Garden Grove, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Orange County, California, is experiencing a wave of transformation as developers unveil ambitious housing plans to meet the demands of a growing population. With its rich cultural diversity, proximity to major attractions like Disneyland, and a thriving local economy, Garden Grove is poised to become an even more desirable place to live. As of March 18, 2025, the city is buzzing with excitement over new residential projects that promise to blend modern living with the community’s unique character. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of these housing plans, explore their potential impact, and discuss what they mean for the future of Garden Grove.
A Growing Need for Housing
California has long grappled with a housing shortage, and Garden Grove is no exception. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has assigned the city a Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation of 19,122 units for the 2021-2029 planning period. This mandate reflects the urgent need to accommodate new residents while ensuring affordability for families across income levels. Developers are stepping up to the challenge, collaborating with city officials to create housing solutions that balance growth with sustainability.
The demand for housing in Garden Grove is driven by several factors: its strategic location near major employment hubs, excellent schools, and a welcoming community atmosphere. As more people look to settle in this dynamic city, developers are seizing the opportunity to reshape its residential landscape. From affordable apartments to luxury single-family homes, the proposed projects aim to cater to a wide range of needs and lifestyles.
Spotlight on Key Projects
Several housing developments are making headlines in Garden Grove, each with its own vision for enhancing the city’s appeal. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable plans shared by developers.
Brookhurst Place: A Mixed-Use Masterpiece
One of the most ambitious projects underway is Brookhurst Place, a 14-acre mixed-use development located in the heart of Orange County’s Koreatown. Spearheaded by Kam Sang Company, this project is transforming the long-vacant Brookhurst Triangle into a bustling community hub. Phase I, completed in 2018, introduced 180 rental apartments, setting the stage for an even grander Phase II, which broke ground in June 2023.
Phase II will add 350 apartment homes (including 60 affordable units), 58 for-sale condominiums, a 100-key hotel, and up to 200,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. The development also includes a 1-acre public park and an urban trail, designed to foster community engagement and outdoor recreation. With a proposed budget of $42 million for this phase, Brookhurst Place is a testament to Garden Grove’s commitment to blending residential growth with economic vitality.
What makes Brookhurst Place particularly special is its nod to the local Korean American community. Developers are considering ways to honor this cultural heritage, ensuring the project resonates with longtime residents while welcoming newcomers. As Ronnie Lam, CEO of Kam Sang Company, stated, “We are delighted to have the unwavering backing of the city of Garden Grove as we enter Phase II of this development. Their continued support strengthens the project’s potential to create significant impact in terms of housing availability and economic development.”
Gardenia by Shea Homes: A Sold-Out Success
Another standout project is Gardenia by Shea Homes, a gated community of 70 single-family homes located at 12910 Dahlia Street. Completed in October 2020, this development sold out by December of the previous year—an impressive feat that underscores Garden Grove’s appeal to homebuyers. The two-story homes, ranging from 2,400 to 2,700 square feet, offer three distinct floor plans designed to meet modern families’ needs.
The success of Gardenia highlights the demand for high-quality, thoughtfully designed housing in the city. Mayor Steve Jones praised the project, saying, “Seeing how quickly these homes sold, it’s obvious that more people are choosing Garden Grove to buy a new home and that we’re meeting the important must-haves buyers are looking for in a home and a community.” Partnering with Shea Homes, the city turned a former church site into a thriving residential enclave, proving that innovative redevelopment can breathe new life into underutilized spaces.
Bixby Avenue Apartments: Affordable Living in Focus
On the affordable housing front, a proposed three-story, 27-unit apartment complex at 9691 Bixby Avenue is generating buzz. This project, currently awaiting plan check, will replace existing structures with a modern residential building on a 0.83-acre lot. Notably, three of the units are designated for “very-low income” households, aligning with the city’s efforts to meet its RHNA goals and provide equitable housing options.
This development reflects a broader trend in Garden Grove: a commitment to inclusivity. By incorporating affordable units, developers are ensuring that the city remains accessible to a diverse population, from young professionals to retirees on fixed incomes.
The Bigger Picture: Community and Sustainability
These housing plans are about more than just adding rooftops—they’re about building a stronger, more connected Garden Grove. Developers are working closely with city planners to integrate green spaces, pedestrian-friendly designs, and community amenities into their projects. For example, Brookhurst Place’s public park and urban trail will offer residents places to relax and socialize, while Gardenia’s gated community provides a sense of security and belonging.
Sustainability is also a key focus. Many of these developments incorporate energy-efficient designs and materials, reflecting California’s push for environmentally responsible construction. As the state continues to address climate change, Garden Grove’s new housing projects are setting a standard for eco-conscious urban planning.
Challenges and Opportunities
Of course, growth doesn’t come without challenges. Some residents have expressed concerns about traffic congestion, infrastructure strain, and the preservation of Garden Grove’s small-town charm. The Brookhurst Place project, for instance, faced protests in its early stages, with locals worried about its impact on the neighborhood. Developers and city officials have responded by emphasizing transparency and community input, ensuring that projects align with residents’ needs.
On the flip side, these developments present significant opportunities. New housing attracts businesses, boosts property values, and creates jobs—both during construction and in the long term through retail and service sectors. Garden Grove’s proximity to major highways and attractions like Knotts Berry Farm and Huntington Beach further enhances its potential as a residential hotspot.
What Residents Can Expect
For current and prospective residents, these housing plans signal a bright future. Homebuyers will find a mix of options, from affordable apartments to upscale single-family homes, while renters can look forward to modern units in prime locations. The addition of commercial spaces, like those in Brookhurst Place, will bring new dining, shopping, and entertainment options right to residents’ doorsteps.
Families will also benefit from Garden Grove’s excellent schools, such as Patton Elementary and Bolsa Grande High, which consistently rank among Orange County’s best. Combined with the city’s recreational offerings—14 parks, the annual Strawberry Festival, and easy access to nearby beaches—these housing developments make Garden Grove an ideal place to put down roots.
Looking Ahead
As Garden Grove moves into 2025 and beyond, the collaboration between developers, city leaders, and the community will be crucial to realizing this vision. The housing plans shared today are just the beginning of a larger transformation—one that aims to balance growth with the city’s unique identity. Whether it’s the mixed-use innovation of Brookhurst Place, the family-friendly appeal of Gardenia, or the affordability of the Bixby Avenue apartments, these projects are shaping a Garden Grove that’s ready for the future.
What do you think about these developments? Are you excited about the new housing options, or do you have concerns about how they’ll change the city? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you! And stay tuned for more updates as Garden Grove continues to evolve into one of Southern California’s most dynamic communities.
