Santa Ana CA is undergoing some major transformations right now. For years it's been known as a mostly Hispanic town, but there's a swing happening with the demographics. There is a lot of history located here from the buildings to the homes themselves, but especially in the knowledge of the people who have been living in this area for generations. Currently it's going through a bit of a gentrification process as the location makes it an attractive buy for investors of every kind. Located about 40 minutes from the beach and with the major cities in California close enough for day trips, it's still quiet enough to raise a family which appeals to many. Here are a few words from Movoto so you can get the vibe of the area if you're thinking of settling down or becoming a landlord here.
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This is heavily dependent on which zip codes you live in, with some neighborhoods being as low as $375,000 for the median home price. However, the average median price is $550,000 currently across all the neighborhoods. The average age is 30.2 years old. Generally you'll find more than 50 percent demographic is Hispanic in certain neighborhoods where there tend to be more families, with the more expensive areas being closer to about 33 percent. It varies from neighborhood to neighborhood, but as many as 17 percent are Asian or Pacific Islander and 2 about percent of the population is African American. To give you a bit more context, in 2013 it was listed that 77 percent of the people identified as Hispanic here. The vast majority of people here make between $30,000 and $75,000 a year, and violent (generally gang related) crime is certainly something to consider on the poorer streets. Many of the people have been here for quite some time when the neighborhood had a much different atmosphere. See how it's quickly changing, but may take a little while to reach its ultimate end.
Source: wikimedia.org
You might say that this is a neighborhood that's undergoing significant changes. This is not to say that it will lose its individuality and special characteristics anytime soon, but you can see this in the way that Santa Ana is trying to market itself. There's more emphasis on the gastropubs and restaurants now with hipster grub like organic fruits and vegetables and humanely raised beef. Every week Santa Ana hosts a farmers market for those who want to cook with locally sourced food. There are 35 city parks here along with a zoo, wildlife refuge and several recreation centers, so there's plenty of space and opportunities for kids to get out and about. You can also attend the art walk where the whole city bands together to create a haven of beauty and life every first Saturday of the month. The average commute time here is 24.7 minutes, and you can expect significant traffic on the freeways near you. You also need to be aware of the air quality here which is 141 on the index (the national average is 74.) Unfortunately the general smog of the city and amount of cars in the area make for polluted air.
Source: wikimedia.org
Anytime home prices jump 33% in a single year, which Santa Ana managed to do from 2014 to the end of 2015, you can expect there to be mixed emotions and opinions that go along with this. This would be a good place for energetic people who are up and coming in the world and want to make a difference. It will take some work to figure out where Santa Ana is headed based on the changing market and demographics. Developers in the upcoming future may want to tear down the historical streets of the city which feature the older buildings and Spanish influences. For those who care about preserving California's roots and past while still living in a safe and well-maintained neighborhood, this is the perfect time to get in on a in-demand area. There's still a lot of room for the market to grow here, which will likely attract more high-end renters too.
Santa Ana is probably best known for its cultural influences. Mexico has a variety of traditions that come alive in the neighborhoods through food, celebrations and customs. Find authenticity everywhere you turn, and an emphasis on family ties and staying connected with the past. Whether that's through the Day of the Dead or trying a taco recipe that's been passed down through generations at a local taqueria, Santa Ana offers you the opportunity to open up your eyes to different views and lifestyles. It's also known for putting you close to everywhere you might want to be. Disney in nearby Anaheim, the beach towns just a few cities over and the big city amenities draw a variety of people and satisfies a number of interests.
