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Thornton Park

Thornton Park

Neighborhood in Santa Ana, California

Orange County 92704

$1,019,198 Average Value
$606 Average Price per Sq Ft

Proximity to Costa Mesa

Under four miles south of Santa Ana, the quintessential residential neighborhood of Thornton Park offers its residents charming midcentury-era homes, quiet, curving streets and easy access to surrounding cities like Costa Mesa. "I think one of the things that draws people to Thornton Park is how close it is to shopping and entertainment in Costa Mesa. At the southern part of the neighborhood, when you cross the street, you’re in Costa Mesa, so it's easy to take advantage of all the shopping there as well as the Segerstrom Center for the Arts,” says Susan Grasse, Thornton Park’s neighborhood association chairperson.

This updated Mid-Century Modern home is a custom build with a zero-scape low maintenance yard.
This updated Mid-Century Modern home is a custom build with a zero-scape low maintenance yard.
TJ Maxx, near Thornton Park, is a great place to stop and shop for deals on outerwear.
TJ Maxx, near Thornton Park, is a great place to stop and shop for deals on outerwear.
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Not big with first-time buyers

Largely built out in the mid-1960s, Thornton Park is mostly ranch-style homes that feature stucco facades in neutral colors, low-pitched shingle roofs and large front-facing windows. "This is an older established neighborhood that isn't big with first-time buyers; it's more popular with buyers looking to move up from their starter home," says True Realty agent Albert Soto. Most homes have short driveways and two-car garages, and while lot sizes can run small, yards are neatly landscaped with drought-resistant plant life. Quiet cul-de-sacs help reduce traffic noise and offer a safe space for children to play outside. Prices range from around $600,000 for about 1,100 square feet to $1 million for 2,400 square feet. There are also condos available, priced between $250,000 for 620 square feet to over $450,000 for 970 square feet. Condo amenities include community pools and picnic areas with barbecues. "Demand here is high, and inventory is very low. We're seeing maybe one or two homes a month list," Soto says.

The streets in the Thornton Park neighborhood are wide, the yards are big with beautiful homes.
The streets in the Thornton Park neighborhood are wide, the yards are big with beautiful homes.
Larger two-story homes are available in Thornton Park.
Larger two-story homes are available in Thornton Park.
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Solidly performing Schools

Families with children in Thornton Park are served by Santa Ana Unified, a public school district with a B-plus grade from Niche, but an A in teachers and college prep. Kids can start their education at Jefferson Elementary School, a C-plus walkable community school within the neighborhood. A C school, according to Niche, Gerald P. Carr Intermediate School serves grades six through eight. Students may then advance to Valley High School, an above-average school with a B grade from Niche but an A in teachers. The school stresses small learning, with students grouped in one of nine academies.

Jefferson Elementary School is part of the Santa Ana Unified School District.
Jefferson Elementary School is part of the Santa Ana Unified School District.
Valley High School is a public school located in Santa Ana.
Valley High School is a public school located in Santa Ana.
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Centrally located park

For a little outdoor time, there is Carl Thornton Park off West Segerstrom Avenue. "Having the park right smack in the middle of the neighborhood is magic for buyers," Soto says. Set on 33 acres, the park is a great place to get some exercise or relax in the SoCal sunshine. For athletes and spectators alike, the park includes soccer fields and baseball diamonds. There is a fitness center that offers outdoor gym equipment, and there is a trail for hiking or biking that runs throughout the grounds. Kids can enjoy the colorful playground or play in the tree-dotted green space. The lake in the heart of Carl Thornton Park, dubbed "The Fountain of Youth," offers a tranquil place to picnic with friends or kick back with a good book.

Carl Thornton Park is known for its size and great fishing stories.
Carl Thornton Park is known for its size and great fishing stories.
Residents can get a workout in at the fitness court in Carl Thornton Park.
Residents can get a workout in at the fitness court in Carl Thornton Park.
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Nearby businesses and restaurants

Primarily residential and quiet by design, shopping is limited in Thornton Park. There are, however, a few retailers along South Bristol Street, including an auto supply shop, an outdoor furniture store and an Aldi for stocking up on groceries and essentials. South Bristol Street is also home to services like dentists and pharmacies and an array of popular chain restaurants like The Habit and Denny’s when you’re in the mood to dine out. Thornton Park residents also have easy access to the retail and dining opportunities at South Coast Plaza, a popular shopping mall in nearby Costa Mesa. The mall, just two miles from Thornton Park, features 275 well-known retailers and both casual and fine dining options.

A Habit Burger Grill restaurant serves residents in Thornton Park.
A Habit Burger Grill restaurant serves residents in Thornton Park.
Residents can get their groceries done at Aldi in Thornton Park.
Residents can get their groceries done at Aldi in Thornton Park.
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Easy freeway access

Situated under four miles south of Santa Ana, Thornton Park is easily accessed by the 405, the 5 and the Cosa Mesa Freeway. The neighborhood is about six miles northwest of John Wayne Airport via Bristol Street or MacArthur Boulevard. Thornton Park is conveniently located to the coast and several cities, including Irvine, Huntington Beach, Orange and Anaheim. The 35 miles to Los Angeles doesn’t look far away on a map, but the drive can take upwards of an hour and 45 minutes depending on the time of day. A car is critical in much of Southern California, but there is a bus route that runs along West Warner Avenue.

The OC Bus system in Orange County is second to none with friendly drivers and clean busses.
The OC Bus system in Orange County is second to none with friendly drivers and clean busses.
Many Thorton Park residents are just a short walk away to Carl Thornton Park.
Many Thorton Park residents are just a short walk away to Carl Thornton Park.
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Amber Steinmetz-Cole
Written By
Amber Steinmetz-Cole
Ling Ge
Photography Contributed By
Ling Ge
Mallory Nolte
Video By
Mallory Nolte

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kathy Thomson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

John Wayne/Orange County

8 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Thornton Park US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$920,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,057,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$485,444
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$606
Last 12 months Home Sales
26
Median List Price
$925,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-5%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
682
Median Year Built
1965
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,581
Below the national average
1,936
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kathy Thomson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,723
Median Age
38
Population Density
13 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$97,158
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$116,804

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
62.8%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
18.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5%
% Population in Labor Force
65.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
48°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

49 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

55 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

36 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Thornton Park