Buying property near Disneyland might sound like a dream—but is it a smart investment? The Anaheim Resort District neighborhood is one of the most visited areas in California, thanks to major attractions like Disneyland, the Anaheim Convention Center, and Angel Stadium. But with all that magic comes a dose of reality: heavy traffic, tourist foot traffic, and unique property value dynamics.
Whether you’re buying your first home or adding to your real estate portfolio, here’s what you need to know before diving into this high-traffic neighborhood.
Jump to:
- TLDR – Quick Guide
- Anaheim Resort District Neighborhood: An Overview
- Real Estate Snapshot: What’s on the Market?
- Traffic & Noise: The Tourist Trade-Off
- Tourism = Rental Goldmine (If You Play It Smart)
- Property Value Trends
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
TLDR – Quick Guide
- High demand, high visibility: Properties here benefit from year-round tourist flow.
- Traffic is real: Expect congestion near Disneyland, especially during holidays and conventions.
- Rental ROI potential: Short- and long-term rentals thrive, but local regulations matter.
- Property values: Steady appreciation, especially for well-located condos and townhomes near the parks.
- Explore other high-demand California cities.
Anaheim Resort District Neighborhood: An Overview
The Anaheim Resort District is a 2-square-mile zone in Orange County packed with hotels, attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It’s bordered by Harbor Blvd, Katella Ave, Walnut St, and the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5). At the center: Disneyland Resort, which draws over 18 million visitors annually.
It’s also home to:
- Anaheim GardenWalk shopping and dining
- Anaheim Convention Center (the largest on the West Coast)
- Angel Stadium and Honda Center (just outside the district)
That combination of business and leisure makes it one of the most active and unique real estate markets in California.
Real Estate Snapshot: What’s on the Market?
The neighborhood primarily offers:
- Condos and townhomes
- Multi-unit properties (duplexes, triplexes)
- Some gated communities
- Very few single-family homes due to zoning
Home prices in the Anaheim Resort District are generally higher than inland neighborhoods, but lower than coastal cities. Expect mid-$600Ks for condos and over $1M for larger multi-units, depending on proximity to attractions.
Buyers working with local experts like those at Invest by Ali often get an edge when navigating this complex and competitive submarket.
Traffic & Noise: The Tourist Trade-Off
Let’s be honest: if you live within walking distance of Disneyland, you’re going to deal with traffic—foot and vehicle. Weekends, holidays, and major events bring bumper-to-bumper traffic around Harbor Blvd and Katella Ave.
But many properties inside the district are zoned to buffer traffic and noise, with gated access, sound insulation, and protected parking. If you’re looking for a quiet suburb, this isn’t it—but if you want walkable excitement and rental potential, the trade-off could be worth it.
Tourism = Rental Goldmine (If You Play It Smart)
One of the biggest draws of owning property in the Anaheim Resort District is the ability to tap into tourism—especially for investors and second-home buyers.
Rental Options:
- Long-term rentals for hospitality workers, traveling nurses, or convention-goers.
- Short-term rentals (STRs) can yield higher returns but are heavily regulated.
Anaheim has strict rules on short-term rentals within the Resort District, so check local ordinances carefully before buying a home you plan to Airbnb. Many successful investors partner with STR-compliant property managers or pivot to 30+ day furnished rentals.
Property Value Trends
Over the past 10 years, property values in the Anaheim Resort District have shown steady appreciation, thanks to:
- Consistent tourism traffic
- Ongoing redevelopment (resorts, hotels, mixed-use projects)
- Proximity to transit and employment hubs
During down markets, the area is often more resilient than other parts of Orange County due to constant demand. Buyers who purchased during 2020’s dip have seen gains as much as 20-25%, according to recent MLS data.
If you’re seeking value in a high-demand tourist zone, this could be the right fit. Compare this with other markets on the California property insights page for context.
Key Takeaways
- The Anaheim Resort District neighborhood is ideal for buyers who prioritize location, rental potential, and year-round activity.
- Real estate prices reflect proximity to Disneyland and other major venues—but there’s still value to be found.
- Traffic and tourism are part of the deal—know your tolerance and pick your property accordingly.
- Short-term rentals are limited, but long-term investment potential remains strong.
- Partner with local pros like Invest by Ali who understand Anaheim’s zoning, tourism patterns, and off-market opportunities.
FAQs
1. Is the Anaheim Resort District a good place to live full-time?
Yes, if you enjoy an active, walkable lifestyle near world-class attractions. It’s not ideal for those seeking quiet suburban living, but it’s great for convenience and entertainment.
2. Can I operate an Airbnb in the Resort District?
Short-term rentals are heavily restricted. Only a small number of permitted STRs remain, so check with Anaheim city planning before buying with that intent.
3. How does traffic impact daily life?
Expect delays during peak visitor times, especially on weekends and event days. Living just outside the district may offer a good balance of access and quiet.
4. Do properties in this area appreciate quickly?
Historically, yes—especially multi-units and condos near major attractions. Continued investment in the district makes this a relatively stable long-term market.
5. Who’s buying in the Anaheim Resort District?
A mix of local investors, out-of-state buyers looking for vacation rentals, and first-time homeowners interested in walkable living near entertainment.
