Buena Park, California, a vibrant city nestled in northwestern Orange County, is experiencing a remarkable transformation. Known for its family-friendly attractions like Knott’s Berry Farm and its proximity to major Southern California hubs, Buena Park has long been a desirable place to live. But in recent years, it’s the surge in new construction homes that’s turning heads. From sleek townhomes to sprawling apartment complexes, the city is seeing a wave of residential development that’s reshaping its landscape and redefining its future. Let’s dive into the trends driving this rise, explore key projects, and consider what it all means for Buena Park’s residents—both current and future.
A Growing Demand for Housing
The story of Buena Park’s construction boom begins with a simple truth: California needs more homes. The state’s ongoing housing shortage has been well-documented, with demand far outstripping supply in many areas. Buena Park, with its strategic location near major freeways (the 5 and 91) and its appeal to families and professionals alike, is no exception. Under California’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), Buena Park is tasked with planning for 8,919 new housing units by 2029. While the city exceeded its goals in the previous housing cycle ending in 2021, the current mandate reflects the urgency of addressing a statewide crisis—and Buena Park is stepping up to the challenge.
This demand isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people. Families seeking affordable options, young professionals drawn to the area’s entertainment corridor, and retirees looking for modern, low-maintenance living are all part of the equation. New construction homes are rising to meet these diverse needs, offering everything from luxury condos to energy-efficient townhomes.
Key Developments Leading the Charge
Several high-profile projects are at the heart of Buena Park’s residential renaissance. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant developments driving this trend.
The Village at Buena Park
One of the most ambitious projects is The Village at Buena Park, a 25-acre redevelopment that’s transforming the site of a former Sears store at Buena Park Downtown mall. Approved unanimously by the City Council in June 2023, this mixed-use development will bring 1,302 residential units to the area over the next four years. The breakdown includes 1,176 apartments and 126 townhomes, with buildings ranging from three to seven stories tall. Notably, 176 of these units are designated as affordable housing, addressing a critical need in the community.
The Village isn’t just about adding homes—it’s about creating a lifestyle. Plans include outdoor and rooftop amenities for apartment residents, a community center for the gated townhome enclave, and expanded access points along La Palma and Stanton Avenues. This project, spearheaded by San Diego-based Merlone Geier Partners, replaces a shuttered retail space with a vibrant residential hub, signaling a shift from commercial to mixed-use priorities in the city.
Dale Townhomes Project
Across the street from the mall, another noteworthy development is taking shape: the Dale Townhomes Project. Located at 8030 Dale Street on the site of a former Orchard Supply Hardware store, this project by Brandywine Homes proposes 93 Spanish colonial-style townhomes. Initially pitched as a larger 283-unit apartment complex with retail space, the plan was scaled back after community feedback highlighted concerns about traffic, parking, and privacy. The revised proposal, approved by the City Council in November 2024, reflects a compromise that balances housing needs with neighborhood character.
The Dale Townhomes will feature two- and three-story detached buildings with 212 on-site parking spaces and open space areas. It’s a smaller-scale endeavor compared to The Village, but it underscores a broader trend: infill development on underutilized commercial lots. As vacant land becomes scarce, projects like this are finding creative ways to maximize space while meeting state housing mandates.
Magnolia Square and Beyond
Smaller but equally impactful developments are also popping up across Buena Park. The Magnolia Square community, for instance, offers modern condos and townhomes with features like EV charging stations, solar panels, and open-concept layouts. Homes here, such as the remodeled 6972 Sagebrush Circle, boast upgrades like quartz countertops and spacious balconies, appealing to buyers seeking contemporary living without the maintenance of a large single-family home.
Meanwhile, builders like KB Home and Toll Brothers are contributing to the boom with energy-efficient designs and customizable floor plans. From compact 702-square-foot condos starting at $460,000 to expansive 6,156-square-foot homes nearing $5 million, the range of options reflects Buena Park’s growing appeal to a wide demographic.
Trends Fueling the Boom
What’s driving this surge in new construction? Several key trends stand out.
1. Shift Toward Multi-Family Housing
Single-family homes have long dominated Buena Park’s housing stock, but the rise of multi-family units—apartments, condos, and townhomes—is unmistakable. Projects like The Village and Dale Townhomes highlight a move toward higher-density living, which allows developers to maximize limited land while addressing housing shortages. This shift aligns with broader urban planning goals in California, where compact, walkable communities are increasingly prioritized.
2. Sustainability and Innovation
Today’s new homes aren’t just about quantity—they’re about quality. Energy efficiency is a hallmark of Buena Park’s construction wave, with many builders incorporating solar panels, hybrid electric water heaters, and smart thermostats. KB Home, for example, markets its ENERGY STAR®-certified homes as both eco-friendly and cost-effective, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers and those looking to lower utility bills.
3. Redevelopment of Commercial Sites
As retail evolves in the age of e-commerce, former big-box stores and parking lots are being reborn as residential spaces. The Village at Buena Park and Dale Townhomes are prime examples of this trend, turning once-vacant commercial properties into thriving neighborhoods. This adaptive reuse not only revitalizes underused areas but also reduces the need for sprawling greenfield development.
4. Affordability and Accessibility
While Buena Park’s median home price has climbed to $900,000 (up 8.3% from last year as of February 2025), new construction is striving to include affordable options. The 176 affordable units in The Village project, combined with state and local incentives, aim to make homeownership—or at least renting—more attainable for lower-income residents. Proximity to freeways, shopping, and attractions like Disneyland (just minutes away) further enhances the city’s draw.
The Impact on Buena Park
The rise of new construction homes is a double-edged sword for Buena Park. On one hand, it’s a boon for growth, bringing new residents, economic activity, and modern infrastructure. On the other, it’s sparking debates about identity, traffic, and community cohesion.
Benefits
- Economic Boost: Construction projects create jobs, from builders to real estate agents, while new residents fuel local businesses.
- Housing Supply: More homes help ease the crunch felt by buyers and renters in a competitive market where homes sell in just 35 days on average.
- Modernization: Updated housing stock with sustainable features aligns Buena Park with 21st-century living standards.
Challenges
- Community Pushback: Some residents, like Paul Buron who spoke against the Dale Townhomes, question whether more housing is needed so close to existing developments. Concerns about traffic and parking persist.
- Rising Costs: Despite affordable units, the median price increase suggests Buena Park remains a seller’s market, potentially pricing out some locals.
- Balancing Growth: Preserving the city’s small-town charm amid rapid development is a delicate task for planners and leaders.
What’s Next?
As of April 3, 2025, Buena Park’s construction pipeline shows no signs of slowing. With 586 new homes listed on platforms like NewHomeSource and 357 floor plans available from 32 builders, the options are vast. The city’s leadership, including Mayor Susan Sonne, has pledged to ensure developments serve the community’s best interests—a promise that will be tested as projects like The Village and Dale Townhomes come to fruition.
For prospective buyers, the message is clear: act fast. With 71% of homes sold within 30 days in February 2025, competition is fierce. Whether you’re drawn to a sleek condo in Magnolia Square or a spacious townhome near the mall, Buena Park’s new construction scene offers something for everyone.
Conclusion
The rise of new construction homes in Buena Park is more than a real estate trend—it’s a reflection of a city in transition. Fueled by demand, innovation, and a reimagining of its commercial past, Buena Park is building a future that blends growth with opportunity. For residents, it’s a chance to embrace modern living in a place that’s always been about family, fun, and community. For outsiders, it’s an invitation to join a city on the cusp of something big. As the cranes keep rising, one thing is certain: Buena Park’s story is still being written, one home at a time.
