Anaheim, California, is a vibrant city known for its world-famous Disneyland Resort, professional sports teams, and diverse neighborhoods. As one of Orange County’s most dynamic real estate markets, Anaheim offers a range of housing options for families, professionals, and investors alike. The city’s East and West Sides present distinct characteristics, amenities, and investment opportunities, making them appealing to different types of buyers. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into comparing East and West Side properties in Anaheim, exploring their unique features, market trends, and what makes each area stand out in 2025.
Understanding Anaheim’s East and West Sides
Anaheim’s East and West Sides are loosely defined by their geographic position relative to the city’s central corridor, with major landmarks and freeways like the 91 and 57 Freeways or Harbor Boulevard often serving as dividing lines. For the purposes of this comparison, we’ll focus on key neighborhoods typically associated with each side:
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East Side: Includes neighborhoods like Anaheim Hills, Northeast Anaheim, The Summit, and parts of the Platinum Triangle. These areas are often characterized by upscale homes, suburban tranquility, and proximity to natural landscapes.
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West Side: Encompasses West Anaheim, Southwest Anaheim, and the Anaheim Resort District. This side is known for its proximity to Disneyland, family-friendly communities, and a more urban, dense suburban feel.
Each side offers a unique lifestyle, and understanding their differences is key to making an informed real estate decision. Let’s break down the key factors to consider when comparing properties in these areas.
Neighborhood Characteristics
East Side: Upscale Living and Scenic Beauty
The East Side of Anaheim, particularly Anaheim Hills, is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. Nestled against the Santa Ana Mountains, this area features sprawling homes, larger lots, and breathtaking views. Anaheim Hills is a planned community known for its low crime rates, highly rated schools, and family-friendly environment. According to First Team Real Estate, Anaheim Hills attracts buyers looking for “move-up homes” to accommodate growing or multi-generational families, with properties often boasting resort-style amenities like pools, private yards, and modern upgrades.
Northeast Anaheim and the Platinum Triangle add diversity to the East Side’s offerings. Northeast Anaheim blends luxury with affordability, featuring a mix of single-family homes, condos, and townhouses. The Platinum Triangle, a burgeoning business hub, is home to high-rise condos and modern apartments, appealing to professionals and investors. The median sale price in the Platinum Triangle has risen 6.0% to $773,500 as of May 2024, reflecting its growing popularity.
The East Side’s appeal lies in its suburban charm, access to outdoor recreation (like hiking trails in the nearby canyons), and proximity to top-tier schools. However, the cost of living here, especially in Anaheim Hills, is significantly higher than the city average, with median home prices often exceeding $1.3 million.
West Side: Family-Friendly and Accessible
West Anaheim, Southwest Anaheim, and the Anaheim Resort District define the West Side’s character. West Anaheim is a dense suburban neighborhood with a strong sense of community and a diverse population of about 73,000 residents. It’s known for its family-friendly parks, cultural diversity, and ranch-style homes built in the 1950s and 1960s. These homes, often priced between $600,000 and $1 million, appeal to first-time buyers and families seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience.
The Anaheim Resort District, located near Disneyland, is a hotspot for investors due to its short-term rental potential. Properties here, including condos and single-family homes, benefit from steady demand from tourists visiting the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Southwest Anaheim, sometimes called “Anaheim Island,” offers a residential feel with access to Modjeska Park and cultural venues like the City National Grove of Anaheim.
The West Side’s proximity to major attractions, including Angel Stadium and the Honda Center, makes it a vibrant area for entertainment. Additionally, the Anaheim Regional Intermodal Center (ARTIC) enhances connectivity, linking the area to regional transit options like Amtrak and Metrolink. Properties near transit hubs tend to appreciate faster, with median sales prices increasing 4-24% higher near transportation, according to the National Association of REALTORS.
Market Trends and Pricing
Anaheim’s housing market is highly competitive, with a Redfin Compete Score of 77 out of 100. The median sale price citywide was $911,498 in April 2025, up 5.4% from the previous year, and homes sell in about 26-31 days on average. Let’s examine how the East and West Sides compare in terms of pricing and market dynamics.
East Side Pricing
The East Side, particularly Anaheim Hills, commands some of the highest prices in Anaheim. The median home price in Anaheim Hills is around $1.3 million, reflecting its upscale properties and larger lot sizes. In the Platinum Triangle, prices are slightly lower, with a median of $773,500, but the area’s growth as a business and entertainment hub suggests strong appreciation potential.
Homes on the East Side often sell above asking price, with 54% of properties in Anaheim going for over list price in April 2025. The area’s low inventory and high demand contribute to its seller’s market status, making it a challenging but rewarding market for buyers willing to invest in premium properties.
West Side Pricing
West Anaheim and Southwest Anaheim offer more affordable options, with median home prices ranging from $600,000 for older homes to $900,000 for remodeled properties. The Anaheim Resort District, while still relatively affordable compared to Anaheim Hills, sees higher prices for properties optimized for short-term rentals, with median list prices around $899,944 citywide.
The West Side’s market is also competitive, with homes receiving multiple offers and selling within 30 days on average. However, its affordability compared to the East Side makes it more accessible to first-time buyers and investors seeking rental income. The area’s proximity to Disneyland and transit hubs further boosts its investment appeal.
Investment Potential
Both sides of Anaheim offer compelling investment opportunities, but their strengths cater to different strategies.
East Side: Long-Term Appreciation
The East Side, particularly Anaheim Hills and the Platinum Triangle, is ideal for investors seeking long-term appreciation. Anaheim Hills’ luxury homes and stable, affluent community ensure steady value growth, with appreciation rates tracking above the national average at 7.09% annually over the past decade. The Platinum Triangle’s ongoing development, including plans for more housing and commercial spaces, positions it as a hotspot for future growth.
Investors in the East Side should focus on single-family homes or high-end condos, which appeal to affluent buyers and renters. However, the high entry cost and limited inventory require careful financial planning.
West Side: Rental Income and Accessibility
The West Side excels in rental income potential, especially in the Anaheim Resort District. Short-term rentals near Disneyland generate an average rental income of $7,065 per month, outpacing long-term leases. West Anaheim’s diverse housing stock, including condos, townhomes, and single-family homes, offers flexibility for investors targeting both short- and long-term rental markets.
The West Side’s affordability and proximity to transit make it attractive for investors with smaller budgets. Properties here appreciate steadily, with Anaheim’s overall appreciation rate at 8.71% in the last 12 months, higher than 73.08% of U.S. cities.
Lifestyle and Amenities
East Side: Tranquility and Prestige
Living on the East Side feels like escaping to a suburban oasis. Anaheim Hills offers quiet streets, top-rated schools, and access to outdoor activities like hiking and golfing. The area’s shopping centers, such as the Anaheim Hills Village Center, provide upscale dining and retail. Cultural amenities, like the nearby Nixon Presidential Library, add to the area’s appeal for history enthusiasts.
The Platinum Triangle, while more urban, offers a vibrant lifestyle with proximity to Angel Stadium, the Honda Center, and new dining and entertainment options. This mix of suburban serenity and urban excitement makes the East Side ideal for families and professionals seeking prestige and convenience.
West Side: Vibrancy and Community
The West Side buzzes with energy, thanks to its proximity to Disneyland and downtown Anaheim. Residents enjoy a lively atmosphere with access to the Anaheim Packing District, a food hall with diverse culinary options, and the farmer’s market in Downtown Anaheim. West Anaheim’s family-friendly parks, like Twila Reid Park, and community events foster a tight-knit vibe.
The Anaheim Resort District’s magical atmosphere appeals to families and tourists, while Southwest Anaheim’s residential charm offers a quieter retreat. The West Side’s connectivity via ARTIC and major freeways makes it a practical choice for commuters working in Orange County or Los Angeles.
Environmental and Risk Factors
Anaheim’s climate poses certain risks that buyers should consider. According to Redfin, 96% of properties in Anaheim face a major heat risk, with “feels like” temperatures increasing and an expected 200% rise in days over 95°F in the next 30 years. Flood risk is moderate, affecting 19% of properties, while wildfire risk impacts 21%. These risks are consistent across both sides, but East Side properties in hilly areas like Anaheim Hills may face slightly higher wildfire exposure due to their proximity to natural landscapes.
Buyers should consult with local real estate agents and review environmental risk reports, such as those from First Street, to assess specific properties.
Which Side is Right for You?
Choosing between Anaheim’s East and West Sides depends on your lifestyle, budget, and investment goals:
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Choose the East Side if you seek luxury, scenic beauty, and long-term appreciation. Anaheim Hills and the Platinum Triangle are perfect for affluent buyers, growing families, or investors targeting high-end properties.
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Choose the West Side if you prioritize affordability, rental income, and a vibrant, community-oriented lifestyle. West Anaheim and the Anaheim Resort District suit first-time buyers, families, and investors focused on short-term rentals.
Conclusion
Anaheim’s real estate market offers something for everyone, with the East and West Sides presenting distinct advantages. The East Side’s upscale homes and suburban tranquility contrast with the West Side’s affordability and vibrant energy. As of April 2025, Anaheim remains a seller’s market with strong appreciation rates and competitive dynamics. Whether you’re drawn to the prestige of Anaheim Hills or the investment potential near Disneyland, working with an experienced local real estate agent can help you navigate this dynamic market.
For more information on Anaheim properties, contact a local expert like First Team Real Estate or explore listings on platforms like Redfin and Zillow. With careful research and strategic planning, you can find the perfect home or investment property in Anaheim’s East or West Side.
