If you’re a homeowner and considering your next Orange real estate purchase, or anywhere within Orange County for that matter, then two amazing communities to check out are Villa Park and Orange Park Acres. Unless you’re intimately familiar with the area you might not know about these somewhat hidden communities.
Home prices are a bit higher but the homes are simply amazing. First-time home buyers looking at homes for sale in Orange one day could move up into these affluent neighborhoods. Each of these communities offers a luxurious variety Orange homes for sale to choose from with bigger lots than you’ll find in most of Orange County.
What is it like living in Villa Park?
Although Villa Park is technically its own city, (the smallest in Orange County) it was built on Orange land and is surrounded by the city of Orange. The entire city is 2.1 square miles and has a population of approximately 6,500. Home prices start in the $800,000’s and the city has an average listing price of $1,551,000. It is officially known as “The Hidden Jewel” of Orange County.
Villa Park includes 2,000 homes each on half acres parcels in Orange. Nearly the entire city is zoned for single-family residences with one small strip mall in town. The community is made up of quiet neighborhoods, 4 different schools within walking distance of all homes and the city has the lowest crime rate in Orange County.
The city was planned to provide residents something different than most of the cookie cutter homes for sale found in Orange County. The bigger lots and single story home design of the original properties was a way of attracting homeowners who were tired of the close quarters found elsewhere in the county.
(Check out the modern architecture on this remodeled estate!)
Many of the homes in Villa Park have been remodeled and feature all different kinds of designs. There are no association fees for the area and no restrictions on remodels or upgrades, homeowners are free to design to their own tastes. This creates a luxurious variety within the city.
The community is varied and yet still maintains a cohesive and friendly environment. Every year the city hosts a Christmas Boat Parade. Sound really fun and just a little quirky? That’s because it is. Several homeowners in Villa Park have personal boats and for the holiday season they to their boats around town festooned with lights, decoration and holiday cheer.
Schools in Villa Park
A huge draw to Villa Park is the amazing schools in the area. The schools in Villa Park are Villa Park High, Cerro Villa Middle School, Villa Park Elementary and Serrano Elementary. Although technically a part of Orange Unified School District these schools are sometimes unofficially referred to as the Villa Park School District. Some areas of Orange surrounding Villa Park feed into these schools as well, for more information on which areas, contact the agents at our First Team office in the area.
Here are the Villa Park school ratings according to GreatSchools.org. These ratings are based on state wide test scores in California:
- Villa Park Elementary – 10/10
- Cerro Villa Middle School – 9/10
- Serrano Elementary School – 9/10
- Villa Park High School – 8/10
What is it like living in Orange Park Acres?
Entering Orange Park Acres is like walking out of Orange County and into ranching territory. Riding down the streets it’s not uncommon to see a farm with ostriches, llamas and chickens on one side of the street and a mansion on the other side. Residents are commonly horse or car enthusiasts because the large lots allow for tons of customization and room to board animals or vintage Cadillac’s. Orange Park Acres is an unincorporated community located in zip code 92869.
There are absolutely no building or design restrictions in Orange Park Acres which means the area has tons of different architectural styles. Styles range from Spanish Haciendas to farm houses to Italian Orchards.
The average listing price for homes for sale in Orange Park Acres is $815,000 and there are several million dollar homes in the area. The highest selling price for a home in the area was $5Million and every sale over $2Millon for the calendar year 2014 has been handled by First Team Real Estate.
There are 4 separate developments within Orange Park Acres:
- Saddle Hill Ranch
- Lazy Creek
- The Reserve
- Ridgeline
Ridgeline is specifically equestrian oriented with trails surrounding the enclave and horse facilities available. These individual developments have their own voluntary association. Some of these developments within Orange Park Acres have building restrictions but they are specific to the association and not the community as a whole.
Interested in getting into this exclusive neighborhood at a lower price? Take a look at the gated community of Broadmoor Park. There are 202 homes in the community and they start in the $500,000’s. The neighborhood community includes a pool, kid’s playground, sport courts, picnic areas and an array of amenities for horses including stables, arena and walking trails.
If you’re interested in learning more about these amazing communities then contact the local experts at the First Team East Orange County Regional Office located in Tustin. The office services the areas of Cowan Heights, Irvine, Lemon Heights, Live Oak Canyon, Modjeska, Modjeska Canyon, North Park, North Park Square, North Tustin, Orange, Orange Park Acres, Santa Ana, Silverado, Silverado Canyon, Tustin, Tustin Hills, Tustin Legacy, Tustin Ranch, Villa Park, West Irvine. Call 888-870-1142 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll connect you with a top agent in the area to give you a tour of the most desirable Orange real estate.
First Team Tustin Office
17240 E 17th St
Tustin, CA 92780
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Originally posted at: http://www.firstteam.com/blog/?p=8441
