Nestled in the heart of Orange County, California, Buena Park is a city that thrives on its unique blend of suburban charm and tourist-driven energy. At the center of this dynamic lies Knott’s Berry Farm, a historic amusement park that has evolved from a humble roadside berry stand into one of Southern California’s most iconic attractions. Since its inception in the 1920s, Knott’s Berry Farm has not only shaped the cultural and economic identity of Buena Park but has also had a profound impact on the city’s property values. This blog post dives into how this beloved theme park influences real estate trends, exploring both the opportunities and challenges it presents for homeowners, investors, and the community at large.
A Brief History of Knott’s Berry Farm and Buena Park
To understand the park’s influence on property values, it’s worth taking a quick trip back in time. Knott’s Berry Farm began in 1920 when Walter and Cordelia Knott started selling berries, preserves, and pies from a roadside stand along State Route 39. Their entrepreneurial spirit blossomed during the Great Depression when they added a chicken dinner restaurant to attract travelers. By the 1940s, Walter Knott began building a replica ghost town to entertain waiting diners, laying the foundation for what would become a full-fledged amusement park. Officially opening as a theme park in 1968, Knott’s Berry Farm grew into a major draw, pulling in millions of visitors annually with its mix of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and a nod to California’s pioneer heritage.
Buena Park, originally a quiet agricultural community, transformed alongside the park. As Knott’s gained popularity, the city became a hub for tourism, with hotels, restaurants, and other businesses sprouting up to cater to visitors. This shift from farmland to a bustling suburban city set the stage for a real estate market heavily influenced by the park’s presence.
The Economic Engine: How Knott’s Drives Property Demand
One of the most direct ways Knott’s Berry Farm impacts Buena Park property values is through its role as an economic powerhouse. The park employs thousands of workers, from seasonal ride operators to year-round management staff, many of whom seek housing nearby. This steady demand for local housing helps stabilize property values, particularly in neighborhoods within a short commute of the park.
Beyond employment, Knott’s attracts over 4 million visitors annually (pre-pandemic figures), making it a significant driver of tourism revenue. This influx supports a robust local economy, with businesses like hotels, eateries, and retail shops thriving in the park’s orbit. For real estate investors, this translates into opportunities for short-term rental properties, such as Airbnb listings, which cater to tourists seeking proximity to the park. Homes and condos within a mile or two of Knott’s often command premium rental rates, boosting their overall market value.
The park’s seasonal events, like Knott’s Scary Farm during Halloween, further amplify this effect. These high-traffic periods increase demand for nearby accommodations, encouraging property owners to invest in upgrades or conversions to capitalize on the tourist surge. As a result, areas closest to the park—such as the neighborhoods along Beach Boulevard—tend to see elevated property values compared to more distant parts of Buena Park.
The Ripple Effect on Residential Real Estate
While the economic benefits are clear, the impact on residential property values is more nuanced. Proximity to Knott’s Berry Farm is a double-edged sword for homeowners. On one hand, living near a major attraction can enhance a home’s appeal, especially for families who value easy access to entertainment. Real estate listings in Buena Park often highlight their distance to Knott’s as a selling point, and homes in well-maintained neighborhoods like those near La Palma Avenue or Stanton Avenue can fetch higher prices due to this perk.
Data from real estate platforms like Zillow and Redfin shows that median home prices in Buena Park have steadily risen over the past decade, with a 2024 median hovering around $750,000—above the national average but below Orange County’s pricier coastal cities like Newport Beach. While this growth aligns with broader Southern California trends, Knott’s presence likely accelerates appreciation in certain pockets of the city. For example, properties within a 1-2 mile radius of the park often see faster sales and higher per-square-foot prices than those further afield, reflecting the premium placed on convenience and lifestyle.
However, not all residents view the park as a boon. Traffic congestion, especially during peak seasons, can deter some buyers, particularly those seeking a quieter suburban experience. Noise from roller coasters and fireworks displays—while thrilling for visitors—can be a drawback for homeowners sensitive to sound. These factors may cap property value growth in areas immediately adjacent to the park, creating a “sweet spot” for value appreciation slightly further out, where residents still enjoy proximity without the downsides.
Commercial Real Estate and Infrastructure Development
Knott’s Berry Farm doesn’t just influence residential properties—it’s a catalyst for commercial real estate as well. The park’s success has spurred development along major corridors like Beach Boulevard, where strip malls, fast-food chains, and budget hotels cater to the tourist crowd. This commercial vibrancy increases land values in these zones, making them attractive for investors looking to build or flip properties.
The city of Buena Park has leaned into this momentum, investing in infrastructure to support the park’s growth. Projects like the Beach Boulevard revitalization effort, which includes wider roads, improved landscaping, and pedestrian-friendly features, aim to enhance the area’s appeal. These upgrades not only benefit visitors but also elevate the desirability of nearby residential and commercial properties, indirectly boosting their value.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its many positives, Knott’s Berry Farm’s impact isn’t universally beneficial. The park’s reliance on seasonal tourism can create economic volatility, which may ripple into the housing market. During off-peak months, demand for short-term rentals and local services dips, potentially softening property values tied to tourism income. Additionally, the park’s aging infrastructure and competition from larger players like Disneyland (just 7 miles away) pose long-term questions about its staying power. If Knott’s were to lose its luster, property values in Buena Park could feel the strain, particularly in areas most dependent on its draw.
Affordability is another concern. As property values rise, driven in part by Knott’s economic influence, longtime residents—especially those on fixed incomes—may face higher property taxes or pressure to sell. This gentrification dynamic is common in tourist-heavy cities and could reshape Buena Park’s demographic fabric over time.
The Future of Knott’s and Buena Park Real Estate
Looking ahead, Knott’s Berry Farm’s impact on property values will depend on its ability to adapt and innovate. Cedar Fair, the park’s parent company since 1997, has invested in new rides and expansions, like the reimagined Camp Snoopy area, to keep visitors coming. If Knott’s continues to thrive, it’s reasonable to expect sustained or even increased property value growth in Buena Park, particularly as Orange County’s population grows and housing demand remains high.
For prospective buyers or investors, the key is location and timing. Properties near Knott’s offer a unique blend of stability and potential upside, but they come with trade-offs like noise and traffic. Those willing to navigate these challenges may find a rewarding investment, while homeowners seeking peace might prefer neighborhoods a bit further out, where the park’s influence is felt more subtly.
Conclusion
Knott’s Berry Farm is more than just a theme park—it’s a cornerstone of Buena Park’s identity and economy, with a tangible impact on property values. From driving demand for housing and rentals to shaping commercial development, the park has woven itself into the fabric of the city’s real estate market. While it brings undeniable benefits, it also presents challenges that buyers and residents must weigh. As Buena Park continues to evolve, Knott’s will remain a defining factor, proving that even a berry stand turned amusement park can leave a lasting mark on a community’s worth—both culturally and financially.
