“The Land of Gracious Living” is more than a city motto in Yorba Linda, CA. It accurately describes the family-friendly and affluent suburban enclave with two zip codes. In 92886, the older developments take advantage of flatter terrain with more and denser housing. Head east into the hillier landscapes of 92887, and you'll find fewer homes with spectacular views and more direct access to the 91 Freeway that traces the part of that area's southern border. That freeway connects to others that commuters can take to the rest of Orange County as well as Los Angeles, which is about 37 miles west, and Riverside, which is about 30 miles east.
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Over three-quarters of Yorba Linda's population is white, according to Movoto. Asians comprise 14 percent in the 92886 area. (The percentages are generally similar in the 92887 area, so for ease of reading, only information for the more populous 92886 numbers are mentioned.) Mixed Races are at 4 percent, Black at 2 percent, and Others at 3 percent. The city attracts married couples, although those at 30 percent, those without children slightly outnumber those who have kids at 28 percent. Only 14 percent of the people live by themselves.
The age statistics tend to support those who stay in families with 39 percent of the people at 40 to 64 years old. Exactly a quarter are under 18, 14 percent are from 25 to 30, and 13 percent are part of the senior set over 65. The lack of post-secondary institutes in the city may help explain the dearth of those aged 18 to 24 who must obtain their degrees in other locations.
This city being part of Southern California, a car is needed to get anywhere. About 82 percent of residents use a private vehicle to get to work with 9 percent using some other mode. Only 301 residents bother with public transportation, which is only slightly more than the 271 who walk or bicycle to their jobs. You can avoid the commute by joining the six percent who work at home.
Whatever your demographic, you'll need money to live here. About 30 percent of the population earn $150,000 or more, with another 36 percent making from $75,000 to $149,999. The middle class comprises less than 23 percent and only 11 percent make under $30,000.
The high income comes in handy when buying property because this isn't starter-home territory. About 78 percent of residences consist of single-family detached homes that have a median price of $1,140,000 and a large median size of 3,115 sq. ft. Even condos and townhouses are pricey at median $587,020 and large at a median 1,750 square feet. Alone among the cities of Orange County, the city boasts some homes with the zoning and acreage to support horses.
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Whatever their political persuasion, Yorba Linda residents must be grateful to the 37th US President for endowing the city with its primary cultural attraction: the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. Administered by the National Archives and Records Administration, the institution presents a balanced view of the president's life and collects research material. Among its exhibits are replicas of the Lincoln Sitting Room and the East Room of the White House, the presidential helicopter, and the actual farmhouse in which the president was born.
Another museum in the city is the smaller Susanna Bixby Bryant Ranch House and Botanic Garden. It offers a glimpse into the a further past with Native American artifacts and late Victorian furniture. The landscaping features grandchildren plants from the original garden.
For youth with a yearning for the footlights, the Yorba Linda Spotlight Theater Company puts on musicals and offers classes in acting, voice, and piano.
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Tranquil, family-oriented, and high-value, the quality of life in Yorba Linda poses only one disadvantage: that of having to leave the city occasionally for work or other activities. The area is safer than average. Its crime rate index stands at 71.3 for 2013, according to city-data.com, an aggregator of metropolitan data. Compare this number to the index of 294.7 for the country. Kids can expect a great education. City schools rank at 9 or 10 out of 10 according to GreatSchools.org, a website that compiles educational information. One shining example of educational excellence is Yorba Linda High, which Newsweek considers to be one of the top 500 high schools in the country as of 2015. The school's graduation rate approaches 90 percent with 87 percent heading for college.
If you love horses, then Yorba Linda encourages your passion. The city offers over 100 miles of trails that are suitable for walking, biking, and riding. One particularly long example is the El Cajon Trail with four miles that pass the Phillip S. Paxton Equestrian Center, the Yorba Linda Community Center, and the Richard Nixon Library and Museum. Chino Hills State Park, which is at the city's east end, also supports riding.
Most horse properties sprawl at the west end of the city with a minimum 11,000-square-foot property required for one horse. Half an acre can get four animals and a full acre can have eight. Yorba Linda Country Riders acts as the city's primary resource for equine enthusiasts.
