Anaheim

Originally part of Nohl Ranch, Anaheim Hills was established as a planned community in 1971. Located on the east side of the city of Anaheim, this premier neighborhood is known for encompassing green space and outdoor recreational opportunities, highly rated public schools and suburban homes that dot the hillsides. With panoramic views of Mount Baldy, Big Bear Mountain or the Santiago Peak, Anaheim Hills residents enjoy peaceful and scenic suburban living while having renowned attractions and entertainment venues close by. “Anaheim Hills is its own world up here on the hills; it’s centrally located in Orange County with a nice address,” says Travis Fairweather, a Realtor at First Team Real Estate with 14 years of experience and an Anaheim Hills resident for 30 years. “I see a lot of homeownership pride here; The HOA and landscaping crew are out in the neighborhood every single weekday, and the neighborhood stays the way it was, if not better. Everyone upkeeps or upgrades their properties and people here really care about their homes.”<br><br>“There are lots of gated communities and many homes have stellar views of snow-covered mountain peaks. Plus, there is no Mello-Roos Tax,” Fairweather says. Towering sycamores, oaks, eucalyptus and palm trees paint the tropical landscape, and area residences are often designed with Mediterranean and Tuscan influence, including stucco or moonstone exteriors with terra cotta tile roofs. The starting point for a single-family home is around $650,000, and houses under 2,000 square feet are usually under $1 million. Properties around 3,000 square feet with mountain views may list for around $2 million, while privately gated, sprawling French Provincial and Tudor-inspired estates over 4,000 square feet can fetch over $4 million. Peralta Hills and Copa De Oro, two of the most exclusive communities, offer half an acre to 1 acre lots, with most chateau-like villas having private pools and tennis courts. Roads in these areas are often narrow and windy, with no sidewalks or streetlights. While two-bedroom condos start at $500,000, townhouses are often priced between $600,000 and $900,000. <br><br>“Anaheim Hills is the mecca of mountain biking, and there are bike racks and tools attached to cables for hikers along the trails,” Fairweather says. Residents can enjoy one of the 15 mountain biking trails that meander throughout the area, including the Hidden Canyon Trail. Horseback riders are spotted practicing at the Anaheim Hills Saddle Club or riding the myriad equine trails in the neighborhood; popular riding destinations include Deer Canyon Park and the Anaheim Hills Trail. Yorba Regional Park sits adjacent to the Santa Ana River and provides 140 acres of ball fields, green space, picnic areas with over 400 tables and additional trails for horse riding, biking and hiking. People may also enjoy paddling, sailing or fishing at the park’s four connected lakes. The 16-acre Ronald Reagan Park sits atop a hill, offering sports fields, courts, playgrounds and picnic areas. Families can bring their children to Oak Canyon Nature Center for a short hike or visit the onsite John J. Collier Interpretive Center for exhibits on natural history. Golfers may also book tee times at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course or Green River Golf Club.<br><br>Prospective primary schools include Anaheim Hills Elementary School and Crescent Elementary School, both of which have an A Niche rating. El Rancho Charter Middle School has an A-minus, while Canyon High School scores an A and offers academic pathways in aviation and film production as well as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. “The high school recently had a $40 million upgrade for expansion and added new academic programs,” Fairweather says. “People really like the public schools, and they feel confident their children can do well there.”<br><br>The local shopping center, Anaheim Hills Festival, is home to Target, Vons and the popular barbeque restaurant Wood Ranch. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, which is also located at the plaza, offers patio seating and serves casual gastropub fare. Additional grocery store options include Ralphs and Mother's Market & Kitchen, which carries health-focused, organic produce. Nearby shopping destinations include The Market Place, Irvine Spectrum Center and the premier South Coast Plaza, all located within 30 miles of the neighborhood. <br><br>On weekends, families can visit Disneyland Park and Knott’s Berry Farm. Nearby museums include the Discovery Cube Orange County, which offers science exhibits for children, and the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center focuses on preserving the region’s heritage and culture through art. Sports fans may catch a baseball game at the Angel Stadium or a hockey tournament at the Honda Center, both of which are in Anaheim. Additional events include movie series at the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center and the Orange County Japan Fair in Costa Mesa. <br><br>“The beauty of Anaheim Hills is once you get off the freeway you are home in 5 minutes,” Fairweather says. Conveniently situated near several highways, Anaheim Hills is about 20 miles away from John Wayne Airport via California State Route 55, and Irvine is a 19-mile drive through California State Route 261. For trips down to the beach, Newport Beach and Corona Del Mar are both about 25 miles away, while Orange and Santa Ana can be accessed with local streets. The Orange County - Anaheim Medical Center is about 8 miles to the west.

It's no wonder why anyone would want to live on the doorstep of The Happiest Place on Earth, but the park serves different functions for the mixed populace of The Anaheim Resort. "Some people love Disneyland so much that they want to live by it. I have friends who have houses there just because they love Disney," says lifelong Orange County resident and Realtor Rick Lee. "But it's also a place where a lot of people in the area work. It provides a lot of employment, so being close to it is attractive." He explains that it's also a reasonable commute to LA, so people who work in LA but don't want to live there might opt for Orange County instead. With Disneyland, Angel Stadium, major shopping centers and many restaurants nearby, there's always plenty to do. Plus, "You can wear flip-flops and shorts 24/7," Lee says.<br>The Anaheim Resort has ample outdoor space for residents to spend time outside at spots like Ponderosa Park and Pioneer Park. In addition to a large, colorful playground and a splash pad, Ponderosa Park has additional athletic facilities like baseball fields and a skatepark, and it has an expansive shaded picnic area with lots of tables. Ponderosa Park is also home to the Ponderosa Park Family Resource Center, which provides extensive programming and resources to residents. The center has bilingual staff on site who assess the needs of families and provide them with human services and programs that best suit them. Some of the center's ongoing programming includes ESL classes, a Women, Infant and Children program, which provides supplemental food, nutrition education and breastfeeding support, and food distribution. They also host events like family arts and crafts nights and seasonal celebrations to foster a sense of community amongst Anaheim families. Some residents also spend time at Pioneer Park, which is on the neighborhood's south side and has baseball diamonds and a playground.<br>Though the area's flooded with all-American fast-casual and fast-food chains, The Anaheim Resort residents still have their pick of local dining options like Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles, a casual, LA-based soul food restaurant, and Teppanyaki Grill Supreme Buffet, which has Chinese, Japanese and American cuisines. For a sweet treat, they head to Joe's Italian Ice, and for shopping, they go to The Outlets at Orange, an open-air outlet mall with 25 restaurants, an indoor skatepark and a movie theater. For groceries, most shop at the nearby Vons, Walmart Neighborhood Market or El Super, a Mexico-based supermarket chain.<br>Housing in The Anaheim Resort is generally modest, mostly low-rise condos and other multifamily dwellings. "I see a lot of multigenerational families in this neighborhood," Lee says. "You'll have grandma living with the kids or aunts and uncles." There are some single-family homes in the neighborhood, typically bungalows or ranch-style homes, as well as some manufactured homes, generally belonging to communities with shared amenities. The neighborhood's south end has the highest concentration of single-family homes, often with Spanish tile, front-facing garages and palm trees lining the sidewalks along the streets. Prices in The Anaheim Resort start around $115,000 for a manufactured home and get as high as $2 million for a multiunit investment property. For most two- to three-bedroom condos and single-family homes, buyers should expect to spend between $600,000 and $1 million, depending on the property's age, size and condition. The median overall price is $700,000.<br>The Anaheim Resort is located along Interstate 5, which residents can take about 30 miles northwest to get to downtown Los Angeles. “A lot of people have to work in LA but don’t want to live in LA,” Lee says. “Being in Anaheim, you’re not that far.” The Anaheim Transportation Network serves area residents with various transportation and mobility services, including Free Rides Around the Neighborhood and rides to the airport in all-electric vans. The John Wayne Airport is only 11 miles away, and the UCI Medical Center is less than a mile away.<br>Students in The Anaheim Resort attend Ponderosa Elementary School, which received a C-minus on the educational review site, Niche; South Junior High School, which received a C; and Katella High School, which received a B. Katella High School partners with Fullerton College to allow students to take free college courses while still in high school. Parents can also send their children to the nearby Christ Cathedral Academy, a Catholic school that enrolls preschool through eighth-grade students.<br>Aside from the area's top attraction, The Anaheim Resort residents still have plenty of things to do. Residents catch baseball games at Angel Stadium, hockey games and concerts at the Honda Center and additional live music at area venues like City National Grove of Anaheim, House of Blues Anaheim and Garden Amp.

With The Happiest Place on Earth right next door, it’s no surprise that West Anaheim has some Disney magic in the air. “I lived in the neighborhood for a long time, and one of the perks was being able to take my kids to Disney so easily a couple of times per year,” says Laura Lazaro, who has 17 years of real estate experience in the area. “You also have a lot of people who work at Disney and live I West Anaheim because it’s so close to work.” The neighborhood serves as a quiet and more suburban counterpart to downtown Anaheim, which features dozens of hotels full of tourists trying to get a glimpse of Mickey Mouse. Disney is not the only reason residents are drawn to life in West Anaheim. The neighborhood is only 20 miles from Huntington Beach and 15 miles from Long Beach. <br><br>With Disneyland right down the road, it’s no surprise that locals take advantage of the proximity with a few visits per year. However, there is another amusement park located in West Anaheim, as Adventure City serves as an alternative for those who don’t want to hassle with the lines and prices of a Disney visit. The neighborhood is also home to the 27-acre Twila Reid Park, which features a full disc golf course, youth soccer fields and playgrounds for children. Maxwell Park is a favorite spot for picnics with community grills, and there is an exercise course for adults. The Maxwell Dog Park ensures that even the family pup can stretch their paws.<br><br>West Anaheim is a dense suburban neighborhood where homes are clustered on close-together lots. “It’s a very densely populated area,” says Lazaro. “But you don’t feel on top of one another.” Nearly 60% of the population in the neighborhood rents, so apartment complexes are prominent in the area. Most single-family homes are in neighborhoods located just off busy roads. Many are ranch-style homes from the 1950s with multi-car garages providing private parking. Older homes have a price point of $600,000, while recently remodeled builds are on the market for well over $1 million. Well-manicured lawns provide greenery to the neighborhood, while wide sidewalks make it easy for residents and pets to exercise on long walks. Homes are primarily stucco builds with shingle roofs, often featuring private pools. Condos and townhomes are also available in the neighborhood, with prices ranging from $450,000 to nearly $900,000. <br><br>There is no shortage of options when it comes to cuisine in West Anaheim. On Ball Road alone, there are dozens of eateries ranging from Japanese steakhouses to Ethiopian restaurants to Mexican taco stands. On the corner of Ball Road and Beach Boulevard is Glee Donuts & Burgers, which has become a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Coffee and fresh juices pair perfectly with hearty donuts and sandwiches. The neighborhood’s south end on Katella Avenue features multiple Mexican restaurants as well as spots serving traditional American fare. Locals have access to Target and Ralph’s for grocery needs, while just north of the neighborhood, North Anaheim has plenty of big box national retailers that will make shopping easy. <br><br>Kids in West Anaheim attend the Magnolia School District, beginning at Walt Disney Elementary School. There’s nothing goofy about the academics at Walt Disney Elementary, as the school earns an A-minus rating from Niche and was named one of California’s Standout Elementary Schools. Next, students attend Anaheim Union High School District for middle school and high school. Dale Jr. High School has a B-minus Niche grade, while Magnolia High has a B rating and is noted for having a diverse student population and strong college prep programs. <br><br>Commuters have access to Interstate 5, which runs directly up to downtown Los Angeles and down to Santa Ana. In addition, Interstate 405 can take residents to Long Beach in just over 40 minutes. The Anaheim Transportation Network provides bus service in and around Anaheim, while the organization also provides free rides around West Anaheim.

Also known as the Anaheim Colony Historic District, The Colony encompasses roughly the same borders as those of the original German colony that was founded here in the mid-nineteenth century. During the late 1990s, the City of Anaheim adopted the historically focused name for the neighborhood and established preservation measures that would help to ensure that it would retain many of its historical structures and unique character. Following the boom years that were experienced for decades across the entire region after the opening of Disneyland in the mid-1950s, Downtown Anaheim, like many cities across the nation, experienced urban decay beginning in the 1970s. By the turn of the twenty-first century, however, serious revitalization efforts by the city helped to transform this community into the eclectic, vibrant and trendy mix of urban living that it is today. “The central location is great if you really want to enjoy what the city has to offer,” says local Realtor James Randolph of Candid Real Estate, says, “There are tons of attractions, from nationally famous spots Disneyland and Angel Stadium to smaller spots like The Grove," a popular music venue that hosts local, national and international acts.<br><br>The Colony has a mix of both renters and those who own their own homes. The housing stock in the neighborhood ranges from small bungalows and craftsman houses built in the early twentieth century to modern, amenity-filled condominium structures that have been recently constructed. A 1,400-square-foot townhouse in the neighborhood typically sells for $750,000 to $850,000, while single-family homes in The Colony usually offer between 2,000 and 3,500 square feet, and sell for between $1.1 and $1.5 million.<br><br>This relatively small, square-shaped neighborhood does not lack for choices when it comes to things to do and places to go. Filled with trendy restaurants, bars and upscale, walkable shopping districts, The Colony has something for everyone. From the photo-worthy Packing House, a former citrus warehouse-turned food hall, to the shops and restaurants of the historic Center Street Promenade, there is much that has been carefully redeveloped in the neighborhood. Given its origins as the center of the original Anaheim, the community also has museums and historic sites such as the Mother Colony House, the Muzeo Museum and the Anaheim Heritage Center. There is also a public ice-skating rink and several parks dotting the community, while the neighborhood has no shortage of grocery stores and pharmacies to serve residents as well. <br><br>The Downtown Anaheim Association hosts a series of regular events in the neighborhood throughout the year. One of the most popular is its weekly Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market, but it also hosts regular movie nights, pet adoption events, street markets, fitness events, children’s play opportunities and much more. There are also regular events at the Muzeo Museum and at other venues throughout the neighborhood. <br><br>While The Colony could never be accused of being the greenest section of the city, the one major exception is Pearson Park. This 20-acre community space is located in the northwestern quadrant of the neighborhood, opened nearly a century ago as Anaheim’s first city park in the 1920s and currently offers recreational opportunities for people of all ages. The park even houses Anaheim’s only public pool, in addition to a range of sports fields and playgrounds for children. The park’s historic feel gives it an extra bit of charm as well. The area has a number of additional, much smaller parks as well, mostly located in the southwestern section of the neighborhood and generally provide a playing field or two and playgrounds for children. <br><br>The local public schools are overseen by Anaheim Unified School District, and include Westmont Elementary and Sycamore Junior High. Anaheim High School, located in the neighborhood, is the third oldest high school in Orange County and has a B grade on Niche.<br><br>The Colony’s central location also makes it particularly ideal as a starting point to get almost anywhere in Anaheim and across Orange County and Southern California. A trip to Los Angeles to the northwest or San Diego to the south is relatively easy from the neighborhood. Despite its label as ‘downtown,’ the neighborhood is now largely residential and most major employers operate from elsewhere in Anaheim and beyond. <br><br>The Colony is highly walkable, making a visit to the shops and restaurants of the neighborhood easy by foot. The surrounding region is well-served by a significant system of freeways and roads so, in spite of its walkability, residents will require a car to get around. John Wayne Airport is about 16 miles south of Downtown Anaheim and LAX, in Los Angeles, is about 35 miles to the northwest.<br><br>While much of Southern California in general has the long-held reputation of being essentially suburban, made up of quiet and well-planned cookie-cutter neighborhoods, The Colony has its own unique vibe. Unlike much of the surrounding region, the neighborhood is very walkable and the wide range of trendy restaurants, bars, breweries and shops that serve the community give the neighborhood a vibrancy and uniqueness that is often difficult to come by in a region that is largely suburban.

In the heart of Orange County, at the center of big-name musical acts and major league baseball, Platinum Triangle has emerged as one of Anaheim’s most sought-after communities for high-end, big-city living. Earning its name from several of Southern California’s top attractions – Angel Stadium, The Grove of Anaheim and Honda Center – the neighborhood treats residents to endless entertainment. Beyond that, the rapidly growing Platinum Triangle is the central hub for innovative businesses, a vibrant shopping and dining scene and major employers like Kaiser Foundation Hospital, the City of Anaheim and Disneyland Resort, only a stone's throw away. <br><br>The neighborhood mainly offers luxury condos ranging from $425,000 to $980,000, with most built in the early 2010s. Construction of new homes is underway, along with mixed-use projects, giving residents a convenient way to live and work without leaving the immediate area. Industrial buildings have been replaced by millions of square feet of residential development, and a total of about 18,000 units are ultimately planned for this area. The contemporary condos in The Stadium Lofts development are within walking distance of Angel Stadium, close to shopping and the Honda Center and offer access to a clubhouse, community pool and sauna. With the Santa Ana River as its backdrop and palm trees peppering the landscape, Platinum Triangle treats residents to a breezy California vibe in the center of all the action.<br><br>While most amenities are within walking distance, Interstate 5 and California State Routes 57 and 22 border the Platinum Triangle, making it convenient to get around the region. 1-5 gets residents to Disneyland in 3 miles, Downtown Anaheim in 4 miles, and the Fullerton Municipal Airport in 8 miles. The nearest hospital is UCI Medical Center, only 1-mile away. Bikeways also serve the area, and ARTIC public transit provides rail, bus, and taxi services for residents to travel throughout Southern California easily.<br><br>At the heart of a bustling entertainment area, Platinum Triangle residents have endless opportunities for fun. Cheer on the Los Angeles Angels at Angels Stadium, or head to Honda Center to watch major musical acts, comedy shows and the Anaheim Ducks, the city’s National Hockey League team, play. If residents crave a magical adventure, Disneyland, the city’s largest employer, and all its attractions are just a short drive away. The neighborhood is also home to City National Grove of Anaheim, an indoor live music venue that has played host to icons like B.B. King, Bob Dylan and more. For residents who want to venture out into nature, head to Jacaranda Park to shoot hoops, play bocce ball or work up a sweat at its fitness stations. It’s also home to the area’s first dog park. Kids will enjoy Magnolia and Coral Tree Parks, and for a unique outdoor experience, Aloe Greens is the place to be. With a fountain that lights up at night, the park offers foosball, ping pong, checkers and an elevated plaza to stroll through on those balmy California days. <br><br>For tasty eats, enjoy upscale Hawaiian fusion at Roy’s Restaurant or seafood specialties at California Fish Grill. Fuel up in the morning at LAMILL Coffee, and for some serious spice, head to Dave’s Hot Chicken for Nashville-style hot fried chicken sandwiches, sliders and more. After that, enjoy a pint at Brewheim, which offers a diverse selection of over 20 craft beers, tabletop games and comfort snacks. For shopping, residents are less than 2 miles from The Outlets at Orange, an outdoor mall with over 25 restaurants, an indoor skate park, a movie theater, abundant high-end boutiques and other retailers. Platinum Triangle is only 2 miles from Walmart and Anaheim Marketplace for essentials, and for nightlife, hit up Lopez & Lefty’s for Mexican-inspired eats and beers or Bar 1030 for cocktails. <br><br>Served by the Anaheim City School District, local students attend Paul Revere Elementary, South Junior High and Katella High School. Both the elementary and middle schools received a C from Niche. Paul Revere offers STEAM curriculum, environmental field trips and a Dual Language Immersion Academy. Earning a B from Niche, Katella High offers soccer and baseball teams, cycling and photo clubs and a social issues program.

North Anaheim is a neighborhood where tradition meets innovation, producing a landscape that brings together California's rich history with its contemporary aspirations. It's a pocket of Anaheim that remains both intimate and expansive, offering its residents an ever-evolving range of experiences without sacrificing community values. “The neighborhood is surprisingly walkable, which is something people around here really love,” says local Realtor and Anaheim native Brittnie Aver of First Team Real Estate. “And people are really just very nice around here — ‘City of Kindness’ is more than just the town motto, it’s how people live in Anaheim.”<br><br>Over the years, North Anaheim has gracefully matured from its agrarian roots, embracing change while preserving its historical essence. Today, it stands as a testament to what communities can achieve when they honor their past while keeping a keen eye on the future.<br><br>The residential areas in North Anaheim reflect Southern California's architectural evolution over the last 70 years. From homes overflowing with mid-century charm to modern condos, there are homes suited to a wide variety of tastes. Properties in North Anaheim can go for anywhere from $600,000 for a quaint 900-square-foot ranch or condo up to $1.1 million for an updated 4-bed two-bath Spanish-style home. No matter what part of the neighborhood you’re in, you’re probably close to shopping, dining, and the freeways. <br><br>While neighboring areas boast world-famous attractions, North Anaheim's leisure and recreational venues have their unique charm. Community green spaces like La Palma Park and Pioneer Park provide residents with ample opportunities for exercise. Those looking for an all-day outdoor activity should check out the 30-mile Santa Ana River Trail, which runs all the way from the Pacific to Riverside County.<br><br>When it comes to dining in North Anaheim, one can sense the world at their fingertips. The area thrives with an eclectic mix of culinary traditions, from aromatic Asian cuisines in family-owned eateries like Jo Won Noodle House to robust American fare at Iconic Angelo’s Burgers. It's a delightful gastronomic journey that introduces palates to flavors from across the globe, all within the confines of this vibrant neighborhood.<br><br>Shopping in North Anaheim is a delightful blend of convenience and novelty. From well-established retail chains to quaint boutiques offering artisanal wares, the commercial landscape is varied and vibrant. When locals want to do a bit of home cooking, they’re certain to be able to find the ingredients they’re looking for at one of the neighborhood’s many supermarkets, which range from Smart &Final to Latin grocer El Super to beloved Asian superstore 99 Ranch Market. Retail options are similarly diverse — the neighborhood has everything from major department stores like Walmart to local shops like Dulceria Candy Store.<br><br>Education is an important part of life in North Anaheim. The neighborhood’s public schools are run by Anaheim Unified School District. Katella High School counts multiple congressmen among its alumni, along with Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob. Younger students, meanwhile, may attend Sunkist Elementary or Sycamore Junior High School.<br><br>North Anaheim is more than just a geographical entity; it's a living, breathing community. It's where age-old traditions find resonance in modern routines, where every street has a story to tell. It’s a vibrant, exciting neighborhood that’s inextricably linked to the history of Southern California.