Located in northern Orange County, Anaheim is the second largest city in the county. It is largely known as the home of Disneyland, the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball, and the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League. But beyond the spectacle and the millions of tourists that come flocking every year, you’ll find a big city with a welcoming attitude and plenty of offerings to ensure the comfort and convenience of its more than 344,000 residents.
Read on to learn more about the city of Anaheim and what you need to know and prepare for before moving here.
WHY MOVE TO ANAHEIM?
Anaheim may be smaller than Los Angeles but it has tons of charm, many employment opportunities, and a suburban vibe you won’t find in big cities. Here are just a few reasons Anaheim would be a great fit for you:
There’s so many things to do
Even if you’re not a fan of theme parks, Anaheim has enough to keep you entertained, from historical districts to regional and city parks to museums that give you a glimpse of the city’s rich history.
The weather is amazing
Anaheim has mild winters and gorgeous summers (the average temperature is 70 °F), making it a great place for those who love outdoor adventures. It also means that it’s always the perfect time for events like outdoor festivals, concerts, and athletic activities. There are so many chances for recreation when you’re 100% certain the weather’s going to be pleasant.
Anaheim is centrally located
Surrounded by multiple freeways, such as the 55, the 591, and the 22, you’ll get anywhere you need to be in a short time coming from Anaheim. Los Angeles only takes a 60- to 90-minute drive, and Newport Beach and Santa Ana aren’t too far away, making Anaheim convenient for those who work in these cities.
Once you’ve decided that Anaheim is going to be your next home, it’s time for you to plan out the process of relocating here.
GETTING STARTED ON YOUR MOVE TO ANAHEIM
Whether you’re relocating for work, entering a new phase in your life, or simply ready for a change, relocating is one of the most important – and admittedly, stressful – undertakings to do. That’s why you need to be organized all throughout the process.
Here are some tips that should help you kickstart the process easily and ensure that everything happens without a hitch.
Do your research
You may have been eyeing Anaheim for a while, perhaps because something about it just speaks to you or because you know of its great reputation. But it’s never a good idea to make a major life decision based on vibes alone. You have to take a close look at what the city is like and what to expect in terms of the cost of living and the Anaheim real estate market. That way, you have a rough idea of what to expect should you proceed with moving to the city. This also wards off any pussyfooting and helps firm up your plans.
Make a list of what’s important to you
Do you want to live Downtown or someplace more removed from all the activity? Are you looking to become more active and have great access to fitness facilities or even the outdoors? Figuring out what you want from your future home and the lifestyle you want to have will help you narrow down your choices of neighborhoods to live in.
Be ready to let go of some of your possessions
This includes your current home if you own it. You will want to make sure it sells first before you buy a new home in Anaheim. This way, you won’t have to deal with the financial horrors of maintaining one and also putting money on another. Don’t forget that you have to declutter your belongings, as well. Not only is this a smart way to earn some extra cash but it also simplifies the process of packing and moving.
Check social media
Look for community pages and online discussions to know what the locals are saying about the city so you could get an insider’s perspective on living there.
Explore the local real estate market
No need for you to make any big decisions yet. This is just a way for you to see the types of homes for sale in Anaheim, CA and the range of prices so you can set your expectations and your budget.
Find a reliable Realtor
If you can’t physically visit Anaheim yet to get a feel for the place, then working with a local Realtor is the next best thing. Aside from being able to create a list of suitable homes for sale in Anaheim, CA, they also have in-depth knowledge of the city. They are sure to have answers to all your questions about living there, the amenities, costs, services, and more. They may also help you figure out which neighborhoods meet your requirements depending on your goals, preferred lifestyle, and taste.
OVERVIEW OF ANAHEIM’S NEIGHBORHOODS
Being a large city, Anaheim is composed of as many as 63 constituent neighborhoods – all of which have their own personalities and features, as well as a diverse selection of properties for any budget.
One of the most well-regarded neighborhoods here is Anaheim Hills, located in the eastern part of the city. Anaheim Hills is part of the Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone, so residents would have views of the protected mountains and hillsides in the area. This neighborhood is an upscale location with a collection of planned communities featuring luxurious estates and single-family homes, although first-time buyers don’t need to shy away from here because more affordable condos are also available. Anaheim Hills also has a number of schools such as Anaheim Hills Elementary School, Canyon Rim Elementary School, Bernardo Yorba Middle School, and Canyon High School, to name a few.
For those who are looking for houses for sale in Anaheim, CA that would be great for families, West Anaheim would be the ideal choice. It has many family-friendly facilities such as parks and a number of schools. More budget-friendly, single individuals and young adults will be able to find options such as apartments and condos in the neighborhood.
Another good neighborhood in the western part of Anaheim is Westmont, which offers affordable properties for families, single people, and retirees. Westmont also has a number of schools, parks, and shopping centers.
An up-and-coming neighborhood in Anaheim is the Platinum Triangle. This district surrounds Angel Stadium and is seeing transformation from being a commercial and industrial area to an urban development with a combination of high-density housing and office and retail spaces. It’s expected to be a bustling urban center, with a few apartment complexes already having been established here.
Downtown Anaheim is one of the most desirable areas in the city. With a wealth of restaurants, galleries, and shopping options, there’s so much to do here. This is where you can see the city’s character up close, with the many events and community activities held here, as well as farmer’s markets and local boutiques and cafes. It’s also only a few miles away from the world-famous Disneyland Resort.
Close to Downtown Anaheim is the Colony District, one of the historic districts in the city which naturally features older, well-preserved properties from the late 19th century and the early 20th century. Loft-style residences have been added to the neighborhood’s housing mix. After undergoing revitalization, the district is now known as one of the city’s artistic and cultural hubs. This district got its name because it covers the same area that German settlers founded in 1857.
COST OF LIVING IN ANAHEIM
It’s no secret that California is one of the most expensive states to live in. If you’re looking at a house for sale in Anaheim, CA, you should be prepared for your cost of living to go up, especially given the proximity of Anaheim to Los Angeles, as well as the volume of attractions and establishments in the city.
The good news is, the high cost of living here is compensated with an excellent quality of life. What the tourists experience in terms of resort-style amenities and an assortment of activities from the crack of dawn until the wee hours of the morning, residents get to enjoy, too. An annual salary of around $80,000 for a single individual and around $154,000 for a family would be sufficient in Anaheim; living here is about 12% cheaper than in Los Angeles. Moreover, Anaheim has a minimum sales tax rate of 7.75%, which is lower than California’s average of 8.66%, and a lower average property tax bill than the US average.
THE ANAHEIM HOUSING MARKET
The more affordable living conditions in Anaheim versus those in Los Angeles apply even in the housing market. This is why a large segment of employees who work in L.A. prefer to settle in Anaheim.
With Anaheim being such a desirable location, the competition for properties may get quite intense. But before thinking of the forthcoming bidding wars, it pays to first identify the type of property you would like to look at. The housing mix in Anaheim mainly includes single-family homes in private neighborhoods with hillside views and luxury homes with incredible amenities. You may also find lofts and condos for sale in Anaheim, CA, some in the heart of the city where all the action is, and others in exclusive residential communities that offer resort-style living with facilities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, and clubhouse. Multi-family units are also available, which are attractive options for real estate investors.
ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN ANAHEIM
Anaheim has a diversified mix of industries, and the unemployment rate in the city is around 3.80% – lower than both the state and national averages. Tourism is a major component of Anaheim’s robust economy, with health care, technology, and manufacturing close behind.
Tourism-related sectors like hospitality and entertainment are also teeming with employment opportunities, thanks to Disneyland and other theme parks in the area. However, companies such as Kaiser Permanente and Anaheim Regional Medical Center are also major employers in the city.
Many other job opportunities are available outside of Anaheim, especially in Los Angeles. This is why Anaheim is an ideal home base for those who work in the city. In fact, Anaheim once functioned mainly as a bedroom community for Los Angeles before it transformed into a major entertainment and tourist destination.
GETTING AROUND THE CITY
Southern California is known to be car-centric but Anaheim offers plenty of public transportation options, meaning you can get around and not worry about parking. The Anaheim Transportation Network (ART) offers three services: public buses by Anaheim Regional Transportation (ART), free rides in electric vehicles to key locations in the city through the Free Rides Around the Neighborhood (FRAN) service, and airport transportation by Everyone Ventures Everywhere (EVE).
If you opt to take your car, take note of when rush hour begins. The morning rush hour lasts from 7 AM to 9:30 AM, while in the afternoon it starts at 4 PM, trickling down at around 7:30 PM. Don’t forget to take note of HOV and carpooling lanes, as well, so you can navigate Anaheim and the surrounding areas more efficiently.
WHAT TO SEE IN ANAHEIM
- Anaheim is much more than a jumping-off point for people who are going to the Disneyland Resort. There’s a great deal of activities you could enjoy in the city.
- Learn more about Anaheim’s heritage and culture by visiting Muzeo, which houses the city’s historic Carnegie Library and gallery spaces.
- Sample all the cuisine to your heart’s (and belly’s) content at the Anaheim Packing District. Once an orange processing plant for Sunkist, it’s now a food hall that offers a plethora of dishes.
- If shopping is your preferred activity, take your pick from Anaheim Plaza, an open-air shopping center; Anaheim Garden Walk, which spans 400,000 square feet and houses a selection of restaurants and shops; and Center Street Promenade, once the city’s financial district and now a collection of cafes, salons, and boutiques.
- Head outdoors and explore Yorba Regional Park, which spans 140 acres and features numerous trails and a linear park that contains a fitness course and picnic areas. Check out the Santa Ana River Trail, as well, which takes you along the river for 30 miles all the way to Huntington Beach. You may also take the Anaheim Hills riding and walking trail, a loop trail in Weir Canyon Regional Park that’s dog-friendly and offers wonderful views. Another must-not-miss spot is the Oak Canyon Nature Center. This natural park covers 58 acres and four miles of hiking trails.
HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR MOVE
It’s always a good idea to learn more about community happenings even before you set foot in Anaheim. Here are just a few links that may give you a better sense of the city:
- The official website of the city of Anaheim provides information about the city’s programs, important news, and even available jobs with the government.
- Even if you don’t run a business, checking out the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce will introduce you to the establishments in the city and keep you updated on efforts to promote local businesses.
- Get started on being a part of the community by checking out the Anaheim Community Foundation website to find out what programs are in place to help the city’s children and families.
And, of course, your Anaheim real estate agent would also be a great resource for you. They’re your first point of contact in the city. Apart from helping you find your new home, they also serve as your guide to get to know the city better and connect you with service providers and professionals who can make moving in easy for you.
FIND THE PERFECT HOUSE FOR SALE IN ANAHEIM, CA
The search for a house for sale in Anaheim, CA requires grit, skill, and knowledge, because everyone wants what you’re looking for, and you have to make sure that you’ll be the one to get it. In this situation, the expertise and attention of an experienced Realtor is an absolute must.
That said, you’ll want to have yours truly, Meghan Shigo, as your Realtor to help you with your real estate goals in Anaheim. A Realtor for more than 25 years, I am known for my personal touch, attention to detail, and in-depth knowledge of the local market. Having me to guide you through the home-buying process ensures a smooth transaction from start to finish.
Find your dream home in Anaheim and learn more about this exciting city! Call me at 714.273.1381 or send me an email.