College
  • Nearby: UC Irvine, Chapman University

Infrastructure & Development

Major Projects

  • Mixed-use developments combining residential and commercial spaces

Transportation

  • OCTA streetcar project (underway)
  • Upgrades to I-5 and local arterials

Planned Developments

  • Downtown revitalization
  • Expansion of affordable housing and retail centers

Lifestyle & Amenities

Recreation

  • Santa Ana Zoo
  • Bowers Museum
  • Civic Center parks

Dining & Entertainment

  • Downtown Santa Ana Arts District
  • 4th Street Market
  • Local breweries and taquerias

Cultural Attractions

  • Bowers Museum
  • Heritage Museum of Orange County
  • Monthly art walks

Investment Analysis

Investment Opportunities

  • Strong appreciation potential in core neighborhoods
  • Mixed-use and multifamily development
  • Short-term rental demand near downtown

Growth Outlook

Positive, but moderating; demand remains high, but price growth slowing

Market Risks

  • Affordability constraints
  • Potential for higher interest rates
  • Office sector vacancy (14.2% in Q1 2025)

Rental Market

Tight rental market; high demand, especially for multifamily and ADU units

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • Young families
  • First-time buyers
  • Move-up buyers
  • Investors (multifamily, ADU)

Marketing Channels

  • Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com
  • Social media (Instagram, Facebook)
  • Local community events

Pricing Strategies

Price just below recent comps to drive multiple offers in a competitive market

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Homes are too expensive for my budget

Response Strategy:

Highlight down payment assistance, lender programs, and potential for future appreciation

Objection: Competition from cash/investor buyers

Response Strategy:

Advise on strong offer strategies (pre-approval, escalation clauses, flexible closing)

Objection: Concerns about school quality

Response Strategy:

Provide data on top-performing schools and alternative education options (charter, magnet)

Professional Recommendations

1

Stay updated on local inventory and price trends

2

Educate buyers on financing and down payment options

3

Leverage digital marketing and virtual tours

4

Network with local employers and relocation services

5

Highlight Santa Ana's unique cultural and lifestyle amenities

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Anaheim
  • Garden Grove
  • Fullerton

Market Positioning

Santa Ana is positioned as a more affordable alternative to coastal OC cities, with strong appreciation and urban amenities

Competitive Advantages

  • Central location in Orange County
  • Cultural vibrancy and diversity
  • Proximity to major employment hubs

Price Comparison

Santa Ana's median prices are lower than Irvine/Newport Beach, but higher than Garden Grove/Anaheim

Investment Metrics

~4.5%–5.5% for multifamily (2025 est.)
Cap Rates
~4%–5% gross yield for SFR/multifamily
Rental Yields
~22–25 (indicative of strong appreciation, moderate cash flow)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-located multifamily/ADU; SFRs may be cash flow neutral or slightly negative at current prices
Cash Flow
3%–5% annual appreciation expected (2025–2026)
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging affordability; focus on down payment programs, condos, and ADU options

Move-Up Buyers

Leverage equity gains; seek larger homes or better school districts

Downsizers

Interest in low-maintenance condos/townhomes near amenities

Investors

Focus on multifamily, ADU, and mixed-use; strong rental demand

Relocators

Attracted by central location, cultural amenities, and job access

This city analysis was generated using comprehensive market data and AI intelligence.

Market conditions change rapidly - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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