Santa Ana community of older homes in a convenient location
Santa Ana has many neighborhoods, from historic districts to urban downtown Santa Ana. Between those two sits Willard, a community that offers a mix of suburban and urban traits. Close to Santa Ana’s City Hall and Orange County’s Superior Court, Willard has law offices and other local businesses and services. Apartment complexes and rental homes line many of the neighborhood’s streets, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find single-family homes — affordable ones — clustered throughout the area. Sarah Covarrubias, Realtor with Seven Gables Real Estate who has been selling homes around the area since 2000, thinks this is one of the main reasons people purchase in the neighborhood. “I think what draws people to Willard is the price. It’s not the least expensive area of Santa Ana, but it’s very affordable,” she says.
Homes in Willard come in several styles and sizes.
An elevated view of Willard shows the numerous apartment complexes in the neighborhood.
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Older homes entice investors
The neighborhood’s sidewalks cross in front of older homes and newer condos, past mature trees and open lots. Willard is an older suburb, but its housing inventory is starting to shift as owners remodel or rebuild. Mindy Luong, a Broker and Realtor who has owned and sold properties in the area, says, “It’s mostly older homes, but they’re well-maintained. It’s a very appealing area for investors.”
Few detached, single-family residences come on the market, but they sell between $500,000 and $900,000 when they do. Entire condo buildings have recently come on the market, starting at $1.2 million and exceeding $3.5 million.
Some homes in Willard use stucco siding and barrel tile or shingle roofs.
Condominiums are available in Willard.
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West 17th Street offers shopping and dining
Luong describes nearby West 17th Street as a lively area. “It gets really active at night,” she says. “People like all the restaurants. It’s a popular area to go out for dinner.” While residents might have to journey further up or down the thoroughfare for dining options, there are a few nearby, like Tito’s La Especial. The neighborhood’s shopping is also concentrated around West 17th Street, including an auto supply shop, a bicycle shop, and Big Saver Foods, where residents can easily pick up groceries.
Small businesses in Willard are an integral part of the community.
Big Saver has fresh produce and home products at affordable prices for Willard residents.
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Things to do near Willard
Willard is a quiet area without any major events. However, plenty of city amenities are nearby, providing residents with plenty to do. Fans of local football and soccer teams will have easy access to the Santa Ana stadium, located on North Flower Street. Santa Ana Public Library, one of the two branches in the city, is close, just off Civic Center Plaza Drive. Willard is also conveniently located near all the entertainment options in Downtown Santa Ana. Locals attend the Downtown Santa Ana Artwalk on the first Saturday of the month, browse through the eclectic array of locally owned boutiques and get drinks with friends at Vacation Bar, a bar and restaurant with a fun Old Havana vibe.
Neighborhood kids attend Santa Ana Unified Schools
Neighborhood kids start school at Wilson Elementary School, graded B-minus by Niche. They go on to attend Willard Intermediate School, graded C. From there, kids will attend Santa Ana High School, graded B-minus by Niche. At Santa Ana High School, they can earn credits through local Santa Ana College. The college is near the neighborhood and is expanding its course catalog and programs.
Wilson Elementary School in Santa Ana, home of the Roadrunners.
Willard Intermediate School in Santa Ana is located in the heart of the Willard neighborhood.
Santa Ana High School athletic facilities wing.
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Residents visit nearby Birch Park
There are no parks in Willard. Residents will have to travel a few blocks south to Birch Park. This three-acre park offers picnic areas surrounded by green grass and shady trees. Kids can run and play in the open space, and adults can take advantage of the outdoor fitness equipment. The park is also home to the Santa Ana Senior Center, which offers residents aged 55 and older a space to spend time together and stay active. The center offers bingo, regular social dances and language classes.
Senior Willard residents can head to Birch Park to utilize the free exercise machines.
Birch Park is a small park with picnic areas and exercise equipment in Santa Ana.
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Walkability in Willard other travel options
According to the Walk Score assessment, the neighborhood is highly walkable, earning an 87 out of 100. Residents can run to the grocery store or reach Downtown Santa Ana on foot.
Interstate 5 runs outside the neighborhood. Newport Beach is only 14 miles southwest, and Anaheim is 10 miles north. John Wayne Aiport is eight miles south in Irvine.
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