14 Popular Santa Ana Neighborhoods: Where to Live in Santa Ana in 2024

One of the many bustling Orange County cities, Santa Ana, CA, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. You’ll find galleries and theaters, markets, green parks, and outdoor spaces like the Santa Ana River Trail and the Santiago Creek Trail, located throughout the city. There’s always something new to enjoy about living in Santa Ana. In the city, the median home sale price is $737,500, while the average rent in Santa Ana is $2,885.

Santa Ana is home to many quaint, fascinating, and historic neighborhoods. There are so many in fact, that you may not know what Santa Ana neighborhood you want to live in. Here’s an ultimate guide to Santa Ana’s popular neighborhoods (listed alphabetically).

1. Artesia Pilar

Artesia Pilar is a residential neighborhood west of Downtown Santa Ana. You’ll find a few parks like El Salvador Park, restaurants, and stores in the area, as well as Santa Ana College. Artesia Pilar is somewhat walkable and bikeable with a Walk Score of 71 and Bike Score of 66.

Median Sale Price: $630,000

Homes for sale in Artesia Pilar | Apartments for rent in Artesia Pilar

2. Bella Vista

Bella Vista is a small residential area featuring one park, Jerome Park, where you’ll find lots of green spaces, a community garden, outdoor pool, and picnic areas. The Bella Vista area is somewhat walkable, but there aren’t many public transit options.

Median Sale Price: $730,000

Homes for sale in Bella Vista | Apartments for rent in Bella Vista

3. Central City

East of Bella Vista is the Central City neighborhood. A residential area, you’ll find a few restaurants along West 1st Street and South Bristol Street. With a Walk Score of 67 and a Bike Score of 63, Central City is a decently walkable and bikeable neighborhood.

Median Sale Price: $630,000

Homes for sale in Central City | Apartments for rent in Central City

4. Delhi

The Delhi area is a residential neighborhood with one park, Delhi Park, and some shops and restaurants. Delhi doesn’t have much public transit, but the area is pretty walkable and bikeable with a Walk Score of 71 and Bike Score of 73.

Median Sale Price: $775,000

Homes for sale in Central City | Apartments for rent in Central City

5. Downtown

Downtown Santa Ana is the heart of the city. It’s a vibrant area with historic buildings like the Old Orange County Courthouse and the Old Santa Ana City Hall. There are lots of cool shops, restaurants, bars, and theaters in Downtown Santa Ana. It’s also the most walkable Santa Ana neighborhood with a Walk Score 89.

Median Sale Price: $565,000

Homes for sale in Downtown Santa Ana | Apartments for rent in Downtown Santa Ana

6. Fairhaven

Fairhaven is a residential neighborhood with some stores located in the area, and is another area to consider if you’re looking to buy a home or rent an apartment in Santa Ana.

Median Sale Price: $1,610,000

Homes for sale in Fairhaven | Apartments for rent in Fairhaven

7. Flower Park

Flower Park is just west of Downtown Santa Ana and is home to the Santa Ana Bowl, a few parks, and also a couple restaurants. The Flower Park area is the fifth most walkable neighborhood in Santa Ana, with a Walk Score of 78.

Median Sale Price: $648,000

Homes for sale in Flower Park | Apartments for rent in Flower Park

8. Heninger Park

South of Downtown is Heninger Park, a residential area that also has lots of shopping and dining options. You’ll find local restaurants, bars, and cafes along Main Street and West 1st Street. It’s the city’s fourth most walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 79.

Median Sale Price: $675,000

Homes for sale in Heninger Park | Apartments for rent in Heninger Park

9. Lacy

A neighborhood including the Downtown Santa Ana Historic District, Lacy is a vibrant area where you’ll find restaurants and cafes on every block, local shops, quaint parks, and lots of markets.

Median Sale Price: $981,000

Homes for sale in Lacy | Apartments for rent in Lacy

10. Mid-City

Mid-City is a great blend of residential and commercial areas, as you’ll find a lot of homes as well as a few shopping plazas with markets, restaurants, and shops.

Median Sale Price: $635,000

Homes for sale in Mid-City | Apartments for rent in Mid-City

11. Park Santiago

The Park Santiago neighborhood is a residential area, most well-known for Santiago Park which features several walking and biking trails, tennis courts, and a playground. You’ll likely need a car living in Park Santiago as it’s not the most walkable or bikeable area.

Median Sale Price: $635,000

Homes for sale in Park Santiago | Apartments for rent in Park Santiago

12. Riverview West

Riverview West is a large neighborhood that has a mix of residential streets, shopping centers, local restaurants, and parks. Located along the Santa Ana River, you’ll find a few green spaces throughout the neighborhood.

Median Sale Price: $768,500

Homes for sale in Riverview West | Apartments for rent in Riverview West

13. Santa Anita

Just east of Riverview West is Santa Anita, a residential neighborhood. You’ll find a few parks like Santa Anita Park, Cesar Chavez Campesino Park, and Willowick Golf Course which offers views of the Santa Ana River. Santa Anita is a pretty walkable and bikeable neighborhood – both the Walk Score and Bike Score are 70.

Median Sale Price: $685,000

Homes for sale in Santa Anita | Apartments for rent in Santa Anita

14. South Coast

South Coast is a large neighborhood with many shopping centers like South Coast Plaza and Bristol Plaza. There’s lots to explore in this area like enjoying one of the green spaces or grabbing a bite at a local restaurant. It’s also conveniently located right next to Costa Mesa. The South Coast neighborhood is somewhat bikeable and walkable – the Bike Score is 67 and the Walk Score is 66.

Median Sale Price: $453,750

Homes for sale in South Coast | Apartments for rent in South Coast

Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during February 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com during February 2023. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during February 2023.