Best Places to Live in Santa Ana California
Santa Ana is the second most populous city in Orange County, California, and the 53rd most populous city in the United States. It is also the county seat and the cultural and commercial center of the region.
Santa Ana has a rich history, a diverse population, a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and a thriving economy. It is also home to some of the best neighborhoods in Southern California, offering a variety of lifestyles, amenities, and affordability.
Opportunities to Explore in Santa Ana
Santa Ana, California is an exciting city with plenty of opportunities to explore. Visitors can take a stroll through the historic Artist Village or get up close and personal with exotic wildlife at the Santa Ana Zoo. Foodies can sample more than just tacos at 4th Street Market or dine on fresh seafood at one of the many seafood restaurants in town. Shoppers can search for unique finds in the city’s boutiques or find clothing bargains at South Coast Plaza.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate visiting the Bowers Museum to view its vast collection of works from around the world. With its central location, diverse culture, and tropical climate, Santa Ana promises to provide any visitor with an unforgettable experience.
If you’re intrigued by the charm of Santa Ana, you might also fall in love with Fontana. Take a moment to wander through our detailed guide on the Best Places to Live in Fontana, CA – it’s just a click away and full of surprises!
Why Santa Ana is a great city to live in
Santa Ana is not only a fun city to visit, but also a great city to live in. Here are some of the reasons why Santa Ana is a great city to live in.
Entertainment and nightlife options
Santa Ana has a vibrant and diverse entertainment and nightlife scene. Whether you are looking for live music, comedy, theater, or dance, you can find it in Santa Ana. Some of the popular venues include The Observatory, La Santa, and Fling Cocktail Lounge.
You can also enjoy a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Cinco de Mayo Festival, the Day of the Dead Celebration, and the OC Pride Parade.
Coastline and beach areas
Santa Ana is close to some of the most beautiful coastline and beach areas in Southern California. You can easily access the Pacific Ocean and enjoy surfing, swimming, boating, fishing, or sunbathing.
Some of the nearby beaches include Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach. You can also explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, and the Crystal Cove State Park.
Big-city amenities and diversity
Santa Ana offers all the amenities and benefits of a big city, such as public transportation, health care, education, and business opportunities. You can find everything you need in Santa Ana, from grocery stores and pharmacies to libraries and museums.
Santa Ana is also a diverse and multicultural city, with a rich history and heritage. You can experience different cultures and cuisines in Santa Ana, from Mexican and Vietnamese to Korean and Salvadoran. You can also learn about the history and art of Santa Ana at the Heritage Museum of Orange County, the Santa Ana History Room, and the Grand Central Art Center.
But what if you want to live in Santa Ana?
Is it a good place to call home?
What are the best places to live in Santa Ana?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will show you why Santa Ana is a great city to live in, how to choose the best place to live in Santa Ana, and what are the top best places to live in Santa Ana.
By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of whether it is right city for you and where you can find your dream home in Santa Ana. To help you with your decision, we have compiled a list of the five best neighborhoods in Santa Ana, based on these criteria and more. These are:
- Floral Park
- Meredith Parkwood
- Lacy
- Fisher Park
- Mid City
1. Floral Park
Floral Park is one of the most prestigious and historic neighborhoods in Santa Ana. It is located in the northern part of the city, bounded by 17th Street, Bristol Street, Memory Lane, and Flower Street. Floral Park was developed in 19th century, and features some of the most beautiful and elegant homes in the city, ranging from Spanish Colonial Revival to Tudor to Craftsman styles.
The neighborhood is known for its large lots, mature trees, lush gardens, and charming architecture. Floral Park is a great place to live for those who appreciate the beauty and history of Santa Ana. Its total population comprises about 2,000 residents.
Pros of living in Floral Park
- The neighborhood has a strong sense of community.
- It is close to some of the best schools, parks, and shopping centers in the city, such as Santiago Park, Main Place Mall, and the Bowers Museum.
- It offers various activities of social life.
- It has a lot of amenities with active neighborhood associations, annual events, and social clubs. Some of the events include the Floral Park Home and Garden Tour, the Floral Park Holiday Party, and the Floral Park Halloween Parade.
Cons of living in Floral Park
- The neighborhood is one of the most expensive in Santa Ana, with median home price of $1.1M and an average rent of $2,500.
- It is not very walkable, with a walk score of 57 out of 100, meaning that some errands require a car.
- It is not very diverse, with a majority of white residents, and a low percentage of young people.
2. Meredith Parkwood
Meredith Parkwood is another upscale and historic neighborhood in Santa Ana. It is located in the northeastern part of the city, bounded by 17th Street, Tustin Avenue, Santa Clara Avenue, and the Santa Ana River. Meredith Parkwood was developed in the 1950s and 1960s, and features some of the most spacious and modern homes in the city, ranging from Ranch to Contemporary styles.
The neighborhood is known for its wide streets, green lawns, and friendly atmosphere. Meredith Parkwood is a great place to live for those who enjoy the convenience and comfort of Santa Ana. Its total population comprises about 5,000 residents.
Pros of living in Meredith Parkwood
- The neighborhood has a high quality of life, with low crime rates.
- It has high income levels, and high education levels.
- It is close to some of the best amenities and attractions in the city, such as the Discovery Cube, the Santa Ana Zoo, the Riverview Golf Course, and the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center.
Cons of living in Meredith Parkwood
- The neighborhood is one of the most costly in Santa Ana, with median home price of $2.4M and an average rent of $3,300.
- It is not very walkable, with a walk score of 54 out of 100, meaning that some errands require a car.
- It is not very diverse, with a majority of white residents, and a low percentage of young people.
3. Lacy
Lacy is one of the most historic and diverse neighborhoods in Santa Ana. It is located in the downtown area of the city, bounded by First Street, Main Street, Civic Center Drive, and the Santa Ana Freeway. Lacy was established in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and features some of the oldest and most eclectic homes in the city, ranging from Victorian to Art Deco to Bungalow styles.
The neighborhood is known for its cultural and artistic flair, and its proximity to the Downtown Santa Ana Historic District. Lacy is a great place to live for those who love the urban and vibrant vibe of Santa Ana. . Its total population comprises about 5,500 residents.
Pros of living in Lacy
- The neighborhood has a lot of character, with colorful murals, historic landmarks, and trendy cafes and bars.
- It is close to some of the best entertainment and dining options in the city, such as the Yost Theater, the Frida Cinema, the 4th Street Market, and the Playground.
- It is very walkable, with a walk score of 91 out of 100, meaning that most errands can be accomplished on foot.
- It is one of the most affordable in Santa Ana, with an average home price of $395,000 and an average rent of $2,200.
Cons of living in Lacy
- It is not very well-maintained, with some issues of homelessness, graffiti, and noise.
- It is not very safe, with high crime rates, low income levels, and low education levels.
- It is not very family-friendly, with a low percentage of children and a high percentage of renters.
4. Fisher Park
Fisher Park is one of the most scenic and serene neighborhoods in Santa Ana. It is located in the northwestern part of the city, bounded by 17th Street, the Santa Ana Freeway, West River Lane, and Flower Street. Fisher Park was developed in the 1920s and 1930s, and features some of the most charming and cozy homes in the city, ranging from English Cottage to Mediterranean to Colonial styles.
The neighborhood is known for its natural beauty, with a creek, a pond, and a park that give it its name. Fisher Park is a great place to live for those who seek the peace and tranquility of Santa Ana. Its total population comprises about 1,800 residents.
Pros of living in Fisher Park
- The neighborhood has a calm and relaxing atmosphere, with low traffic, low noise, and low density.
- It is close to some of the best schools and medical facilities in the city, such as Fisher Park Academy, Santa Ana High School, and St. Joseph Hospital.
- It is very walkable, with a walk score of 75 out of 100, meaning that most errands can be accomplished on foot.
- The neighborhood is one of the most moderate in Santa Ana, with median home price of $795,000 and median rent of $1,400.
Cons of living in Fisher Park
- It is not very diverse, with a majority of white residents, and a low percentage of young people.
- It is not very lively, with few entertainment and dining options nearby.
- It is not very accessible, with limited public transportation options and a long distance to the airport.
5. Mid City
Mid City is one of the most central and diverse neighborhoods in Santa Ana. It is located in the middle of the city, bounded by First Street, Bristol Street, Edinger Avenue, and the Santa Ana Freeway. Mid City was developed in the 1960s and 1970s, and features some of the most affordable and varied homes in the city, ranging from Single-Family to Condo to Apartment styles.
The neighborhood is known for its multicultural and multigenerational flair, and its proximity to the South Coast Metro area. Mid City is a great place to live for those who want the convenience and variety of Santa Ana.. Its total population comprises about 9,700 residents.
Pros of living in Mid City
- The neighborhood has a lot of options, with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones.
- It is close to some of the best shopping and employment centers in the city, such as the South Coast Plaza and the Irvine Business Complex.
- It is very accessible, with a walk score of 69 out of 100, meaning that some errands can be accomplished on foot, and a transit score of 46 out of 100, meaning that there are some public transportation options nearby.
- The neighborhood is one of the most inexpensive in Santa Ana, with median home price of $658 and an average rent of $2,500.
Cons of living in Mid City
- It is not very safe, with low income levels, low education levels, and high poverty rates.
- It is not very family-friendly, with a low percentage of children and a high percentage of renters.
- t is not very well-maintained, with some issues of pollution, congestion, and crime.
Conclusion
Santa Ana is a wonderful city to live in, with a lot of history, culture, and opportunity. However, not all neighborhoods are created equal, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your preferences, budget, and lifestyle, you may find one neighborhood more suitable than another.
To help you with your decision, here is a summary and a comparison of the five best neighborhoods in Santa Ana:
- Floral Park: The most prestigious and historic neighborhood, with beautiful and elegant homes, lush gardens, and a strong community. However, also the most expensive and least walkable neighborhood, with a lack of diversity and young people.
- Meredith Parkwood: The most spacious and modern neighborhood, with large and comfortable homes, green lawns, and a friendly atmosphere. However, also the most costly and least walkable neighborhood, with a lack of diversity and young people.
- Lacy: The most historic and diverse neighborhood, with old and eclectic homes, colorful murals, and a trendy vibe. However, also the most affordable and least safe neighborhood, with some issues of homelessness, graffiti, and noise.
- Fisher Park: The most scenic and serene neighborhood, with charming and cozy homes, a creek, a pond, and a park. However, also the most moderate and least lively neighborhood, with a lack of diversity and entertainment options.
- Mid City: The most central and diverse neighborhood, with affordable and varied homes, a multicultural and multigenerational flair, and a proximity to the South Coast Metro area. However, also the most inexpensive and least well-maintained neighborhood, with some issues of pollution, congestion, and crime.
Based on this comparison, we can recommend the best neighborhood for different types of residents:
- For families: Fisher Park is the best neighborhood for families, as it has low crime rates, high education levels, and some of the best schools and medical facilities in the city. It also has a calm and relaxing atmosphere, with low traffic, low noise, and low density.
- For young professionals: Lacy is the best neighborhood for young professionals, as it has a lot of character, culture, and entertainment options. It also has a high walk score, a high transit score, and a close proximity to the downtown area and the airport.
- For retirees: Floral Park is the best neighborhood for retirees, as it has a lot of beauty, history, and community. It also has a high quality of life, a high income level, and some of the best parks and museums in the city.
- For students: Mid City is the best neighborhood for students, as it has a lot of options, affordability, and accessibility. It also has a high diversity, a high transit score, and a close proximity to the South Coast Plaza and the Santa Ana College.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about living in Santa Ana, California:
Q: What are the best schools in Santa Ana?
Some of the best schools in Santa Ana are Orange County School of the Arts, Middle College High School, Mater Dei High School, and Santa Ana College.
Q: What are the best things to do in Santa Ana?
Some of the best things to do in Santa Ana are visiting the Bowers Museum, the Discovery Cube, the Santa Ana Zoo, the Heritage Museum, and the Downtown Santa Ana Historic District.
Q: What are the best restaurants in Santa Ana?
Some of the best restaurants in Santa Ana are Playground, Chapter One, Lola Gaspar, Crave, and The Old Ship.
Q: What are the best parks in Santa Ana?
Some of the best parks in Santa Ana are Santiago Park, Centennial Park, Jerome Park, Morrison Park, and Birch Park.
Q: What are the best transportation options in Santa Ana?
Some of the best transportation options in Santa Ana are the OCTA bus system, the Metro link train service, the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, and the John Wayne Airport.
