South Coast Metro

Santa Ana, CA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$895,000 (Santa Ana overall, June 2025); South Coast Metro typically trends slightly above city average due to proximity to amenities and newer developments.
Median Home Price
60–70 (moderate; higher near South Coast Plaza and arts district)
Walkability Score
Generally above average for Santa Ana; Segerstrom High is highly rated.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bordered by the 405 Freeway to the south, Bristol Street to the east, Segerstrom Avenue to the north, and Harbor Boulevard to the west. Includes the area surrounding South Coast Plaza and Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

Zip Codes

9270492707

Market Data Summary

Price RangeCondos/townhomes: $450,000–$700,000; Single-family homes: $850,000–$1,250,000+
Price per Sq Ft$617 (Santa Ana, June 2025)
Inventory LevelsLow to moderate; new mixed-use developments are increasing supply but demand remains high[1].

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesCondosTownhomesLuxury apartments

Architectural Styles

Mid-century modernContemporarySpanish revivalCalifornia ranch

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes3,000–7,000 sq ft for single-family homes; smaller for condos/townhomes.
Home Age Range1960s–1980s for original homes; 2000s–2020s for newer/mixed-use developments.
Construction QualityGenerally high, especially in newer developments and luxury complexes; older homes may require updates.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees; strong Hispanic and Asian communities.

Community Vibe

Urban-suburban blend; vibrant, culturally rich, and increasingly upscale due to ongoing redevelopment[1].

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Families
  • Empty nesters
  • Commuters

Family Friendly

Yes; proximity to parks, schools, and cultural amenities.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Carl Thornton Park
  • Segerstrom Center for the Arts
  • Nearby bike trails

Dining Options

  • Fine dining at South Coast Plaza
  • International cuisine on Bristol St
  • Trendy cafes

Shopping Centers

  • South Coast Plaza
  • Metro Pointe at South Coast
  • The LAB Anti-Mall (nearby)

Local Businesses

  • Coffee shops
  • Boutique fitness studios
  • Professional services

Education & Schools

Generally above average for Santa Ana; Segerstrom High is highly rated.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Greenville Elementary
  • Monroe Elementary

Middle Schools

  • McFadden Intermediate

High Schools

  • Segerstrom High School
  • Valley High School

Private Schools

  • Mater Dei High School (nearby)
  • Calvary Chapel Schools

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • OC Streetcar (under construction)
  • OCTA bus lines

Major Roads

  • 405 Freeway
  • Bristol Street
  • Harbor Boulevard

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times15–25 minutes to Irvine, 20–30 minutes to Newport Beach, 45–60 minutes to downtown LA (rush hour dependent).
WalkabilityModerate; car recommended for most errands but walkable near major centers.
ParkingGood in residential areas; can be limited near South Coast Plaza during peak hours.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Dual-income professionals
  • Young families
  • Investors
  • Empty nesters seeking amenities

Key Selling Points

  • Access to world-class shopping and dining
  • Upcoming mixed-use developments
  • Strong appreciation potential
  • Cultural and recreational amenities

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively; homes in move-in condition command premium. Staging and minor updates can yield strong ROI.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High cost of living and home prices

Response Strategy:

Emphasize long-term appreciation, rental demand, and quality of life improvements from redevelopment.

Objection: Traffic congestion and car dependency

Response Strategy:

Highlight upcoming transit projects (OC Streetcar, Southeast Gateway Line) and walkability near key hubs.

Objection: Older homes may need updates

Response Strategy:

Point to new construction options and value-add potential in updating mid-century homes.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong, driven by ongoing redevelopment and infrastructure improvements[1].

Rental Demand

High, especially for condos and apartments near South Coast Plaza and major employers.

Buyer Competition

Intense; multiple offers common on well-priced homes.

Best For

  • Move-up buyers
  • Young professionals
  • Investors seeking appreciation

Potential Concerns

  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Limited walkability in some areas

Professional Recommendations

1

Stay informed on new development timelines and incentives.

2

Network with leasing agents for rental comps and investor leads.

3

Emphasize lifestyle and future growth in all marketing.

4

Leverage virtual tours and social media to reach remote buyers.

5

Prepare for multiple-offer situations; coach buyers on competitive strategies.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Irvine Business District
  • Costa Mesa (SoBeCa/Westside)
  • Tustin Legacy

Market Positioning

Upscale, amenity-rich, and transit-connected alternative to pricier Orange County markets.

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower price point than Irvine
  • Superior shopping/dining to Costa Mesa
  • More urban amenities than Tustin

Price Comparison

~30% less expensive than Irvine; slightly higher than central Santa Ana or Costa Mesa.

Investment Metrics

3.5%–4.5% for condos/townhomes; 3%–4% for single-family homes (2025 estimates)
Cap Rates
4%–5% gross annual yield for well-located condos/apartments
Rental Yields
~18–20 (favorable for long-term appreciation, less so for pure cash flow)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for condos/townhomes with 20%+ down; break-even or slightly negative for single-family homes at current prices.
Cash Flow
5%–7% annual appreciation projected over next 3 years, driven by redevelopment and infrastructure.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to price, but condos/townhomes offer entry points; highlight down payment assistance and future growth.

Move-Up Buyers

Strong appeal; larger homes and new builds available, plus lifestyle upgrades.

Downsizers

Luxury condos and walkable amenities attract empty nesters; emphasize low-maintenance living.

Investors

High rental demand and appreciation; focus on condos and new mixed-use units.

Relocators

Central location, access to jobs, and amenities make it attractive for those moving from LA or other OC cities.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

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

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