Yorba Linda, CA Real Estate

Yorba Linda is a peaceful, quiet, and enjoyable city of approximately 65,000 people in the Northeast part of Orange County. It’s a laid back, semi-rural and unpretentious city, but in 2007, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Yorba Linda as having the highest per capita income in the United States. Yorba Linda has attracted high income people from throughout the Orange County coastal communities, as well as relocating executives and business owners from all over, who are attracted to the larger lots, open spaces, and schools. The name Yorba Linda comes from the city’s founding family and one-time land grant owners, the Yorba family.

One of the other early families in Yorba Linda were the Nixons. Frank and Hannah Nixon and their son, Harold, settled in a Yorba Linda home in 1912. On Jan. 9, 1913, their second son, Richard, was born here. Their home on Yorba Linda Blvd. has been preserved and is part of the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library, now the city’s biggest tourist draw.

There is relatively little commercial development in Yorba Linda. The historic downtown area has been beautifully preserved and is the site of several annual fairs and other events. The small downtown is centered around the intersection of Yorba Linda and Imperial Highway. The old Sunkist packing house has been turned into a health club and shops and Polly’s Pies occupies the rebuilt Pacific Electric train depot. A large “big box” retail development has been built in Savi Ranch, next to the 91 Freeway.

The real estate market in Yorba Linda has remained robust. While some prices have fallen due to the nationwide real estate downturn, homes are on the market for a much shorter time in Yorba Linda than the average for Southern California. Yorba Linda is noted for homes with views. You can take your pick of city lights, golf course, pastoral and even Catalina views! Because most of the area is elevated, evening brings cooling breezes on even the hottest days.

Vista Del Verde community is one good example. Yorba Linda has historically been known for its large lots. You will find horse property here and many streets have fenced off equestrian trails. Newer tract construction since the 1990’s has tended to concentrate on very large, elegant homes on smaller lots. In general, Yorba Linda homes have more space around them than the homes in surrounding communities.

Yorba Linda has two excellent golf courses! The Yorba Linda Country Club is private and located in the central part of the city. The fairways are surrounded and viewed by tract homes built in the 1970's as well as many elegant custom homes built before and after that time. The recently opened, public, Black Gold Golf Course is located in the hills of Northwest Yorba Linda.

Yorba Linda neighborhoods include Kerrigan Ranch, Hidden Hills, Eastlake Village, Bryant Ranch, and Vista del Verde. East Lake Village is a highly sought after area in central Yorba Linda. The amenities of the neighborhood are numerous: 18-acre lake for boating, swimming pools and spas, along with tennis courts and a workout center. The homes range from 3 bedroom-2 bath homes of 1500 square feet to large 4,000 square foot homes. There are many trails throughout the village for walking. Some homes surround the lake and have boat docks.

Hidden Hills is located toward the east end of Yorba Linda and off the beaten path. The homes tend to be executive type homes in a quiet neighborhood. Kerrigan Ranch is one of the newest high-end residential communities located on the northern boundary of Yorba Linda. It is near the Black Gold Golf Club.

Some of the best views in Orange County exist in the Bryant Ranch area. This area is often selected by executives being transferred to Orange County. Bryant Ranch is located in the eastern edge of Yorba Linda in the hills with views of the mountains, valleys, and from some homes, even Catalina Island. In San Antonio Heights you will find the magnificent mansions of Yorba Linda. These are relatively large homes on big lots with many amenities individual to each home.

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District is very highly regarded and considered one of the finest in Orange County. A new high school is set to open in 2009. Yorba Linda has steadily been building into the hills toward the north and east and should be poised for continued growth in the years to come.