When it comes to real estate in Orange County, California, two neighboring cities often come up in conversation: Stanton and Anaheim. While they share proximity and a Southern California vibe, their real estate markets tell different stories. Whether you’re a prospective homebuyer, an investor, or just curious about housing trends, understanding how these two cities stack up can provide valuable insight. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Stanton and Anaheim real estate markets, exploring pricing, market dynamics, lifestyle factors, and long-term investment potential as of March 12, 2025.
The Basics: Location and Context
Stanton and Anaheim sit just a few miles apart in Orange County, a region known for its sunny weather, proximity to Los Angeles, and high cost of living. Anaheim, with a population of over 340,000, is a major player, famous for being home to Disneyland and boasting a robust tourism-driven economy. Stanton, on the other hand, is a smaller city with roughly 38,000 residents, offering a more compact, community-oriented feel. Both cities benefit from their location in Orange County, but their real estate markets reflect their unique identities.
As of early 2025, Southern California remains a seller’s market in many areas, with demand often outpacing supply. However, local nuances—like economic drivers, housing inventory, and buyer preferences—create distinct differences between Stanton and Anaheim. Let’s break it down.
Pricing: How Much Does It Cost to Live Here?
Anaheim’s Price Tag
Anaheim’s housing market is undeniably pricey, reflecting its status as a regional hub. As of February 2025, the median home sale price in Anaheim was $909,152, up 7% from the previous year. The median price per square foot sits at $577, and homes range widely from modest condos to multimillion-dollar properties, with listings on the market averaging $860,000. This escalation in price isn’t surprising—Anaheim’s proximity to major attractions, strong job market, and diverse housing stock fuel demand.
The city’s competitive nature is evident: homes receive multiple offers, with 49% selling above asking price in February 2025. On average, properties spend 38 days on the market, a slight uptick from last year, suggesting a fast-moving but slightly cooling pace compared to the frenzy of prior years.
Stanton’s More Accessible Entry Point
Stanton, by contrast, offers a lower entry point into the Orange County market. In December 2024, the median home sale price was $661,000, a 2.5% increase year-over-year, with a median price per square foot of $568. Listings hover around $649,000 to $661,000, depending on the month, making Stanton significantly more affordable than Anaheim. However, don’t let the lower prices fool you—Stanton’s market is also competitive, with 54% of homes selling above asking price in September 2024 and an average of just 20-24 days on the market.
The price gap—roughly $248,000 between median sale prices—highlights Stanton’s appeal for budget-conscious buyers or those seeking value in a high-cost region. However, Stanton’s smaller size and fewer amenities mean it doesn’t command the same premium as Anaheim.
Verdict on Pricing
Anaheim’s higher prices reflect its broader appeal and economic clout, while Stanton offers a more affordable alternative without straying too far from Orange County’s perks. If you’re looking for a bigger investment or a home with proximity to major attractions, Anaheim might justify the cost. For smaller budgets or a quieter vibe, Stanton holds the edge.
Market Dynamics: Seller’s Market Showdown
Anaheim’s Competitive Edge
Anaheim’s real estate market is classified as “very competitive,” with a Redfin Compete Score of 72 out of 100. Homes typically receive four offers, and “hot” properties can go pending in as little as 24 days, often 3% above list price. This reflects a seller’s market where demand remains high, driven by tourism, job growth, and the city’s reputation. However, the 38-day average time on market in February 2025 (up 41.6% from the prior year) suggests a slight softening, giving buyers a bit more breathing room than in peak pandemic years.
Inventory is another factor. In February 2025, Anaheim had 378 homes for sale, a 3.3% increase from January, but sales (93 homes) indicate a steady absorption rate. The mix of single-family homes (40.82%), large apartment complexes (36.71%), and other housing types caters to diverse buyers, from families to investors.
Stanton’s Tight Market
Stanton’s market is even more competitive in some respects, scoring a 79 out of 100 on Redfin’s scale. Homes here receive five offers on average and sell in about 31-33 days, with top properties moving in just 8 days at 5% above list price. In December 2024, Stanton had only 33 homes for sale—a 17.5% drop from November—underscoring its tight inventory. With just 13 homes sold in September 2024, the market moves fast, and buyers need to act quickly.
Stanton’s housing stock leans toward large apartment complexes (33.51%) and single-family homes (27.32%), with a notable presence of row houses and mobile homes. This mix appeals to first-time buyers, small families, and investors looking for rental opportunities.
Verdict on Dynamics
Both cities are seller’s markets, but Stanton’s smaller inventory and faster sales pace give it a slight edge in intensity. Anaheim’s larger market offers more options, but its higher price point and slightly longer days on market suggest it’s less frenetic than Stanton’s leaner, meaner scene.
Lifestyle and Economic Drivers
Anaheim: The Tourism Titan
Anaheim’s economy thrives on tourism, anchored by Disneyland and complemented by the Anaheim Convention Center and sports venues like Angel Stadium. This creates a robust job market—1.7 million jobs in Orange County as of late 2022, with growth outpacing the national average. The city’s 89 highly rated public schools, plus 65 private and charter options, make it attractive for families. Add in diverse neighborhoods like the historic Anaheim Colony District and upscale Anaheim Hills, and you’ve got a city with broad appeal.
However, the cost of living is 56% above the national average, and environmental risks like flooding (16% of properties at risk over 30 years) and rising heat (200% more 95°F+ days projected) could impact long-term value.
Stanton: The Quiet Neighbor
Stanton lacks Anaheim’s glitz but offers a simpler, community-focused lifestyle. Its economy is less tourism-driven, relying more on local services and proximity to larger hubs like Anaheim and Santa Ana. With 18 good public schools and a handful of private options, it’s family-friendly but less educationally robust than Anaheim. Neighborhoods like South Gateway District and Stanton Town Center provide a walkable, compact feel, appealing to those who prefer a smaller-town vibe.
Stanton’s cost of living is 54% above the national average—high, but slightly less than Anaheim. It faces similar environmental challenges, including a 214% increase in days over 89°F projected over 30 years.
Verdict on Lifestyle
Anaheim wins for those seeking vibrancy, amenities, and economic opportunity, despite the higher cost. Stanton’s quieter, more affordable profile suits buyers prioritizing simplicity and value over flash.
Investment Potential: Appreciation and Returns
Anaheim’s Steady Climb
Anaheim’s real estate has a strong track record. Over the past year, homes appreciated by 7%, and over three years, values have soared by over $225,000 on average. Its tourism-driven stability and diverse housing options make it a solid long-term bet, though recent softening (2.4% annual growth in 2015 data) suggests growth may be stabilizing at its high price point.
Stanton’s Impressive Gains
Stanton punches above its weight in appreciation. Over the last decade, values rose 118.87% (8.15% annually), and the past year saw a 10.94% jump. This outpaces Anaheim’s recent gains, positioning Stanton as a top performer for investors seeking high returns in a lower-cost market.
Verdict on Investment
Stanton’s higher appreciation rate and lower entry cost make it a standout for short-term gains and value-driven investors. Anaheim’s higher baseline and stability appeal to those with bigger budgets betting on long-term growth.
Final Showdown: Which City Wins?
The Stanton vs. Anaheim real estate showdown doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all winner—it depends on your priorities. Anaheim offers a premium market with broader appeal, economic strength, and lifestyle perks, but it comes at a steep price. Stanton delivers affordability, rapid appreciation, and a tight-knit feel, though it lacks Anaheim’s scale and amenities.
For buyers, Anaheim suits those who can afford its vibrancy, while Stanton is the budget-friendly underdog. For investors, Stanton’s growth potential shines, but Anaheim’s stability endures. In this Orange County clash, both cities hold their own—choose based on your wallet, goals, and vision for home.
