Santa Ana Real Estate Guide & Community Overview

Santa Ana, the heart of Orange County, offers a rich blend of cultural heritage, thriving businesses, and diverse communities. From historic neighborhoods to modern developments, Santa Ana provides endless opportunities for families, professionals, and investors alike. Discover why this vibrant city is an exceptional place to call home.

Ali Shariat | Real Estate Group | Santa Ana, CA

14+years of experience

Living in Santa Ana

Why Choose Santa Ana?

Santa Ana stands out as a dynamic hub of culture, commerce, and community. Known for its historic architecture, excellent schools, and a booming job market, the city provides an ideal balance of tradition and modernity. Whether you’re drawn to its bustling downtown or peaceful residential areas, Santa Ana offers a lifestyle to suit every need.

Find a home in Santa Ana
Market snapshot

Santa Ana by the numbers

Homes in Santa Ana sold for a median $849,595 in September 2026, up 3.7% from a year earlier, after 44 days on the market. Public schools are served by Santa Ana Unified.

  • $849,595Median sale price, September 2026
  • +3.7%Price change, year over year
  • 44Median days on market
  • 315,586Residents (2025 estimate)
  • 44.6%Homes owner-occupied
  • 18.3%Adults with a bachelor's degree
  • 24.5 minAverage commute
  • Get a custom report

Sources: Redfin housing market data (September 2026); U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts (2020–2024 American Community Survey, 2025 population estimate).

Month by month

The median Santa Ana home sold for between $787,495 (November) and $950,000 (April) over the last 11 months. Monthly medians move with the mix of homes that sell, so read the trend, not one month.

What's my home worth?
Median sale price in Santa Ana, November 2025 to September 2026
Show the data
MonthMedian sale price
Nov 2025$787,495
Dec 2025$818,990
Jan 2026$850,913
Feb 2026$885,000
Mar 2026$835,000
Apr 2026$950,000
May 2026$898,000
Jun 2026$850,000
Jul 2026$870,000
Aug 2026$827,500
Sep 2026$862,500

Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. (CRMLS), residential sales.

Why work with us

Why Choose Ali Shariat Real Estate Group for Your Santa Ana Property?

At Ali Shariat Real Estate Group, we specialize in helping clients navigate the competitive Santa Ana real estate market. With our tailored approach, deep local insights, and extensive network, we make buying or selling in Santa Ana a seamless experience.

  • 01

    Access to Prime Santa Ana Properties

    Explore exclusive listings in Santa Ana's most sought-after neighborhoods, from historic districts to modern developments.

  • 02

    Cultural and Economic Opportunities

    Live in the heart of Orange County’s cultural and economic scene, with easy access to top employers, schools, and attractions.

  • 03

    Personalized Guidance for Every Buyer

    Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, our team provides expert advice and custom solutions to fit your goals.

  • 04

    Proven Success in Santa Ana Real Estate

    We listen to your needs and customize our approach, giving you a personalized experience.

  • 05

    Commitment to Exceptional Service

    Our team is dedicated to providing a client-focused experience, ensuring every transaction is smooth, transparent, and aligned with your goals.

Is Santa Ana a good place to live?

The short answer

For many buyers, yes, especially if you want an Orange County address at a lower price. Santa Ana's median sale price was $849,595 in September 2026, well below the county as a whole, and it has a walkable downtown and arts district, historic neighborhoods like Floral Park, the county's main rail hub and John Wayne Airport nearby. The trade-offs are density, traffic on major streets, and a public school district that has lost students for two decades. Experience varies a lot by neighborhood, so look block by block.

Is Santa Ana safe?

Crime has dropped. The California Department of Justice reports 1,054 violent crimes in Santa Ana in 2025, down 31% from 1,530 in 2024, or roughly 330 per 100,000 residents against 431 statewide. Property crime was about 1,300 per 100,000, below the state rate of about 1,790. Homicides fell from 15 to 12. Rates still vary by area, so check the specific street and visit at night (CA DOJ OpenJustice).

Who lives in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana is a city of about 316,000 people and one of the most renter-heavy in Orange County: 44.6% of homes are owner-occupied, so most households rent. The median household income was $88,354 in the Census Bureau's 2019-2023 American Community Survey.

How are the schools?

Most of the city is served by Santa Ana Unified, which enrolled 36,134 students in 2025-26, down from about 63,600 at its peak in 2002-03, and 36% of its students are English learners (California Department of Education). Results vary widely by school, and some parts of the city are served by neighboring districts, so check the school for a specific address.

Does Santa Ana have rent control?

Yes. Santa Ana limits annual rent increases on covered units to the lower of 3% or 80% of inflation, which is 2.87% from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027 (City of Santa Ana). If you're buying a rental, factor that cap into your numbers; our rental ROI guide covers the state rules too.

How do you get around?

The Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center is served by Metrolink's Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County lines and by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner. The OC Streetcar, a 4.15-mile line from the station to Garden Grove, is in testing, and OCTA expects service to start in 2027. I-5, the 55 and the 22 all run through or along the city.

Ready to make your move in Santa Ana?

Contact AliCall (949) 818-1000

Financing guidesFHA loansJumbo loansFirst-time buyer programs