I have lived in and around Yorba Linda for over 40 years. I have raised a family here, coached Little League at Hurless Barton Park, watched Yorba Linda High School go from a construction site to one of the top-rated campuses in the state, and sold homes in every neighborhood from Travis Ranch to Kerrigan Ranch. When someone asks me what living in Yorba Linda is actually like, they do not get the glossy brochure version. They get the real version, the same one I would give a friend.
This guide covers everything: the neighborhoods nobody writes about with actual specifics, the school ratings that drive $285,000 price differences between streets, the restaurants worth knowing by name, the trails I hike on weekends, the commute realities that nobody warns you about, and the honest trade-offs that come with choosing this city. If you are seriously considering Yorba Linda, this is the most complete and current resource you will find anywhere.
Quick Snapshot: Yorba Linda at a Glance
Yorba Linda sits in the northeastern corner of Orange County, roughly 40 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The city covers about 20 square miles with a population of approximately 67,000 residents. The median household income is $152,060, nearly double the national median. The median age is 44.7 years. The homeownership rate exceeds 82%, which is significantly higher than both the state and national averages.
The city earned its nickname, the "Land of Gracious Living," in the 1960s. It is also the birthplace of President Richard Nixon, whose Presidential Library and Museum sits on Yorba Linda Boulevard and hosts community events year-round, from candlelight concerts to holiday exhibits.
Yorba Linda is not trying to be everything to everyone. It is a residential community built around families, strong schools, open space, and a pace of life that prioritizes Saturday morning farmers markets over Saturday night bar scenes. If that sounds like what you are looking for, you will love it here. If you want walkable urban energy and craft cocktail culture, this is not your city, and I would rather tell you that now than let you figure it out after closing.
What a Typical Week Actually Looks Like
Most guides about Yorba Linda give you bullet points. I am going to walk you through what daily life actually feels like, because the brochure version of any city never tells you the real story.
Monday through Friday mornings start with school drop-off. If your kids attend a neighborhood school within walking or biking distance, which is realistic in Travis Ranch, Fairmont Knolls, and portions of Bryant Ranch, it is a five-to-ten-minute walk. If you drive, plan on a five-minute drive plus a ten-to-fifteen-minute queue in the drop-off line between 7:45 and 8:15. Travis Ranch School on Via de la Escuela gets congested in the mornings. Fairmont Elementary on Fairmont Boulevard is smoother. If your kids attend a school across Yorba Linda Boulevard or in a different part of the district, add ten to fifteen minutes each way. Do that math: a fifteen-minute drive each way, twice a day, over 180 school days, is 180 hours per year in the car just for school runs.
After school, kids head to one of the sports leagues, dance studios, or tutoring centers that cluster along Yorba Linda Boulevard and Imperial Highway. Youth sports are not a casual thing in Yorba Linda. AYSO soccer, Little League baseball, club basketball, and the swim teams are all well-organized with strong participation. Practice fields are at Craig Regional Park, Hurless Barton Park, and neighborhood parks throughout the city. You will spend evenings in folding chairs on the sidelines. That is just how it works here, and most families would not have it any other way.
Weekday evenings, people walk their dogs on the trail system, eat dinner at home, and the city gets quiet. Yorba Linda is not a place where restaurants fill up on a random Tuesday night. It is a place where families are at the kitchen table by 6:30.
Saturday mornings, the Yorba Linda Certified Farmers Market runs from 9am to 1pm in the parking lot of Yorba Linda Friends Church at 5091 Mountain View Avenue. It has been a community staple since 1998. It is smaller than some of the bigger OC markets, but the produce quality is excellent and there is a friendly, neighborhood feel to it. You will see people you know. After the market, families hike Chino Hills State Park, bike the trail system, swim at the community pools, or head to Craig Regional Park for picnics and playground time.
Sunday has a similar rhythm. Youth sports tournaments, family hikes, church for those who attend, and errands at Savi Ranch.
One thing that catches newcomers off guard: people know their neighbors here. Block parties happen. People wave from their driveways. The community center hosts seasonal events that families actually attend. If you are coming from a large, more anonymous city, this sense of connection is often the thing people value most after living here for a year.
Yorba Linda Neighborhoods: Where to Live and Why It Matters
Not all of Yorba Linda is the same. The neighborhoods have different price points, home styles, school assignments, and lifestyle feels. Here is an honest breakdown with the specifics no other guide gives you. For a deeper dive into family-oriented neighborhoods and school boundary matching, I have a separate guide that goes even further.
East Lake Village is the neighborhood most people picture when they think of Yorba Linda. Built starting in the late 1970s, it is a master-planned community centered around a private lake, a community pool, a clubhouse, and a packed calendar of organized events: movie nights, holiday parties, fishing derbies at the lake, and summer socials. Homes range from about 1,300 to 4,700 square feet, with pricing between $1.1 million and $2 million depending on size, lot, and condition. Schools here include Glenknoll Elementary and Bernardo Yorba Middle School. The HOA keeps common areas in excellent shape, and the built-in community infrastructure is a genuine draw for families with young kids. The trade-off: most original homes are now 40-plus years old. Updated kitchens, bathrooms, and mechanical systems add real value, and buyers should budget for renovation if they are buying an unremodeled tract home.
Travis Ranch is the most practical neighborhood for families who want strong schools, a reasonable commute, and proximity to shopping without paying premium Yorba Linda prices. It has a mix of single-family homes and townhomes, with prices starting around $700,000 for attached units and running up to approximately $1.8 million for larger detached homes. Travis Ranch School is a K-8 campus, which means your kids can stay in one school through eighth grade, avoiding the middle school transition entirely. The Travis Ranch Recreation Center includes a pool, a community park, and walking paths. Savi Ranch shopping center (Target, Costco, restaurants) is right there. For commuters heading to Irvine or anywhere along the 91 corridor, Travis Ranch puts you close to Imperial Highway and freeway access. This neighborhood has the widest buyer pool in Yorba Linda because it spans the price range that first-time buyers and move-up buyers can both reach.
Bryant Ranch sits in western Yorba Linda with a quieter, slightly more residential feel. Homes range from roughly 1,700 to 4,900 square feet, most built in the late 1980s through the early 2000s. Pricing runs from about $1 million to $1.5 million. Bryant Ranch Elementary carries a 10/10 GreatSchools rating, making it one of the highest-rated elementary schools in the city, and that school assignment is a significant driver of property values here. The neighborhood backs up to green space and trails, and the homes tend to be newer than East Lake, which means fewer major renovation projects.
Kerrigan Ranch is Yorba Linda's premier luxury neighborhood. Custom-built estates, many behind gates, on large lots with views of surrounding hills and canyons. Square footage ranges from 4,000 to over 7,000. Pricing runs from $2 million to well over $5 million. Infinity pools, multi-car garages, guest houses, and high-end finishes are standard. This is private, quiet, and the best views in Yorba Linda. If you are comparing to similar luxury properties in Newport Coast or Laguna Niguel, Kerrigan Ranch delivers comparable scale at a lower price per square foot. I cover Kerrigan Ranch, Hidden Hills, and Vista del Verde in more detail in my Yorba Linda luxury homes guide.
Hidden Hills Estates is for buyers who want land, horses, and seclusion without driving to Norco or Corona. Homes were built primarily in the 1980s and 1990s on large lots, many with equestrian zoning. Pricing ranges from roughly $2 million to $4 million. Lots often run a third of an acre to a full acre. The low-density layout means minimal through-traffic. This is the neighborhood where you will see horse trailers in driveways and split-rail fences along the road. It is not master-planned, and that is exactly the appeal for its buyers.
Vista del Verde is a gated community built around the Black Gold Golf Club. Homes range from $1.5 million to over $3 million with upscale finishes, golf course frontage, and access to club amenities including tennis and dining. HOA fees are higher than most Yorba Linda neighborhoods, but the maintenance and resort-style amenities reflect that. This community draws professionals, empty nesters, and retirees who want a polished lifestyle without paying coastal prices. If golf is part of your weekly routine and you want to walk to the first tee, Vista del Verde is your neighborhood.
Neighborhood Comparison at a Glance
(Format as a visual table on the live site for dwell time and scanning.)
| Neighborhood | Price Range | Sq Ft Range | Best For | School Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Lake Village | $1.1M -- $2M | 1,300 -- 4,700 | Families wanting built-in community | Glenknoll Elem / Bernardo Yorba MS |
| Travis Ranch | $700K -- $1.8M | 1,200 -- 3,500 | Commuters, first-time buyers, value | Travis Ranch K-8 |
| Bryant Ranch | $1M -- $1.5M | 1,700 -- 4,900 | Young families, strong school zone | Bryant Ranch Elem (10/10) |
| Kerrigan Ranch | $2M -- $5M+ | 4,000 -- 7,000 | Luxury, privacy, views | Varies -- verify boundary |
| Hidden Hills | $2M -- $4M | 3,000 -- 6,000+ | Land, horses, seclusion | Fairmont Elem / Bernardo Yorba MS |
| Vista del Verde | $1.5M -- $3M+ | 2,500 -- 4,500 | Golf, retirees, professionals | Varies -- verify boundary |
Schools: The PYLUSD Advantage (And Why Your Street Address Matters More Than You Think)
Schools are the number one reason families choose Yorba Linda. The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District ranks #40 among California's 490 districts, placing it in the top 8% statewide. For many buyers relocating from LA County, the Inland Empire, or out of state, PYLUSD is the deciding factor.
But here is what most online guides leave out: the GreatSchools rating gap between PYLUSD schools is significant, and that gap directly correlates to home prices. The difference between a home in a 7/10 elementary zone and a 10/10 elementary zone is approximately $285,000 in median sale price. That is not speculation. That is what the sales data shows consistently.
At the high school level, Yorba Linda High School (opened 2009) has a 10/10 GreatSchools rating, ranks #155 among all California high schools, and maintains a 99% graduation rate. Average SAT scores sit around 1320, average ACT around 29, and the Class of 2024 earned $3.1 million in scholarships collectively. YLHS ranks higher than Brea-Olinda High (#307), Canyon High in Anaheim Hills (#230), and Villa Park High (#453). The only nearby public high school that outranks it is Troy High in Fullerton (#26), which requires competitive admission. El Dorado High School and Valencia High School also serve portions of Yorba Linda depending on the exact home address. El Dorado has well-regarded performing arts programs. Valencia has competitive athletics.
At the elementary level, Bryant Ranch Elementary carries a 10/10 GreatSchools rating and is the highest-rated elementary campus in Yorba Linda. Fairmont Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, and Rose Drive Elementary all hold 8/10 ratings. Travis Ranch School (K-8) carries a 7/10 at the elementary level but ranks #225 in California at the middle school level and offers the advantage of a single-campus K-8 experience. Mabel Paine Elementary is another strong campus that draws families to the East Lake Village area.
The boundary detail that catches people: PYLUSD does not have open enrollment. Your children attend the school corresponding to your home address. Intra-district transfers are available through a December-January priority window based on space, but elementary and middle school transfers do not automatically carry to high school. If you are relying on a transfer to get your child into Yorba Linda High, you may need to move before ninth grade to guarantee that assignment. I verify the exact school boundary for every property I show because a home three blocks away from the one you love might feed into a completely different school.
Cost of Living: The Real Numbers
Housing is by far the biggest expense. Here is where things stand as of early 2026.
The median home sale price in Yorba Linda is approximately $1.3 million to $1.4 million depending on the month and data source. Movoto reported a $1.399 million median in January 2026. Single-family homes make up the vast majority of the market, with a median around $1.33 million. Townhomes offer a lower entry point near $940,000. The limited condo inventory starts closer to $600,000. Price per square foot runs in the low-to-mid $600s, which positions Yorba Linda above the Orange County median but well below coastal markets like Newport Beach ($3M+), Laguna Beach ($3.5M+), or Dana Point ($1.7M+).
For renters, median rent sits between $2,500 and $2,850 per month depending on property type and location.
Property taxes are governed by Proposition 13, capping the base rate at 1% of assessed value with a maximum annual increase of 2%. Some newer developments, particularly in Travis Ranch and Vista del Verde, carry Mello-Roos special assessments that add meaningfully to the annual tax bill. I always flag this for buyers because a $1.2 million home in a Mello-Roos district costs you noticeably more per year than a $1.2 million home in an older neighborhood without the assessment.
Groceries, dining, and everyday expenses are comparable to other affluent Southern California suburbs. Comparable to what you would find in Brea, Anaheim Hills, or Mission Viejo. Everything costs more than the national average, but that is the reality of living anywhere in Orange County.
The median household income is $152,060, and the unemployment rate hovers around 3.2%. Most residents are dual-income professionals working across Orange County and greater LA in healthcare, finance, engineering, and technology.
The Housing Market Right Now: February 2026
Mortgage rates as of this week are averaging 6.09% for a 30-year fixed according to Freddie Mac's February 12 report, down from 6.87% a year ago and sitting at roughly three-year lows. Some lenders are quoting rates in the high 5% range for well-qualified borrowers. Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association both project rates will hover near 6% through the rest of 2026.
In Yorba Linda, homes are spending a median of 58 to 64 days on market. Well-priced homes in popular neighborhoods like East Lake Village and Travis Ranch still move faster, sometimes within two to three weeks. Most properties are closing 1% to 10% below list price, a notable shift from the pandemic era when homes traded at or above asking.
Active inventory runs around 130 to 140 listings at any given time. Orange County overall started 2026 with about 2,823 active listings versus 2,596 last year. More inventory means more choices and less of the frantic bidding war environment from 2021 and 2022.
For buyers, this is a practical window. You have time to evaluate and negotiate, but homes in strong school zones still draw attention quickly. Getting pre-approved before you start looking is not optional. Sellers in this market take offers far more seriously when they come with verified financing. If you are looking for dedicated buyer representation in Yorba Linda, that process starts with a conversation about your priorities, budget, and timeline.
Safety: What the Data Actually Says
Safety is one of Yorba Linda's strongest selling points, and the numbers back it up convincingly.
Yorba Linda ranks as the #5 safest city in California according to SafeWise's 2026 report, holding that position for the second consecutive year. The city's overall crime rate is approximately 55% lower than the national average. Violent crime is especially low: roughly 85% below the national average with only 36 reported violent crimes across a city of 67,000 in the most recent full reporting year. The murder rate was zero.
Property crime exists (package theft, occasional vehicle break-ins) but rates remain well below state and national averages.
Law enforcement is provided by the Orange County Sheriff's Department, which operates a dedicated unit for the Yorba Linda area. In resident surveys, 89% of Yorba Linda residents report feeling safe walking alone at night. For families with children, this sense of security is a quality-of-life factor that is hard to put a dollar figure on but immediately obvious when you live it.
Commute Times: The Honest Version
Your commute experience in Yorba Linda depends entirely on where you work. Here are realistic rush-hour estimates, not the Google Maps "no traffic" version.
Anaheim (including the Resort area and Platinum Triangle): 10 to 15 minutes. Brea: 10 minutes. Irvine: 25 to 40 minutes depending on which part and whether you use the 241 toll road. South Orange County (Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel): 30 to 45 minutes. Downtown Los Angeles: 45 to 75 minutes with wide variance. The Inland Empire (Riverside, Corona): 20 to 30 minutes east.
The 91 Freeway and Imperial Highway are the two primary routes. The 241 Toll Road provides a congestion-free alternative to south Orange County and Irvine, though it costs between $6 and $12 per trip depending on time and demand.
The commute reality nobody warns you about: the 91 Freeway westbound in the morning and eastbound in the evening is consistently one of the worst commute corridors in Southern California. If your office is in west Orange County or LA, your morning drive will be manageable. The return trip between 4pm and 7pm can push to an hour or more. The 241 Toll Road is a game-changer for Irvine and south county commuters, and most Yorba Linda residents who commute that direction consider it worth every penny.
The Fullerton Transportation Center, about 15 minutes from Yorba Linda, offers Metrolink commuter rail service to Union Station in downtown LA in approximately 40 minutes. For commuters who want to skip the freeway entirely, this is a legitimate and underused option.
The hybrid work shift has changed the math significantly. Professionals who commute two or three days a week find the trade-off completely manageable. The quality of life on non-commute days, the space, the quiet, the ability to hike at lunch, makes up for the drive when it happens. If you are relocating to Yorba Linda from the Bay Area, LA, or out of state, I offer a full relocation service that includes neighborhood matching, school transition support, and commute analysis based on where you actually work.
Yorba Linda is car-dependent. Public transit within the city is minimal. You need a vehicle for daily life, and most households here are two-car families.
Dining and Restaurants: Better Than You Have Heard
Yorba Linda has a reputation as a dining desert, and five years ago, that was mostly fair. It is not anymore. The restaurant scene has improved significantly, and while it is not a foodie destination, there are places worth knowing by name.
Terra Wood-Fired Kitchen on Main Street in Old Town Yorba Linda is the standout. Mediterranean-inspired, wood-fired pizzas, a rotisserie, and an indoor-outdoor atmosphere that feels like it belongs in a bigger city. The spicy Calabrese pizza and the seasonal peach salad are both worth the trip. This is where locals go for a nice dinner without driving to the coast.
The Wild Artichoke is a 34-seat chef-driven French bistro led by Chef Andrew Joo, a 2025 Great Eats Award winner and 2026 DiRoNA Award recipient. Bluefin tuna tartare, hamachi crudo, handmade pasta, and a cold-smoked hanger steak that keeps people coming back. It is a hidden gem for date nights and special occasions, and it punches well above what you would expect in a suburban Yorba Linda strip mall.
Lone Wolf Brewing Co. on the corner of Imperial Highway and Yorba Linda Boulevard is the closest thing to a neighborhood hangout. A 6,500-square-foot interior, a big patio with misters and heaters, craft beer brewed on-site, and a full events calendar including trivia nights, karaoke, open mic, and live music on weekends. It is a block from the Nixon Library and draws a broad crowd.
Blind Coyote Cantina is the go-to for Mexican food. Stefano's Golden Baked Hams has been a local institution since 2003, known for panini sandwiches and their signature baked hams. Jincook is the newer Korean spot getting strong word-of-mouth. Oceans and Earth does seafood, burgers, and a solid surf-and-turf. Supatras Thai is a long-running neighborhood favorite.
For a wider dining scene, Downtown Brea (Birch Street Promenade) is ten minutes south with more variety and walkability. Downtown Fullerton is fifteen minutes with a younger, bar-and-live-music energy. Summit House in Fullerton, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views, is the classic special occasion restaurant that Yorba Linda families have been going to for decades.
For coffee, Made Coffee has a loyal following with locations on Yorba Linda Boulevard, and Bodhi Coffee is a newer addition in the Lakeview area.
Outdoor Recreation: Trails, Parks, and Open Space
This is where Yorba Linda genuinely excels, and it is a major reason people stay.
Chino Hills State Park borders Yorba Linda to the east and north, with over 14,000 acres and 60-plus miles of trails. You can access the park directly from Yorba Linda at three points: the Rim Crest Drive entrance off Blue Gum Drive (walk-in), the Quarter Horse Drive staging area off Fairmont Boulevard (free parking, equestrian trailer access), and the Casino Ridge staging area.
The most popular loop from the Rim Crest entrance is the South Ridge Trail to Telegraph Canyon loop: approximately 5 miles, moderate difficulty, with rolling hills, wide fire roads, seasonal wildflowers in spring, and views of the surrounding valleys and ridgelines. The trailhead starts at the intersection of Rim Crest Drive and Blue Gum Drive. Plan about two hours. There is limited street parking, so arrive early on weekends.
For more ambitious hikers, the South Ridge Trail continues east to San Juan Hill, the highest point in the park at 1,781 feet, offering panoramic views in every direction. Glider Point, accessible from the same trail, is a popular destination with sweeping views of Orange County.
For families with young kids, Easy Street Trail drops into Telegraph Canyon on singletrack and is a manageable introduction to the park. The Upper Aliso Canyon Trail (accessed from the Bane Canyon entrance in Chino Hills) is flat, shaded, runs along a creek, and is perfect for strollers and toddlers.
One note: dogs are not allowed on Chino Hills State Park trails, only on paved roads and in designated day use areas. This catches newcomers off guard.
Craig Regional Park at the southern edge of the city has sports fields, playgrounds, a lake, picnic areas, and organized activities. It is the hub for youth sports in Yorba Linda. Hurless Barton Park has additional ballfields and is where Little League games happen. Jessamyn West Park is a quieter neighborhood park with a playground and open grass.
The Yorba Linda trail system connects many neighborhoods directly to the open space. Families in Travis Ranch, Vista del Verde, and Hidden Hills can access trails without driving. The city maintains over 100 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use.
Black Gold Golf Club at the center of Vista del Verde is an 18-hole course open for public daily play. It is a well-maintained, mid-range course with good elevation changes and views.
Weather and Climate
Average highs range from the mid-60s in winter to the low 90s in summer. Lows sit in the mid-40s during winter and low 60s in summer. Yorba Linda gets about 13 inches of rain per year, concentrated between November and March.
The inland location means Yorba Linda runs a few degrees warmer than coastal cities in summer and a few degrees cooler in winter. On the hottest days in August and September, temperatures can push past 100 degrees. Homes with good AC handle this fine, but it is worth knowing if you are coming from the coast.
Santa Ana winds, the hot dry winds that blow through the canyons in fall and winter, create elevated wildfire risk. Yorba Linda's proximity to Chino Hills State Park and the surrounding wildland-urban interface means fire risk is a reality. According to First Street Foundation data, approximately 79% of properties in Yorba Linda face some level of wildfire risk over the next 30 years. This does not mean homes are burning regularly. It means fire insurance, defensible space maintenance, and awareness of evacuation routes are part of responsible homeownership here. Insurance costs have been rising statewide, and this is a factor worth discussing with your agent and insurer before buying.
How Yorba Linda Compares to Other OC Cities
People considering Yorba Linda are usually comparing a handful of other cities. Here is how they stack up based on what I see working with buyers every day.
Yorba Linda vs. Irvine Comparison
| Factor | Yorba Linda | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$1.3M | ~$1.4M |
| Avg Lot Size | 7,000--12,000+ sf | 3,000--6,000 sf |
| School District | PYLUSD (top 8% CA) | IUSD (top 5% CA) |
| Community Feel | Established, neighbor-oriented | Master-planned, newer |
| Commute to LA | 45--75 min | 55--80 min |
| Commute to Irvine | 25--40 min | 5--15 min |
| Dining/Entertainment | Growing, limited nightlife | Stronger variety |
Irvine offers a more corporate, master-planned environment with walkable village centers and newer construction. Yorba Linda offers larger lots, mature landscaping, a stronger sense of place, and slightly lower prices for comparable square footage. Buyers who want a newer home with HOA-maintained common areas lean Irvine. Buyers who want a bigger yard, more character, and a community where people have lived for decades lean Yorba Linda.
Yorba Linda vs. Anaheim Hills. Neighbors with similar demographics. Anaheim Hills is slightly more affordable at comparable square footage. Yorba Linda's advantage is PYLUSD. Anaheim Hills is served by the Anaheim Union High School District, which is solid but does not carry the same weight with buyers. For families where school district ranking is the deciding factor, Yorba Linda wins.
Yorba Linda vs. Mission Viejo. Similar suburban family lifestyle in south Orange County. Mission Viejo has the lake community and closer proximity to the coast. Median prices are comparable, though Mission Viejo has slightly more inventory in the $800K to $1.2M range. The commute trade-off depends on where you work.
Yorba Linda vs. Brea. Brea is immediately adjacent and offers a lower entry price, particularly for condos (from $500K) and smaller homes. Brea also has a walkable downtown that Yorba Linda lacks. Brea is served by the Brea Olinda Unified School District, which is strong but different. Buyers who want walkability and a lower budget lean Brea. Buyers who want larger lots and the PYLUSD name lean Yorba Linda.
The Honest Trade-offs
I would not be doing my job if I only told you the positives.
Dining and nightlife are limited. If you are coming from a city with a vibrant food and bar scene, Yorba Linda will feel quiet. Terra and The Wild Artichoke are genuine bright spots, but for a full night out, you will drive to Brea, Fullerton, or the coast. There is no walkable downtown with the energy of, say, downtown Fullerton or the Birch Street area in Brea.
You need a car for everything. Public transit is minimal. This is a two-car-household city. If car-free living matters to you, Yorba Linda is not the right fit.
The 91 Freeway will test you. Two or three commute days a week is manageable. Five days a week at rush hour will grind on you. Be realistic about your commute tolerance before you buy.
Wildfire risk is real. The proximity to open space that makes Yorba Linda beautiful creates fire risk, particularly in neighborhoods that border Chino Hills State Park. Insurance costs are rising. Factor this into your budget.
It is expensive. The entry point for a single-family home is roughly $1 million. The median is above $1.3 million. If you are stretching, you may find more room in Brea, Placentia, or north Fullerton while still being minutes from everything Yorba Linda offers.
Young adults and singles may feel isolated. Yorba Linda is built for families. If you are in your twenties and want nightlife, diversity of scene, and social energy, you will likely be happier in Fullerton, Costa Mesa, or Long Beach. This city is optimized for a different life stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yorba Linda a good place to live? For families who value safety, top-tier schools, outdoor recreation, and a community-oriented lifestyle, Yorba Linda is one of the best cities in Orange County. It ranks #5 on SafeWise's 2026 list of California's safest cities, holds an A+ Niche grade, and PYLUSD is a top-8% school district statewide. The trade-offs are limited nightlife, car dependency, and high housing costs.
What is the average home price in Yorba Linda in 2026? The median sale price is approximately $1.3 million to $1.4 million as of early 2026. Single-family homes dominate the market. Townhomes start around $700,000 to $940,000. Condos (limited inventory) start near $600,000. Luxury homes in Kerrigan Ranch and Hidden Hills range from $2 million to over $5 million.
How are the schools in Yorba Linda? PYLUSD ranks #40 among 490 California school districts. Yorba Linda High School has a 10/10 GreatSchools rating, a 99% graduation rate, and ranks #155 in California. Bryant Ranch Elementary also carries a 10/10. Multiple schools hold Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished School designations. School assignment is determined strictly by home address. Boundary verification is essential.
Is Yorba Linda safe? Yes. It is the #5 safest city in California (SafeWise, 2026). The overall crime rate is approximately 55% below the national average. Violent crime is 85% below the national average, with a murder rate of zero in the most recent reporting year.
What is the commute from Yorba Linda like? Depends on your destination. Anaheim: 10 to 15 minutes. Irvine: 25 to 40 minutes. Downtown LA: 45 to 75 minutes. The 91 Freeway is the primary route. The 241 Toll Road ($6 to $12 per trip) is a faster alternative for south county. Metrolink from Fullerton reaches downtown LA in about 40 minutes.
What are the best neighborhoods for families? East Lake Village, Travis Ranch, and Bryant Ranch are the most popular. Travis Ranch offers the most accessible entry point. Bryant Ranch has the highest-rated elementary school (10/10). East Lake Village provides the strongest community amenities and social infrastructure. The right choice depends on your budget, school priorities, and commute. I break this down in detail in my Yorba Linda family homes guide.
Are there good restaurants in Yorba Linda? Better than the reputation suggests. Terra Wood-Fired Kitchen and The Wild Artichoke are standout dining options, and Lone Wolf Brewing brings craft beer and live events. For a broader scene, Downtown Brea is 10 minutes and Downtown Fullerton is 15 minutes away.
Is Yorba Linda a good investment? Historically, Yorba Linda has appreciated at or above the Orange County average. The city is essentially built out with limited land for new development, which constrains supply. Strong schools, low crime, and an affluent community profile support long-term values. Turnover is low, inventory stays tight, and demand from relocating families keeps the buyer pool active. If you already own in Yorba Linda and want to know where your property stands, I offer a complimentary home valuation based on current sales data and neighborhood-specific trends.
Ready to Explore Yorba Linda?
If you are considering a move and want to talk specifics, whether that is school boundaries, neighborhood pricing, commute logistics, or the current market, I am happy to have a straightforward conversation. No pressure, no pitch. Just 40-plus years of local knowledge and a realistic take on whether Yorba Linda is the right fit.
Brian Kidd -- Canyon Realty Phone: (714) 404-8152 Email: [email protected] Website: canyonrealty.com
