$998,631Average Value$655Average Price per Sq Ft90Homes 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
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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 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA over the last 12 months is $935,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Welcome to The Crossing in Robinson Ranch — a community designed for those who appreciate privacy, beauty, and a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This exceptional home is truly move-in ready and offers the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and functionality.Step through the dramatic raised entry and admire the sweeping curved staircase that sets the tone
Discover this charming one-bedroom, one-bathroom lower unit condo in the highly sought-after Belflora and SAMLARC community. As you approach the home, you're welcomed by a spacious covered patio—an ideal spot for outdoor dining, weekend barbecues, or simply relaxing with a good book. As you walk into the unit, you will encounter a spacious living room that opens to a comfortable dining area and
Completely Reimagined | Rancho Santa Margarita Gem on a Quiet Cul-de-SacWelcome to this stunningly renovated 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home tucked away on a peaceful cul-de-sac in one of South Orange County's most beloved communities. From the moment you step inside, it's clear — this home has been transformed from top to bottom with thoughtful, high-quality upgrades that feel fresh, modern, and
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
Stunning light and bright Ground-level condo with expansive windows and a flowing open-concept design. Upgraded throughout with elegant built-ins,Recessed lighting, upgraded bathrooms, and a designer fireplace. A private, oversized patio overlooks a lush park, offering tranquil views and a serene, quiet atmosphere. This beautiful home includes 3 parking spaces: one detached garage, one
Welcome to this beautifully upgraded 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence located in the highly desirable Corazon tract of Rancho Santa Margarita’s Tijeras Creek community. Offering the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and functionality, this exceptional home features a spacious floor plan with a large upstairs loft, ideal for a media room, home office, playroom, or additional living space. Step
Nestled in the desirable guard-gated community of Brighton Glen, is a rare opportunity to own this stunning pool home on an expansive 15,000 sq ft lot, tucked away at the end of maintained cul-de-sac. With exceptional curb appeal, this home welcomes you with a long driveway offering abundant parking, attractive exterior paint, custom entry doors, and a charming brick patio, all set in a peaceful,
LOCATION...LOCATION...LOCATION.....CUL DE SAC....Please enjoy this elegant single family residence located in Rancho Santa Margarita. Comfortably proportioned at almost 1500 square feet, this 3 bedroom and 2,5 bath single family residence shows beautifully. Upon entering, you will be greeted by a bright and open floor plan, with cathedral ceiling in the living room, providing ample natural light.
Welcome to The Crossing in Robinson Ranch — a community designed for those who appreciate privacy, beauty, and a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This exceptional home is truly move-in ready and offers the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and functionality.Step through the dramatic raised entry and admire the sweeping curved staircase that sets the tone
2 Bedrooms + Loft & Attached 2-Car Garage with Direct Access! This beautiful private end-unit home is filled with natural light and features soaring high ceilings, creating a bright and open feel throughout.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
Welcome Home to Your Happy Place!Imagine stepping into a bright, beautifully renovated single-story condo where every detail feels warm, fresh, and thoughtfully cared for. This charming downstairs end-unit is more than just a home — it’s where memories are made and life feels easier and brighter. With low HOA dues of only $399 and an FHA-approved complex, this home opens the door to so many
Improved Price. Back on the market. Majestic panoramic views of the Saddleback Mountains, rolling hills, and sparkling lake/reservoir 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
PLENTY OF BANG FOR THE BUCK! According to SafeWise, welcome to the safest city in all of California; Rancho Santa Margarita. The Mission Courts tract is centrally located, so please factor in taking full advantage of nearby, city-wide amenities that include carefully planned SAMLARC features such as pools, pickleball courts, tennis courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, softball fields, hiking
Welcome to this beautifully appointed corner-unit residence in the highly sought-after Tesoro Trails community of Rancho Santa Margarita. Built in 2013, this spacious two-story home offers approximately 1,916 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, featuring four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and an ideal floorplan for modern living. Positioned as a true end-unit with only one shared
The views of this home are endless. You can really appreciate the beauty of overlooking the canyon area while enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. This home boasts the largest floor plan in the Avelino neighborhood. Upon entering the front door and will be extremely impressed by the highly upgraded engineered wood flooring throughout with a distinctive rich pattern. This floor plan has an
Completely Reimagined | Rancho Santa Margarita Gem on a Quiet Cul-de-SacWelcome to this stunningly renovated 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home tucked away on a peaceful cul-de-sac in one of South Orange County's most beloved communities. From the moment you step inside, it's clear — this home has been transformed from top to bottom with thoughtful, high-quality upgrades that feel fresh, modern, and
Marisa Whitaker
Regency Real Estate Brokers
(949) 818-1930
$2,691 - $3,766 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
Available July 1st, 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
The Highlands, a distinctive apartment community in Rancho Santa Margarita, sits among the rolling hills of Trabuco Canyon. Choose your new home from our elegant, newly renovated one and two bedroom apartments, lofts, and townhomes. The open-concept apartment homes feature vaulted ceilings, central heating and A/C, designer countertops, wood-burning fireplaces, oversized tubs, spacious walk-in
Available July 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
Welcome home to Villas Antonio Apartment Homes! Our beautiful community is situated in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Our ideal location places you near the 241 Toll Road, the 5 Freeway and within minutes of the Town Center, Antonio Plaza Shopping Center and the Tijeras Creek Golf Course. At Villas Antonio Apartment Homes we offer seven spectacular and stylish one and two bedroom apartment
We offer Self-Guided Tours by Appointment Only. Situated at the foothills of the Saddleback mountains in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, Cortesia at Rancho Santa Margarita apartments offer spacious homes with easy access to exciting outdoor activities. Our one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes offer ample living space and features you’ll love coming home to including large closets and an
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
Villas Aliento Apartment Homes welcome you home! Nestled in breathtaking Rancho Santa Margarita, California, Villas Aliento offers the comfort and convenience you want with the lifestyle you deserve. With skyline and mountain views, this prestigious community awaits you! Located near the 241 Toll Road, Villas Aliento is within close proximity to Irvine Spectrum, The Shops at Mission Viejo and
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
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