Neighborhood Spotlight: Tustin, CA

January 30, 2022

Known as the “City of Trees”, Tustin, California, boasts a wide variety of native trees, including oaks and sycamores, lining its streets. It’s also one of the oldest historical towns in Orange County. These qualities lend the city a charming vibe and give the community a strong sense of place.

Tustin at a glance

Tustin is located in Orange County, California, and has a current population of approximately 80,000. It is situated on just over 11 square miles of land and is bordered by Irvine to the south and east, the county seat of Santa Ana to the west, and Orange and the Tustin Foothills to the north. It is conveniently located just two miles from the John Wayne Airport and is easily accessible by both the I-5 and the SR-55 freeways.

Tustin real estate and neighborhoods

Tustin is a welcoming and very family-friendly city. You’ll find a wide variety of real estate available in many different styles and price points. The median home price in Tustin is approximately $581,500. The city is comprised of several smaller neighborhoods which include:

Tustin history

Early settlers of the Tustin area were drawn by its trees. Not just because of their natural beauty, but because it also indicated that there was a dependable water supply. Because of its water, Juan Pablo Grijalva received a grant to use the area for ranching in 1810. By 1868, family disputes caused the land to be partitioned and sold. Northern California carriage maker, Columbus Tustin, and his partner Nelson Stafford then bought 1,300 acres of this land to create “Tustin City”. Homesite sales were slow, though, and in the 1870s he gave free lots to anyone who agreed to construct a home. In 1877, Tustin was beaten out by nearby Santa Ana to become the southern terminus of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Columbus Tustin died in 1883, having never realized his vision. But the community of Tustin had a reputation for being a leader in education, and by 1927 the area was incorporated. Tustin began to grow in earnest in the 1950s and increased in size by 220 percent because of annexations. The population exploded in the 1960s and continues to be a vibrant and growing community today.

Tustin amenities

Tustin is a city with a rich history, which is on full display in the Old Town district. Here you’ll find beautiful historic buildings that date back as early as the 1880s. You can also visit the Tustin Museum that is located in a historic building home to a variety of businesses over the years. Or take a 1.5-mile sidewalk tour on Main Street that reveals more than 12 decades of the city’s past. Another fantastic museum to visit is the Marconi Automotive Museum which has a $30 million collection of racing cars and other exotic vehicles.

Shopping is a fun and unique experience in Tustin. Stop by the Enderle Center, one of the few privately-owned shopping centers on the west coast. It has a terrific small-town shopping vibe and is home to several restaurants and specialty shops. Or spend an afternoon at the Tustin Market Place. It’s home to more than 100 stores where you’ll find just about anything you need.

Golf lovers will also be happy in Tustin. The city is home to Tustin Ranch Golf Club, known as the best in Orange County. Their Ted Robinson-designed golf course is picturesque and has received a four-star rating from Golf Digest Magazine several years in a row.

Tustin schools

Students in Tustin and the surrounding incorporated areas are served by the Tustin Unified School District. Many schools in Tustin are highly-rated and have received A+ ratings on Niche. Tustin High School and Foothill High School have both received the honor of being named a California Distinguished School. In addition, Arnold O. Beckman High School was named one of the Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. Tustin is also home to Springfield College, a private, non-profit institution of higher learning.

Explore Tustin today!

Are you ready to find out for yourself why this charming Southern California city receives high marks across the board? Then view available properties in Tustin and schedule your private showing today!