I have sat in a lot of living rooms in Fullerton and Brea lately, and the conversation is almost always the same.
A buyer loves the area. They want the Downtown Brea vibe or the Fullerton trails. But then we look at the inventory. In 2026, a starter home in Fullerton or Yorba Linda that doesn't need a total gut-job is pushing $1.1 Million.
For many first-time buyers, that is a hard ceiling.
So, they assume they have to move to Riverside or Corona to find a house. But before you pack up and drive 30 miles east, look one city over.
Look at La Habra
La Habra is often overlooked because it sits quietly between the 57 and the 605, tucked away in the hills. But for savvy buyers this year, it is the last pocket of affordability in North Orange County. Here is why.
1. The "10-Minute" Discount
La Habra borders Fullerton and Brea. You can drive from a house in La Habra to the Brea Mall or Downtown Fullerton in about 10–12 minutes.
Yet, the price gap is massive.
- The Price Tag: You can still find a solid, 3-bedroom single-family home in La Habra in the high $800k to low $900k range.
- The Comparison: That same budget in Brea likely gets you a condo or a townhome with a $400/month HOA fee.
In La Habra, you are trading 10 minutes of driving for a real backyard and no common walls.
2. The "High School" Loophole
The biggest misconception about La Habra is the schools. Buyers often tell me, "I want to be in the Fullerton School District."
Here is what they don't know: La Habra is part of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District.
While the elementary schools are separate, La Habra high schoolers attend schools like La Habra High (which has fantastic specialized academies) or Sonora High. You get the benefit of the robust high school district without paying the premium for a Fullerton zip code.
3. It Has Its Own Identity
La Habra isn't just a bedroom community anymore. It has developed a cool, distinct vibe.
- Westridge Plaza: You have all the major shopping (Trader Joe’s, Lowes, Costco nearby) right on Imperial Hwy.
- The Community: It feels like a small town. The Corn Festival, the Citrus Fair—these are real local events that neighbors actually go to. It feels less "transient" than some of the rental-heavy pockets of Anaheim.
The Reality Check: The Freeway Factor
I always give you the bad news with the good. The reason La Habra is cheaper is simple: Freeway Access.
La Habra does not have a freeway running through it.
- To get to the 57, you have to drive east on Lambert or Imperial.
- To get to the 5 or 91, you have to drive south on Beach Blvd.
If you commute to Irvine every day, adding 15–20 minutes of surface street driving to your commute might be a dealbreaker. But if you work locally, or work from home 3 days a week, that "freeway gap" is exactly what keeps the prices low and the neighborhood quiet.
Bottom Line
La Habra is the sweet spot for buyers who want the North Orange County lifestyle—the weather, the amenities, the proximity to LA—but don't want to carry a $6,000 monthly mortgage.
The inventory here moves fast because the secret is getting out. If you want to see what $900k looks like in La Habra vs. Fullerton, let’s take a look this weekend.
Call or text me at 714-844-5696.
Frequently Asked Questions
La Habra is in Orange County (the northernmost tip). However, it borders La Habra Heights, which is in Los Angeles County. This matters for taxes and services—being on the OC side generally means slightly different utility providers and county services, which most buyers prefer.
Unlike Irvine or Yorba Linda, you won't find many "cookie-cutter" tract homes here. Most of La Habra was built in the 1950s and 60s, so you find a lot of Mid-Century Ranch homes with character, original hardwood floors, and decent-sized lots (6,000+ sq. ft.).