$1,013,461Average Value$655Average Price per Sq Ft53Homes 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
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Ling Ge
Video By
Bob Yukich
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Linzmeier,
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 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA over the last 12 months is $910,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy panoramic hillside and mountain views from the kitchen, in-kitchen dining area, family room, backyard and primary bedroom with ensuite in this 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2,619 square foot home on a 5,040 square foot lot. Located within the prestigious, 24 hour guard gated community of Dove Canyon at the end of a cul-de-sac with no neighbors behind and only one neighbor to the north side, the home
Beautifully remodeled lower-level condo in desirable Tijeras Creek Villas with no stairs to the unit or inside and a modern open-concept layout. This turnkey 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers just shy of 1,200 sq ft of stylish living space filled with high-end finishes throughout. The upgraded kitchen is a true standout, featuring custom white cabinetry, quartz countertops, gray subway tile
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,
Enjoy panoramic hillside and mountain views from the kitchen, in-kitchen dining area, family room, backyard and primary bedroom with ensuite in this 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2,619 square foot home on a 5,040 square foot lot. Located within the prestigious, 24 hour guard gated community of Dove Canyon at the end of a cul-de-sac with no neighbors behind and only one neighbor to the north side, the home
Welcome to 2 Dellwood, a light-filled home in the prestigious gated community of Dove Canyon. This beautifully maintained residence showcases major recent upgrades, including Milgard dual-pane windows and sliding glass doors, a newer roof with replaced fascia boards and rain gutters, and fresh interior paint. Other enhancements include a newer water heater, upstairs air conditioning,
LOWER LEVEL | EASY ACCESS | FENCED-IN YARD | Welcome to 1 Encantado Canyon, a beautifully updated single-story end unit located in the sought-after Belterraza community of Rancho Santa Margarita. This light-filled 1,230 sq ft home features vaulted ceilings, an open-concept layout, an inviting fireplace, and stylish wood-like flooring throughout the main living areas. A spacious wraparound patio
Available Now, 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 February 10th! 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
IT'S YOU'RE LUCKY DAY!! GORGEOUS 4 BED/3 BATH POOL HOME IN MELINDA HEIGHTS. Beautiful entertainers backyard complete with built in BBQ, covered patio area with fireplace, pool, hot tub and amazing water falls. Open floor plan with large family room and adjacent kitchen. Kitchen is appointed with high end stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and custom cabinets. Enjoy slate floors
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