Tucked in the northwest section of Orange County sits La Palma, the smallest city in the county at a total area of 1.83 square miles. But despite its small size, it offers its nearly 16,000 residents as much as cities much bigger than it. “A lot of people like it because it’s convenient to LA and Orange County, plus it’s got its own police department, its own hospital and a library, which is rare for a city that small,” says Kimberly Bogan, Realtor with The Whitney Team, First Team Real Estate.
An entrance sign to the city of La Palma.
The 38 bus will take you to Lakewood or Anaheim Hills.
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A large range of housing styles
Potential buyers will find single-family homes in a range of styles, built primarily in the 1960s and 1970s, including minimal traditional, prairie and ranch-style. There are also some 1990s and 2000s builds sprinkled throughout the area with Spanish-style influences like barrel-tile roofs and domed windows. Homes sit on neatly manicured lots, with landscaped front yards and short driveways leading to two-car garages. Lots are a bit small, so you'll be sitting close to your neighbors, but most side yards feature clusters of small trees and drought-resistant plant life, aiding in privacy as well as providing pops of greenery. Streets bend and curve, often ending in cul-de-sacs and sidewalks are plentiful, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Prices for single-family homes range from around $550,000 for 1,000 square feet to nearly $1.5 million for 2,700 square feet. If you’re looking for a condo or townhome, you can find those bundled near the southernmost part of the city, with prices ranging from $425,000 for 900 square feet to $820,000 for 1,800 square feet.
A variety of home styles sit side by side in La Palma.
Cul de sacs and prairie homes can be found in La Palma.
La Palma has lovely ranch style homes on quiet streets.
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A-rated schools
Students in La Palma have several options for school, including faith-based private and public schools. One of those public schools is John F. Kennedy High, which serves approximately 2,500 students between ninth and twelfth grades and scores a nine out of 10 on students’ test scores on GreatSchools. Niche gives the school an A-plus. Kennedy High offers the Cypress College Dual Enrollment program which enables students to earn college credit for free while still in high school. Kennedy High also has an award-winning athletics department, with many teams winning CIF SS championships, including the boys’ volleyball team in 2017 and the boys’ baseball team in 2019. Steve Luther Elementary School has an A-minus Niche rating and Walker Junior High School has an B-plus score.
The entrance sign at JFK High in La Palma.
The Steve Luther Elementary School in Cypress, home of the Lions.
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Central Park offers numerous amenities
In the center of La Palma, you’ll find the aptly named Central Park, where residents often head to for fresh air, sunshine and community. Amid the trees and abundant green space, there are galore: lighted tennis and basketball courts, a lighted softball field and two playgrounds for the kids, one for older children and one tot lot. There is an amphitheater where the city regularly hosts free events like live music and there are plenty of picnic tables throughout the park to enjoy a meal outside with friends and family. Located on the premises is a community center with rentable event rooms and parking is easy with the large lot just off Walker Street.
Shooting hoops in Central Park in La Palma.
There is a gazebo and small amphitheatre at Central Park in La Palma.
Co ed Flag football in Central Park, La Palma.
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A vibrant shopping scene
For groceries and everyday essentials, there is Super 1 Mart and Walmart, both located off La Palma Avenue near the middle of the city. For dining, head to local favorite Mhat Korean Restaurant for authentic Korean cuisine. Both locals and foodies from across Orange County flock to this tiny spot off Moody Street for their chicken hot pot dish, loaded with chicken thigh meat, perilla leaves, onions and carrots. There are also familiar favorites like In-N-Out and Taco Bell, off Valley View Street. For retail therapy, head to the Los Cerritos Center shopping mall in nearby Cerritos for traditional mall offerings like Nordstrom, Forever 21, Abercrombie & Fitch and Apple.
Come into Super 1 Mart for grocery and other shopping needs.
CA-91 access
With its proximity to the CA-91 freeway, you'll be close to so much that southern California has to offer: 10 miles from Disneyland, 11 miles from the Pacific Ocean and just 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles.
The 91 Freeway runs through La Palma.
Central Park also offers events
In the center of La Palma, you’ll find the aptly named Central Park, where residents often head to for fresh air, sunshine and community. Amid the trees and abundant green space, there are amenities galore: lighted tennis and basketball courts, a lighted softball field and two playgrounds for the kids, one for older children and one tot lot. There is an amphitheater where the city regularly hosts free events like live music and there are plenty of picnic tables throughout the park to enjoy a meal outside with friends and family. Located on the premises is a community center with rentable event rooms and parking is easy with the large lot just off Walker Street.
Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Michael Rutt
Video By
Lucas Dyke
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dustin Wise,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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