$1,002,588Average Value$656Average Price per Sq Ft56Homes For Sale
Newer master-planned city in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains
Known locally as “RSM,” Rancho Santa Margarita is a master-planned Orange County city at the base of Saddleback Mountain — the highest peak in the Santa Ana range. Set right on State Route 241, within a few miles of several major interstates, RSM is surrounded by sprawling parks and nature preserves and offers lower home prices than Irvine, 19 miles away. The highly rated Saddleback Valley Unified School District draws families with young children, and many residents commute to Irvine and other Orange County cities.
Rancho Santa Margarita Lake Park is a 1.5-acre recreation park in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita.
Residents can enjoy walking and biking around Rancho Santa Margarita Lake in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita.
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Dual language and International Baccalaureate programs
The Saddleback Valley Unified School District is rated an overall A by Niche. District-wide programs include the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years and Diploma Programmes, as well as a Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program.
The teachers and staff are top notch at the City of Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School.
Trabuco Mesa Elementary is a Public K-6 School in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita.
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Toll roads to Irvine
Rancho Santa Margarita is bisected by the Foothill Transportation Corridor (State Route 241), a toll road connecting RSM to Irvine in about 19 miles. Residents primarily rely on their cars to get around, but Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) buses serve the community, and Route 82 travels to the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink Station. Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo is about 8 miles away, and John Wayne Airport is about 20 miles away.
Shopping plazas around Santa Margarita Parkway
Santa Margarita Parkway winds through the city’s commercial corridor, lined with shopping plazas that echo Mediterranean design — terracotta tiles, arched walkways and stone-colored facades. These shopping centers each offer big-name retailers like Target, Trader Joe’s and Kohl’s; dining ranges from fast-casual chains to upscale sit-down dining. At Mercado Del Lago, residents can dine outdoors with waterfront views of Lago Rancho Santa Margarita. The Rancho Santa Margarita Town Center features Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas, the only movie theater in town, and Hanna’s Prime Steakhouse. Opened in 2005, Hanna’s has made a name for itself nationally, dubbed one of the top 100 restaurants in the United States by Yelp.
Residents can grab home essentials at Target in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita Town Center.
Belle Boutique in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita features the latest styles to help you look your best.
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Mediterranean inspired homes, condos and townhomes
As of early 2025, Rancho Santa Margarita’s median home price is $1.42 million, compared to Irvine’s $1.6 million. The community's two-story single-family homes, condos and townhomes all have Spanish-style details. Palm trees wave above red tile roofs, multi-car garages and manicured lawns maintained by each neighborhoods respective homeowners associations. While the larger villas can cost close to $2,000,000 or more, condos can be purchased for around $600,000. Popular neighborhoods for families with young children include Robinson Ranch in the northeastern Trabuco Canyon and Trabuco Highlands.
Some larger homes in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita feature 3-car garages and large lots.
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita has condominiums located near Rancho Santa Margarita Lake Park.
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Lago Rancho Santa Margarita and seasonal events
The city has 22 privately owned parks and open green spaces, many with playgrounds, walking trails and open fields for sports. The 22-acre Trabuco Highlands Central Park is the biggest, with an Olympic-size pool and soccer field. The park hosts the community's annual Summer Concert Series and the two-day Rancho Family Fest each autumn, which features local Orange County bands, food vendors and game booths.
Encircled by a walking path, the 12-acre Lago Santa Margarita comes alive each May during the Fishing Derby, when anglers drop their lines for bass, bluegill and catfish. The Tijeras Creek and Dove Canyon golf clubs both have 18-hole courses, and there are miles of canyon trails at 4,500-acre O'Neill Regional Park.
Attendees put out the chairs and blankets for the fireworks at the Star Spangled Spectacular in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita.
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita's serene lake setting enhances the peaceful and joyful atmosphere of the event.
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Low crime rates
Rancho Santa Margarita's rates of violent and property crime are well below state and national averages. However, the city’s mountainside location, with high winds, often low humidity and lush vegetation, makes it susceptible to wildfires. In summer, temperatures here can reach 100 degrees, and winter sees occasional snow flurries. Realtor Daniel Finder, who lives and works in Rancho Santa Margarita, describes RSM as “-er country. It’s wetter, elevated higher, hotter and windier.”
Written By
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Photography Contributed By
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Video By
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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
On average, homes in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA over the last 12 months is $930,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Just steps from the tranquility of Rancho Santa Margarita Lake, this beautiful residence could be yours in the coveted lakefront community of Brisa Del Lago I. The spacious single-level home, with no interior or entry steps, welcomes you with luxury vinyl plank flooring, and lots of natural light. The living room is equipped with a stylish stone-surround fireplace, perfect for cozy evenings,
2-private bedroom, 2 bathrooms - one three-quoters master walk-in shower and one guest full bathroom 975-sqft-living-space end-unit condo. Spacious 1-car attached garage. 1 assigned parking space. At least one guest parking overnight hang tag. No one is in the front, above, and below. Custom closets with shelves and drawers. Full house re-pipe in 2023. New water heater with all alterations in
Welcome to a truly cozy and inviting condo that instantly feels like home. From the moment you walk in, the warm atmosphere and comfortable layout create a space that’s perfect for relaxing, unwinding, and making lasting memories. Nestled in the highly desirable Corte Molina community in Rancho Santa Margarita, this beautifully maintained residence blends comfort, charm, and functionality.The
Located in the prestigious guard-gated community of Dove Canyon in Trabuco Canyon, this beautifully maintained golf course residence offers approximately 3,336 square feet of living space with panoramic View. Ideally positioned along the award-winning Dove Canyon Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, the home combines elegance, comfort, and functionality. The floor plan features 4
Distinguished Robinson Ranch Estate where mountain serenity meets resort caliber living. Framed by breathtaking mountain views and designed for both grand entertaining and intimate moments, this six-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home is a private sanctuary in one of Orange County’s most coveted communities. Beyond the front doors, an expansive, beautifully remodeled interior unfolds—where
A beautifully maintained, private carriage end-unit offering a rare blend of natural light, privacy, and functional space. This move-in-ready residence features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a loft, and a spacious 2-car attached garage with direct access.Enter through your private entry and climb to your single-level living area, where vaulted ceilings, abundant light, wood floors, plantation
Welcome to 20 Highpoint in the prestigious guard-gated community of Dove Canyon. This beautifully appointed home offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a dramatic sweeping staircase, and a spacious 3-car garage.The modern farmhouse-inspired kitchen is the heart of the home, showcasing quartz countertops, abundant cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, and generous natural light. Seamlessly open to the
According to SafeWise, welcome to the safest city in all of California; Rancho Santa Margarita. The Cabo Vista Tract of homes is located in the highly sought after section of town known as Melinda Heights. Enjoy neighborhood amenities that include a pool, spa and clubhouse. City wide opportunities include the carefully planned SAMLARC features such as pools, pickleball courts, tennis courts,
Just steps from the tranquility of Rancho Santa Margarita Lake, this beautiful residence could be yours in the coveted lakefront community of Brisa Del Lago I. The spacious single-level home, with no interior or entry steps, welcomes you with luxury vinyl plank flooring, and lots of natural light. The living room is equipped with a stylish stone-surround fireplace, perfect for cozy evenings,
Majestic panoramic views of the Saddleback Mountains, rolling hills, sparkling lake/reservoir, and dazzling city lights make this truly a one-of-a-kind home. Perched at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on one of the premier lots (approximately 9,000 sq. ft.) in the prestigious 24-hour guard-gated community of Dove Canyon in South Orange County, the views are so profound you simply won’t be able to
Located in prestigious guard-gated Dove Canyon near Saddleback Mountain. This extensively remodeled home offers a rare golf course setting with views both in front and behind. Dramatic 21-ft entry foyer, all-tile first floor, and soaring great room with continuous golf course views. Inside you'll find over $700k in upgrades. Open kitchen features custom German Bauformat cabinetry and
NEWLY LOWED AND ATTRACTIVE PRICING, SELLER MUST SELL , EXTREMELY MOTIVATED. TO A must see! Beautiful mountain side view located just minutes away from Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club. Quite location. Newly updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo located in the desirable Los Portillos community. This unit features a private balcony, upgraded kitchen with soft-close cabinets, stove and refrigerator, new
Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Rancho Santa Margarita – a picturesque, master-planned community nestled against the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. This beautifully maintained single-family residence offers the perfect blend of modern comfort with small-town charm.Spanning approximately 2,100 sq ft, this light-filled home features 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The
Beautifully maintained and ideally situated in a quiet neighborhood, this 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo backs to a tranquil greenbelt, offering rare privacy and peaceful views of lush greenery rather than neighboring homes. Large windows throughout the home frame the natural surroundings and fill the space with abundant natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.The thoughtfully
Walk in and you’ll notice it immediately: light, openness, and a sense of ease throughout 26 Montana Del Lago. Set within the desirable Rancho Santa Margarita community, this home blends comfort, function, and style with a layout designed for real life. Natural light fills the interior, creating an inviting atmosphere from the moment you enter, while an easy indoor flow makes entertaining and
Available NOW in the desirable Corte Melina community! This beautifully updated 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with a spacious primary bedroom retreat, is ideally located in the heart of Rancho Santa Margarita. Just a short stroll from Central Park, local restaurants, shops, and everyday conveniences, this home offers both comfort and convenience in one of the area’s most sought-after neighborhoods.
Available June 9th, Short or Long Term! This beautifully updated FURNISHED 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome with a loft offers a perfect blend of comfort and style. Ideal for relocation, temporary housing, or simply enjoying all that Rancho Santa Margarita has to offer, this home is designed to impress. Step into the modern open-concept living area, featuring tasteful furnishings and an updated
Available June 13, 2026! FURNISHED RENTAL. This home features expansive living areas and a flow-through living/dining area. The spacious eat-in kitchen has been entirely modernized and is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, an electric oven and a spacious pantry. The enormous primary bedroom is an oasis of solitude and relaxation, with a luxurious ensuite and a walk-in closet. The main
Eaves Santa Margarita offers furnished and un-furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments in Rancho Santa Margarita. Our Orange County apartments are conveniently located within easy access of the 241 Corridor. Residents will also have access to an amazing array of shopping, dining and recreation venues that includes Ancient Peaks Winery, Wood Ranch BBQ and Grill, Pozo Saloon, Tutto Fresco, Tijeras
Modern ground-level 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom end unit located in the highly desirable Tijeras Creek Village of Rancho Santa Margarita. New stainless steel kitchen appliances, Quartz counters, remodeled bathrooms, and custom black hardware throughout are just a few of the amazing upgrades showcased in the home. Front entry leads you to arched walkways, designer flooring, crown molding, and custom
Located in the Serabrisa community of Rancho Santa Margarita near Tijeras Creek Golf Club, this end-unit townhome offers 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms with only one shared wall. Double entry doors lead to a living room with vaulted ceilings and large windows that provide natural light. The home features new flooring throughout. The kitchen includes Corian countertops, stainless steel
Parisa BayatHomeSmart, Evergreen Realty
$2,600 - $3,580 per month
Overture Rancho Santa Margarita 55+ Senior Housing Apartment Homes
Life just keeps getting better, doesn't it? And Overture Rancho Santa Margarita is the perfect place to live it. A welcoming community filled with intriguing people and countless ways to get to spend your time. A gorgeous apartment home, with resort-inspired amenities and services focused on you. A location directly across from Central Park and minutes from Whiting Ranch Trails. And
Rare Opportunity!A beautiful Townhome, Great end-unit Location, High ceilings, no neighbors above or below, fireplace, outdoor deck, in unit washer/dryer, community pool and jacuzzi, Quiet & peaceful neighborhood and Lifestyle amenities of SAMLARC Village (included).Quartz kitchen countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a huge master suite featuring a walk-in closet and and vanity
Rental rates, availability, lease terms, deposits, apartment features, amenities, and specials are subject to change without notice. Floor plans and square footages displayed are approximations, may be based on stud-to-stud measurements, and may vary between individual units. Quoted prices are for base rent only and do not include other fees such as application fee (one-time, $45), security
Lower unit condo with lovely front patio. Open floorplan with plank flooring throughout. One large bedroom can accommodate remote work area. Designated carport parking close to condo. Lush landscaping with pools, tennis/basketball courts, and 2 playgrounds. Tenant has access to RSM beach club. TENANT OCCUPIED - first available showing, Sunday, March 8, 1-4pm. OPEN HOUSE
Penny MarinoBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Come home to comfort at Villa La Paz Apartment Homes in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, a quaint community located in the foothills of the Saddleback mountains. We are conveniently located near the 241 Toll Road, the 5 Freeway and only minutes from shopping, dining, and entertainment. Our unique one and two bedroom apartment homes were designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. Each
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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