Orange County, California, is a region synonymous with sun-soaked beaches, thriving industries, and a lifestyle that attracts residents and investors alike. Over the past few decades, this affluent corner of Southern California has experienced significant population and economic growth, reshaping its cities and neighborhoods. Among these is Stanton, a small but evolving city that sits in the shadow of its larger Orange County neighbors like Anaheim and Garden Grove. As Orange County continues to expand, Stanton’s real estate market is feeling the ripple effects—both the opportunities and the challenges. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Orange County’s growth is impacting Stanton’s real estate landscape, delving into market trends, demographic shifts, infrastructure developments, and what this means for buyers, sellers, and investors in 2025.
Orange County’s Growth: A Regional Powerhouse
Orange County’s transformation into a regional powerhouse has been fueled by several key factors. With a population estimated at over 3.2 million in 2023 and a growth rate that outpaces the national average, the county has solidified its status as a hub for technology, healthcare, tourism, and education. Cities like Irvine have become magnets for corporate headquarters, while coastal areas like Newport Beach draw high-income residents and tourists. This growth has driven demand for housing across the region, pushing home prices upward and straining inventory—a trend that’s now spilling over into smaller cities like Stanton.
Stanton, with a population of roughly 38,000, is Orange County’s smallest city by area, covering just 3.1 square miles. Historically overshadowed by its neighbors, it’s often been seen as a working-class community with affordable housing options compared to the county’s pricier enclaves. However, as Orange County’s population swells and its economy diversifies, Stanton is no longer flying under the radar. The city’s proximity to major employment centers, freeways, and attractions like Disneyland is making it an increasingly attractive option for homebuyers and investors seeking value in a competitive market.
Rising Demand and Home Prices in Stanton
One of the most direct impacts of Orange County’s growth on Stanton is the rising demand for real estate. As of early 2025, the median home price in Stanton’s 90680 zip code hovers around $679,965, according to recent market data. While this is significantly lower than Orange County’s overall median of $1.3 million, it reflects a steady upward trajectory. Over the past 12 months, Stanton has seen 243 homes sold, with prices ranging from $229,900 to $949,000. This range highlights the diversity of housing options, from condos to single-family homes, appealing to a broad spectrum of buyers.
The broader Orange County market provides context for Stanton’s growth. Nationally, home prices have risen by 5% year-over-year, and Zillow predicts a 2.6% increase in 2025, with the National Association of Realtors forecasting a 9% jump in sales volume. In Orange County, median listing prices climbed 4% in late 2024 to $1.3 million, driven by limited inventory and strong buyer interest. Stanton, while more affordable, is catching the overflow of buyers priced out of nearby cities like Irvine or Costa Mesa. This spillover effect is pushing Stanton’s home values higher, as families, young professionals, and even investors look for entry points into the Orange County market.
However, Stanton’s affordability comes with nuance. Single-family homes in the 90680 zip code average $33 more per square foot than condos, and list prices have ticked up recently—1.93% for single-family homes and 9.38% for condos compared to the previous week. This suggests a heating market, albeit at a slower pace than the county’s luxury segments. For buyers, Stanton offers a chance to own property in Orange County without the million-dollar price tag, but competition is growing as the region’s growth draws more attention to the city.
Infrastructure and Redevelopment: Catalysts for Change
Orange County’s expansion isn’t just about population—it’s also about infrastructure. Major investments in transportation, commercial development, and urban renewal are reshaping the region, and Stanton is no exception. The city has undergone a makeover in recent years, with efforts to revitalize its downtown, improve parks, and enhance connectivity to major freeways like the 22 and 91. These improvements tie Stanton more closely to Orange County’s economic hubs, making it a viable option for commuters working in Anaheim, Santa Ana, or beyond.
For example, Stanton’s proximity to the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) and planned expansions of public transit are boosting its appeal. As Orange County invests in infrastructure to accommodate its growing population, Stanton benefits from better access to jobs and amenities. This, in turn, drives real estate interest. The city’s redevelopment projects, such as the transformation of old industrial sites into mixed-use developments, are also signaling a shift from its working-class roots toward a more modern, diverse community.
These changes aren’t without challenges. Stanton’s small size limits the scale of new construction, and zoning restrictions can slow the addition of housing inventory. Across Orange County, inventory remains tight—around 4,700 homes in early 2025, up from 2024 but still below pre-pandemic levels. In Stanton, only 18 homes are currently listed for sale in the 90680 zip code, representing just 0.30% of its 5,993 residential properties. This scarcity mirrors the county-wide trend, putting upward pressure on prices and making it a seller’s market, even in a relatively affordable city like Stanton.
Demographic Shifts and Buyer Profiles
Orange County’s growth is also changing who’s buying in Stanton. Historically, the city has attracted working-class families and first-time homebuyers due to its lower entry costs. But as the region’s population diversifies, so does Stanton’s buyer pool. The rise of remote work, a trend accelerated by the pandemic, has brought professionals seeking larger homes or quieter neighborhoods within commuting distance of urban centers. Stanton’s single-family homes, averaging three bedrooms, fit this bill, offering more space than cramped condos in pricier areas.
Additionally, Orange County’s appeal to international buyers and high-income households is trickling down to Stanton. While luxury markets in Newport Beach or Laguna Niguel cater to the ultra-wealthy, Stanton is seeing interest from middle-income investors and families drawn by its affordability and growth potential. The city’s cultural diversity—bolstered by its proximity to Garden Grove’s vibrant Little Saigon—adds to its allure, attracting a mix of residents who value community and accessibility.
This demographic shift is reflected in market activity. In September 2024, 53.8% of Stanton homes sold above asking price, with an average of 24 days on the market—a 78% increase from the previous year. While sales volume has fluctuated (13 homes sold in September 2024, unchanged from August), the competitive bidding suggests buyer enthusiasm, fueled in part by Orange County’s broader growth narrative.
Challenges: Affordability and Market Sensitivity
Despite the opportunities, Orange County’s growth poses challenges for Stanton’s real estate market. Affordability, while a strength compared to the county average, is eroding as prices rise. Mortgage rates, averaging 6.85% in mid-February 2025, are squeezing purchasing power, particularly for first-time buyers who make up a significant portion of Stanton’s market. Higher rates mean higher monthly payments, potentially cooling demand if economic conditions tighten.
Stanton’s market is also rate-sensitive, as noted by industry experts. When rates climb, demand slows, and sales can stall; when they drop, activity surges. With rates fluctuating between 6.5% and 7% in 2025, buyers and sellers in Stanton must stay nimble. For investors, high borrowing costs can dent returns, though the persistent demand for housing in Orange County suggests long-term stability.
Another challenge is inventory. While Orange County saw 618 new listings in a single week in late 2024, Stanton’s smaller scale means fewer homes hit the market. The 2,453 new listings added county-wide over four weeks dwarf Stanton’s 18 active listings, highlighting the disparity. This scarcity keeps days on market low—new listings sell quickly—but it also limits options for buyers and fuels price growth.
Opportunities for Investors and Homebuyers
For those willing to navigate these challenges, Stanton offers untapped potential. Investors can capitalize on properties below market value, such as the six homes in foreclosure or two headed to auction in the 90680 zip code. These distressed properties, ranging from $590,250 to $1,088,000 in estimated value, present a chance to buy low and renovate for profit, especially given Stanton’s rising profile.
Homebuyers, meanwhile, can find value in Stanton’s emerging neighborhoods. Areas near Beach Boulevard and Katella Avenue benefit from commercial growth and easy freeway access, while redevelopment efforts promise future appreciation. With Orange County’s home values projected to rise 3% to 6% in 2025, Stanton’s lower baseline could yield solid returns for long-term owners.
The Future of Stanton Real Estate
As Orange County continues to grow, Stanton’s real estate market is at a crossroads. The city is shedding its underdog status, evolving into a viable player in the region’s housing landscape. Its affordability, strategic location, and ongoing redevelopment make it a beneficiary of the county’s expansion, but constraints like limited inventory and rising costs will shape its trajectory.
For buyers, patience and preparation are key—working with a local agent to pounce on well-priced listings can make the difference in a competitive market. Sellers, on the other hand, can leverage Stanton’s rising demand, especially as Orange County’s growth pushes more people toward affordable suburbs. Investors should keep an eye on interest rates and redevelopment projects, timing their moves to maximize returns.
In 2025, Stanton stands as a microcosm of Orange County’s broader trends: a market fueled by growth, tempered by challenges, and ripe with opportunity. As the region evolves, Stanton’s real estate story will be one to watch—proof that even the smallest cities can shine in the shadow of a booming county.
