$1,305,730Average Value$665Average Price per Sq Ft90Homes For Sale
Neighborhood at the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains
Tucked into the foothills of the Santa Ana Range is the quaint mountain town of Trabuco Canyon, which is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation. “The isolation makes people gravitate to this place,” says Trabuco General Store employee Timothy Mooshagian. “It feels like a totally different world, even compared to nearby communities like Robinson Ranch or Rancho Santa Margarita. You don’t have these big housing developments; the ambiance is much more rustic.” Part of this Orange County neighborhood lies within the Cleveland National Forest, which covers more than 700 square miles of natural terrain and features dozens of trials for hiking, horseback riding and biking. Students in this area are served by the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, which receives an A rating from Niche. California State Route 241 runs just south of the neighborhood and connects residents to surrounding Orange County communities, including the nearby cities of Santa Ana and Irvine.
Hilltop estates in Trabuco Canyon boast sweeping views of the Santa Ana Mountains.
Residents enjoy horseback riding on Trabuco Canyon’s scenic trails.
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Custom homes on large acreage properties
Locals can find a range of homes throughout the Trabuco Canyon neighborhood. Some of the more common residential styles include ranchers and custom-built properties with Craftsman and farmhouse-style architecture, such as gambrel roofs, stone facades and asymmetrical compositions. There are also a handful of private communities in the area, including the Santiago Canyon Estates, which feature a number of large acreage properties reflecting a mix of Mediterranean, New Traditional and Craftsman homes that typically cost between $2 million and $3 million. Outside private estate communities, the median price of homes in this neighborhood hovers around $1.2 million. Because of the rural landscape and mountainous terrain, a number of homeowners also have equestrian stables on their property, as many residents use horses for both recreational purposes and for getting around the community.
Residents enjoy sweeping views from hilltop estates in Trabuco Canyon.
Custom-designed homes add unique character throughout Trabuco Canyon.
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Hike through O’Neill Regional Park and the Santa Ana Mountains
There’s no doubt that the Trabuco area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Because of the neighborhood’s proximity to the Cleveland National Forest and Santa Ana Mountains, locals here can hike, bike or ride horseback up Trabuco Creek Road Trail and connect a vast network of hiking trails. At O’Neill Regional Park, residents can find over 4,000 acres of natural land full of trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and campgrounds equipped with equestrian-friendly amenities like horse corrals. Just north of the neighborhood is the ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans approximately 12 acres throughout the nearby Modjeska Canyon. Visitors can explore a natural history center and go birdwatching on one of the sanctuary’s observation decks.
O’Neill Regional Park offers miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.
Trabuco Canyon families enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature at ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Tie-cutting tradition at Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse
For quick convenience, residents here can head to the Trabuco General Store for a selection of cold drinks and snacks. To enjoy a night out, locals dine at Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse, although they’re always careful not to wear their favorite tie. “It’s a tradition,” says Mooshagian. “They’ve been doing it since I was a kid. If you wear a tie to Trabuco Oaks, they cut it off and hang it on the rafters. There are some celebrity ties up there.” Residents can also head next door to Rose Canyon Cantina Grill, which serves authentic Mexican food and margaritas on a canopied outdoor patio. Trabuco Canyon is less than 5 miles away from the shopping centers of central Rancho Santa Margarita, home to multiple grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Pavilions, dozens of department stores and boutiques, and a diverse selection of culinary offerings — not to mention the local outpost of Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas.
Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse is a local landmark once visited by President Nixon.
Rose Canyon Cantina & Grill serves authentic Mexican fare near Trabuco Canyon.
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Med-Sci Program offered at Trabuco Hills High School
Young learners in this neighborhood can attend Trabuco Elementary or Trabuco Mesa Elementary School, two primary institutions that receive A-minus and A ratings, respectively. For students in grades seven and eight, Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate is an A-rated middle school that offers a number of Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, including Digital Film Studies, Culinary Arts and STEM programs. Finally, secondary students can head to the A-rated Trabuco Hills High School and find several specialty programs, such as the International Baccalaureate program and a three-year Med-Sci program that focuses on educating students about the health sciences.
The Mustangs thrive at Trabuco Hills High, known for strong academics near Trabuco Canyon.
Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School offers top-rated programs to Trabuco Canyon students.
Students learn and grow at Trabuco Mesa Elementary near Trabuco Canyon.
Trabuco Elementary School has served families in Trabuco Canyon since 1879.
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Annual Trabuco Canyon Parade celebrates the 4th of July
For more than 50 years, locals have celebrated the Annual Trabuco Canyon 4th of July Parade, which starts in front of the Trabuco General Store and marches through the town. Parade-goers can also enjoy raffles, face-painting and a variety of refreshments. This neighborhood is also home to Rancho Las Lomas, a private event venue and retreat with a botanical garden that is often reserved for weddings and large parties.
Written By
Andrew Moreno
Photography Contributed By
Ling Ge
Video By
Dan Mack
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Harvey Vargas,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Trabuco Canyon, CA sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Trabuco Canyon, CA over the last 12 months is $1,480,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Melinda Heights, NO ROAD NOISE. PEACEFUL SETTING. Rancho Santa Margarita At Its Best! Review the attached supplements for the full list of upgrades & Watch the 3D tour to see it all come together before you even walk in the door.This is the ONE! A rare, expansive wrap-around private patio - your own outdoor sanctuary framed by a brick-and-stone planter wall, with a separate gated entrance
Welcome to this beautifully designed 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home offering approximately 4,307 square feet — one of the best values for this much space in South Orange County. Set on a quiet cul-de-sac near award-winning schools, with tasteful upgrades and an expansive floor plan, this home delivers the space, comfort, and lifestyle buyers are looking for, all without compromise.Custom iron
Welcome to the BEST VIEWS in the neighborhood! Presenting 1832 Aliso Canyon Drive, an exceptional five-bedroom, four-bathroom residence perfectly positioned on one of the most desirable cul-de-sac lots within the prestigious gated community of IronRidge. With breathtaking, unobstructed views of Santiago and Modjeska Peaks from nearly every room, a sprawling entertainer's backyard, and over
HUGE LOT! This single-level, three-bedroom, two-bath home sits on one of the largest lots in the community and offers a wonderful opportunity to make it your own with a few personal touches. Ideally located near the Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club, the home features a spacious living room, dining room, and an exceptional kitchen with ample counter and cabinet space, a breakfast bar, and a large
Experience the pinnacle of refined living in the serene enclave of Portola Hills. Located within the highly sought after Montecido at Portola Hills community, this stunning residence has undergone an extensive and meticulous transformation. Offering a true turnkey lifestyle, nearly every element of the home is brand new, blending modern luxury with everyday comfort. From the moment you enter, the
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Welcome to this beautifully designed home located in a private gated community in Lake Forest, offering both privacy and comfort. This spacious residence features approximately 3,414 square feet of living space with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, ideal for modern family living.The home showcases a bright open floor plan with expansive living areas that seamlessly connect to the gourmet
Huge Price reductiion!! Highly Motivated Sellers. Welcome to this beautifully updated home nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the prestigious guard-gated community of Rancho Cielo. Offering 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this move-in ready residence combines tasteful upgrades, a functional floor plan, and an exceptional location within one of the area's most desirable
Welcome to 57 Spoon Lane—where style, comfort, and effortless living come together within the guard-gated community of Coto de Caza. Thoughtfully updated and impeccably maintained, this is the kind of home buyers hope to find—where every detail has been considered and each space feels inviting from the moment you arrive.Natural light pours into the interiors, highlighting a beautifully
Some homes impress from the moment you arrive. Others invite you to slow down, settle in and stay awhile. At 1 Sausalito, both come together in a beautifully maintained JM Peters residence tucked at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac in Coto de Caza’s desirable Canyon Estates neighborhood.Set on an expansive 36,000-square-foot homesite, the property feels wonderfully private and serene,
Welcome to 2 Pepper Court, a rare opportunity to own one of the most desirable golf course view homes in the Oak Ridge tract of Coto de Caza. Ideally situated on a quiet cul-de-sac and just moments from the Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club, this exceptional residence offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the golf course, majestic Saddleback Mountain, rolling foothills, and mature oak
This is one we simply cannot wait to unveil. Coming soon to East Point in Coto de Caza, 30 Calle de Princesa is a completely renovated residence beautifully positioned on a single-loaded cul-de-sac with sweeping panoramic views across the 11th and 12th fairways and surrounding hills. Offering approximately 3,475 square feet with five bedrooms and four-and-one-half baths, the home has been
Interior photos coming shortly. Welcome to 17 Camino Del Oro, a beautifully appointed end-unit condo in the highly desirable Cabo Vista community of Rancho Santa Margarita. Filled with natural light, this inviting home features soaring ceilings, expansive windows, beautiful mountain views, new carpet, an updated HVAC system, and the convenience of direct-access garage entry.The open and
Some homes are designed to make a statement. Others are designed to make life exceptional. At 31721 Via Pato, both come together in a truly special custom residence set within the charming Village of Coto de Caza, where extraordinary craftsmanship, thoughtful design & some of the most spectacular Saddleback Mountain views in the community create a home that is as beautiful as it is
Tucked away at the end of a single-loaded cul-de-sac in one of Coto de Caza's most desirable JM Peters neighborhoods, this exceptional residence offers a rare combination of privacy, views, and resort-inspired living. Framed by mature landscaping and sweeping mountain vistas, the home welcomes you with timeless architecture, dual balconies, and an undeniable sense of arrival. Step inside and
There is something quietly special about the homes that become the backdrop for life's best memories. The places where birthday candles are blown out around the dining table, summer afternoons disappear into evenings by the pool, & neighbors gradually become lifelong friends.Welcome to 3 Caelum Court, a beautiful residence nestled on a peaceful cul-de-sac within Crooked Oak, one of South
Available September 25th, 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
At Villa La Paz Apartment Homes in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, everyday living feels effortless. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Saddleback Mountains, our community offers a peaceful retreat with all the conveniences of Southern California living. Whether you're relaxing at the resident clubhouse, lounging by the resort-style pool, or unwinding in the spa, there are plenty of ways to
Welcome to 34 Via Solaz. Beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo available for lease in the highly desirable Tijeras Creek Villas community of Rancho Santa Margarita. This inviting single-level home offers an open and functional floor plan with abundant natural light and stylish upgrades throughout. The main living areas feature luxury vinyl flooring, while both bedrooms have carpet and the
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
Welcome to 19 Cambridge Court, a spacious five-bedroom, three-bath home ideally situated in the heart of Coto de Caza, just moments from Cypress Point Park and Playground. Offering approximately 2,696 square feet, this inviting two-story residence features soaring ceilings, recently installed vinyl flooring throughout much of the main level, and a versatile floor plan with generous spaces for
Nestled in the scenic heart of Rancho Santa Margarita, Villas Antonio Apartment Homes offers a refined approach to suburban living. Here, timeless design meets everyday comfort to create a space that feels both elevated and inviting. Our one- and two-bedroom apartment homes are designed with modern finishes and warm touches that make every day feel like home. Step outside and enjoy a collection
Welcome to this beautiful five-bedroom, three-full-bath home situated on a spacious and private lot. Abundant natural light floods the home throughout the day, enhancing the bright and welcoming feel of every room. Hardwood flooring encompasses most of the main level, while plush carpeting complements the bedrooms upstairs. The heart of the home is the spacious kitchen, complete with premium
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
Available for lease, 7 Rue Delacroix is a former model home in the prestigious guard-gated community of Coto de Caza, offering 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a home office, and a large bonus room. Situated in the coveted “Grand Coto Estates” on a quiet, elevated, single-loaded cul-de-sac, this home captures breathtaking panoramic sunset views and blends timeless design with an inviting floor
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
In the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains in Rancho Santa Margarita lies the master-planned community of Las Flores. “It’s very clean, fairly new and very safe, as well,” says Audra Pimatukarnta, a local librarian at the Orange County Library – Rancho Santa Margarita Branch. Las Flores has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, which is significantly lower than the national average of 4. This unincorporated suburb in South Orange County mainly attracts families and features many resort-like amenities. Las Flores consists of 15 neighborhoods, three recreational spaces with patios, a pool, sports courts and over 1,600 homes. “It’s really thriving right now for people that want to live in a calm and peaceful environment with close access to North Orange County for work,” Pimatukarnta says. Properties have nearby trails and striking Saddleback Valley views that offer a sense of privacy and seclusion from other parts of Trabuco Canyon. Oak Tree Park’s over-100-year-old trees provide shade over its many facilities, including outdoor fitness equipment, a pool and playground. Starlight is another park with a playground and tennis courts. These outdoor spaces are reserved only for residents and sit within walking distance of most properties. Golf enthusiasts can join Tijeras Creek Golf Club about 2 miles away, whose 16th hole was voted one of the best 18 in Orange County. For a more wilderness-inspired challenge, residents can venture onto one of the area’s mountain biking and hiking trails. Waterworks, Trabuco and Las Flores Ridge trails meander through Rancho Santa Margarita and are easily accessible from the neighborhood. Las Flores is served by Capistrano Unified Schools, which offers school choice. Las Flores’ zoned options are very highly rated, bringing in students from all over the district. Children can begin at Las Flores Elementary and Middle Schools, which both score A grades on Niche. Tesoro High has an A-plus rating and earns a spot on Niche’s top 100 list of best high schools for athletics and academics in California. The Las Flores Homeowners Association organizes multiple events throughout the year. One of the most popular is the annual Snow Day, where families can sled and play in the artificial snow under the California sun. Other unique activities include movie nights and live music at the Oak Tree Park and pool. Events catered to adults, such as Oktoberfest and Havana Nights, offer various food and alcohol tastings. Conveniently located near the intersection of Oso and Antonio parkways, Plaza de Las Flores has fast-food options and a variety of businesses, including Mesa Foods and Liquors, a postal service and a motorcycle repair shop. The plaza also features popular sit-down dining spots, such as family-owned neighborhood restaurant, Cosmo’s Italian Kitchen, and Pick Up Stix Fresh Asian Flavors. Residents can shop for groceries at Albertsons and Skater Bros., under 3 miles away, or at Trader Joe’s and Ralphs, about 4 miles away. There are about 150 storefronts, from Nordstrom and Macy’s to Dick’s Sporting Goods, under 5 miles away at The Shops at Mission Viejo. Shoppers also head to Mission Viejo for Target, Amazon Fresh and The Home Depot. Many Las Flores properties were built from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, and sizes range from compact condos to large single-family homes. Two-bedroom houses can start around $650,000, and five-bedroom homes can climb up to about $2 million. Spanish Revival influences are apparent in the community’s architecture, with distinctive clay tile roofing and stucco or adobe-style exteriors. Homes often include other details, such as plantation shutters and balconettes. Though lots are often situated closely together, many houses have their own backyard pools and other perks, such as cul-de-sac privacy, gazebos and custom landscaping. Streets tend to feature sidewalks, increasing the walkability of the area, but most residents get around by car. The 5 is about 3 miles to the west, which leads commuters about 10 miles toward the Pacific Coast Highway. Other major parkways, such as Oso and Antonio, intersect in the neighborhood. Las Flores is about 53 miles outside of downtown Los Angeles and 26 from Anaheim via the 5. The closest major airport is about 17 miles away at John Wayne Airport in Irvine. Residents often head 3 to 4 miles away to Ladera Ranch and Mission Viejo for urgent care and general hospitals.
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.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
