"The Education Community" is home to Cal State Fullerton
A surprisingly sleepy town of about 140,000 residents, Fullerton is a city in northern Orange County known for its schools. Sometimes called “The Education Community,” the city is home to the largest branch of the California State University system — Cal State Fullerton — and some of the best primary and secondary schools in the state. The city is 30 miles south of Los Angeles, with robust public transportation options, including a dedicated Metrolink station. “This is one of the best places in OC to live if you’re not looking for a lot of nightlife,” says EQT Realtor Daniel Finder, who has over a decade of experience. “Because outside the campus, this is a quiet area. I wouldn’t quite call it a small town, but it feels that way compared to nearby Anaheim and Irvine, which are double the size.”
Fullerton City is a community with a mix of stunning homes and a downtown area to enjoy.
Fullerton is surprisingly a sleepy town of about 140,000 residents.
Fullerton City is home to Cal State Fullerton, the largest branch of CSU system.
Downtown LA is the heart of Los Angeles.
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Fullerton Joint Union High School District is among the best in the state
“The story of this city is really Cal State Fullerton, which is one of the leading branches of the California State University system,” Finder says. The university has over 40,000 students, 5,000 of whom are graduate students. The school is known for its teaching and nursing programs and a high-profile online master’s program. Fullerton College is another one of five colleges and universities within the city. The public community college has an enrollment of over 20,000 students. Opened in 1913, Fullerton College is the oldest community college in continuous operation in California.
Two school districts serve Fullerton. Fullerton Elementary School District is a well-performing district graded A-minus by Niche. The district has 15 walkable community elementary schools and three junior high schools serving over 11,000 students. One of the best in the state, Fullerton Joint Union High School District is graded A-plus by Niche. The district has five high schools that serve over 13,000 students. Ranked among the top 100 schools in California by Niche, Sunny Hills School stands out with an A-plus grade.
Fullerton Union High School is a great school in the community with a grade A+ by Niche.
Fullerton City has Fullerton College, California's longest running community colleges.
Sunny Hills High School has creative murals on campus showing students creative artwork.
Ladera Vista Junior High School of the Arts is a well sought after school in Fullerton.
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Beautiful homes on gently sloping streets in Sunny Hills
In October 2024, the median home price in Fullerton was around $1 million, compared to $400,000 nationally and $900,000 in broader California. Over the last five years, home prices have risen by nearly 30%, though growth has slowed recently, with only a minor increase in the previous year. There are condos and townhomes downtown near City Hall and a selection of early 20th-century homes on compact lots. There are also modern-style homes with asymmetrical designs built in the 1960s and '70s. Many multifamily units and apartment communities cater to students in the area surrounding Cal State Fullerton. In the northern neck of the city, Coyote Hills is more exclusive, with higher-priced homes on larger lots. A contemporary five-bedroom home with Mediterranean influence could sell for as much as $2 million. There is a mix of homes in Sunny Hills, from Mission Revival and split-level to classic ranch-style homes that can sell for upward of $2.5 million. The gently sloping tree-lined streets wind through the hills, and many end in cul-de-sacs, so there is very little through traffic in this family-friendly neighborhood.
There are a mix of homes in Fullerton City including the popular Mission Revival.
Condominium complex's in Cal State Fullerton area are well designed.
These 20th century homes on small lots are charming in the Fullerton area near downtown.
Sunny Hills area of Fullerton has beautiful homes on the sloping hillsides.
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Hillcrest Park undergoing a $5 million renovation
Boasting over 50 parks and city-cultivated green spaces, nearly every neighborhood in Fullerton is within walking distance of a community park. Looking to get in a workout outdoors? Climb the 467 steps between Lions Field and Hillcrest Park — a $1.6 million project that is just the first phase of a $5.4 million renovation of the city’s signature park. Situated on 38 acres, Hillcrest has a prominent water feature, a playground and a recreation center among its many amenities. The town operates a pair of public pools, and four parks have splash pads to cool off during the hot California summers. Throughout the city, 28 miles of recreational trails are used for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking. Take in flora from around the world at the Fullerton Arboretum, a 26-acre botanical garden with a beautiful collection. The Fullerton Museum has rotating exhibits, including one that pays homage to Leo Fender’s famous instruments.
Craig Regional Park offers fishing and other great outdoor activities.
Hillcrest Park is know for it's prominent water feature which can be heard around the park.
Families enjoy the lush trees and soothing streams of the Fullerton Arboretum.
Fullerton has ample open space and trails for hiking and biking.
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Many dining destinations in the SOCO district downtown
There are commercial stretches with shopping and dining destinations all over the city. In downtown Fullerton, South of Commonwealth Avenue, also called the SOCO district, is known for an array of independent and chain eateries. There are coffee shops, vegan options and restaurants that serve a range of cuisines from around the world. The downtown area is highly walkable and easily accessible by public transportation, both bus and train. The Downtown Fullerton Farmers Market is seasonal, open on Thursday evenings from early April through the end of August. In addition to fresh produce and wares by local artisans, a band plays live music each week. Boutique and big-box shopping are half a mile south at Fullerton Town Center, a full-service shopping center with a grocery store, chain dining and a movie theater. A range of businesses cater to the student population in and around the campus of Cal State Fullerton.
Villa Del Sol is a historic site which use to be a hotel but is now for shopping and dining.
Fullerton City has the SOCO district, which is well known for popular eateries.
Day of Music Fullerton is a great place to enjoy live music and good times.
Heroes Bar and Grill is a popular destination in Fullerton City for great meals.
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Downtown Fullerton Farmers Market has a live band each week
Residents of Fullerton have many opportunities to come together through a series of community events throughout the year. Family Fridays is a festival and movie night held at the Fullerton Community Center, and Friday Night Live is a concert in the park series that happens over a few weekends in September and early October. There is a fireworks celebration for the Fourth of July, an Eggstravaganza in the spring and Puptoberfest is dedicated to all things dogs each fall. The Winter Market is open all December and features local vendors and entertainment. Every first Friday of the month, the city hosts the Downtown Fullerton Art Walk, where local businesses open their doors to local artists to display their work.
You will be amazed by the performances at the Roar Cultural Festival.
A long row of muscle cars brought Fullerton families out to the Airport Car Show.
The live bands at Day of Music Fullerton are amazing.
Dancing on the lawn was fun at Fullerton's Cinco de Mayo Tianguis.
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Direct access to Interstate 5 and 15 minutes from Disneyland
Fullerton is surrounded by major roadways and has direct access to Interstate 5. For commuters, downtown Los Angeles is about 30 miles north, but more people are local to Orange County and commute to places like Irvine, Orange or Anaheim, which are closer. Locals can get to Disneyland in under 15 minutes. The Fullerton train station serves thousands of Amtrak and Metrolink passengers daily, while the Orange County Transportation Authority operates bus routes on many major thoroughfares. To catch a flight, John Wayne Airport is about 20 miles south via I-5. Long Beach Airport is also about 20 miles away, while Los Angeles International is 35 miles west, a drive that can take over two hours during unpredictable rush hours. Fullerton has many medical facilities, but the largest hospital nearby is Kaiser Permanente, in neighboring Anaheim.
Lower than average violent crime and minor wildfire risk
Violent crime in Fullerton is lower than state and national averages, while property crime is higher. In 2023, about 80 violent crimes were committed in the city each month per 100,000 residents, compared to 110 nationally and 100 in broader California. Property crime is more in line with national and state numbers. In 2023, about 220 property crimes were committed in the city each month per 100,000 residents, compared to 175 nationally and 210 in broader California.
Due to its urban nature, wildfire risk in Fullerton is minimal. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection classifies the extreme northwest section of the city as a potential fire risk. The city’s Fire Prevention Division works to protect residents through public outreach campaigns and mitigating risk during the summer months when dry, breezy air sweeps through the region. Fullerton's climate is mild and arid, with long, hot summers and mild winters.
With over 17 years of Real Estate experience, it remains Briana’s goal to provide her clients with the best service and highest quality in real estate marketing. She has built a reputation for tenaciously protecting her client’s interests. Savvy negotiation techniques, cutting-edge professional marketing campaigns and uncompromising integrity are the trademark of her services. Buying or selling a home is often the most important financial decision a person will make in their lifetime. But it’s also about finding a property, a neighborhood, a community that makes you feel like you truly belong - which is why at Price Real Estate Group, we know that the key to selling your home is to help its next owner fall in love with it, the same way you did. Every member of my team is committed to ensuring that ALL of your real estate needs are not just met but exceeded! My focus is on your complete satisfaction.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
