Little Saigon

If you want to live in a culturally vibrant community, choosing Little Saigon is a cinch. Known for welcoming a significant influx of Vietnamese refugees starting in the 1970s, today it remains one of the nation's best for authentic Vietnamese food and cultural experiences.

The residential streets evoke quintessential Orange County suburbia as you walk along tidy sidewalks past well-maintained yards. Landscaping, greenery and flowers add to the ambiance. The area is adjacent to Garden Grove and close to Seal Beach and Huntington Beach.

Homebuyers can choose from a range of home sizes, styles and price points in Little Saigon, but you’ll need to act fast. “If it's on a good street, over 100 people might come to the open house," says Tommy Du, Realtor, broker and owner of Tommy Du Realty & Mortgage. He points out that offers come in as soon as a house goes on the market. Even with a trend toward higher prices, most homes sell in about a week, according to Du: "A lot of people pay cash because it's a very hot market."

The majority of single-family homes here date to the midcentury and include ranch-style homes, traditionals and those with Spanish elements like archways and tile roofs. Prices for these range from about $725,000 to $1.25 million, depending on the size and upgrades. A limited number of homes built in recent decades typically offer four to five bedrooms and attached multicar garages. They're priced slightly higher than their vintage counterparts — from around $800,000 to $1.6 million. Some of these are in gated communities with homeowners associations.

Town houses and condos are also available and priced from about $500,000 to $800,000. Homebuyers who have downsized or want to stay economical might opt for a manufactured home. They start at about $90,000 for a modest two-bedroom and go as high as $180,000 for larger models.

There are multiple elementary schools here, so younger kids benefit from those within walking distance of their homes. John Murdy Elementary is a National Blue Ribbon School with an A- from Niche. Murdy offers a Vietnamese dual immersion program. James Irvine Intermediate also earned an A- from Niche, which lists it among the top 400 best public middle schools in the state. And La Quinta High is a Niche Standout High School with an A grade.

Wherever you live in Little Saigon, shops and restaurants are close by. The corridor along Bolsa Avenue is brimming with choices. Lee's Sandwiches, a regional chain, offers banh mi options like barbecue pork or sardines and standard sandwiches on croissants or baguettes. The company's coffee spot is right next door. Stop by the Asian Village shopping center and Asian Garden Mall for bakeries, noodle shops, juice bars and plenty of boutique shops.

Don't miss the annual Flower Festival at Asian Garden Mall. The event provides abundant fresh flowers, plants, and other items customary for the Lunar New Year or Tết. At the end of the Flower Festival, it's time to watch the Tết Parade, featuring festival floats, music and performers. In the summertime, you can shop the Night Market for food and specialty goods — It's held on weekends at the mall. For some outdoor time, whether sports or a relaxing walk, visit one of the neighborhood parks. Bowling Green Park features a sand-base playground, covered picnic tables and a basketball court.

From Little Saigon, you'll have close access to roadways like Interstate 405 and state routes 22 and 39. Take a day trip to any of Southern California's top leisure and entertainment destinations, including Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Huntington and Seal Beach. With its wealth of culture in a desired Orange County location, Little Saigon sets you up for a superb lifestyle.

Written By

Robin Silberman

Photography Contributed By

Ling Ge

Video By

Michael Voyack