So, you’re thinking about moving to North Tustin? Great choice—but before you pack your bags and schedule the movers, let me give you the inside scoop. As someone who lives, works, and breathes all things real estate in Orange County, I can confidently say that North Tustin is one of the best-kept secrets in the OC housing market. It's got character, charm, convenience—and more value per square foot than almost any other nearby city.
Let’s break it down, shall we?
1. You Get More Bang for Your Buck (Like, a Lot More)
Let’s talk numbers—because they matter. The average price per square foot in North Tustin is between $600–$750, depending on condition, location, and views. Now compare that to:
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Newport Beach: $1,250–$1,600/sqft
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Irvine: $900–$1,200/sqft
So yes—you can literally get double the home for the same price (or the same size home for almost half the cost). But it’s not just about interior square footage. The lots in North Tustin are generously sized, offering room for:
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Pools and spas
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Expansive backyards and front yards
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Outdoor kitchens and other amenities
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Plenty of parking for multiple cars, RV's, off road toys and just having extra space for gues to park is a huge benefit.
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Garages with workshops
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Even some lots have room for a putting green or pickle ball court
This space and privacy are what draw so many buyers to the area—especially those coming from more densely packed neighborhoods like Irvine and Newport Beach.
2. Endless Views of Orange County (and even Los Angeles)
You don’t need to be beachfront to enjoy incredible views. In North Tustin, depending on the property, you can see:
- Disneyland fireworks every night, Angel's Stadium, Peter's Canyon Views and the vineyards back by the toll roads without homes.
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Catalina Island, Pacific Ocean (even the container ships are visible), Newport Beach and SNA.
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Long Beach Port/Rancho Palos Verdes
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And from my home you can even see Downtown LA and the Hollywood Sign
That "on top of the world" feeling? It's real here. And the best part is you’re not isolated. North Tustin is ridiculously convenient:
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20 minutes to John Wayne Airport via the 55 Freeway
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20 minutes to South Coast Plaza for high-end shopping
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Quick access to the 241 toll road for easy weekend escapes to Palm Springs or Temecula
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Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and other essentials are just minutes away
This balance of peace and convenience is rare—and it’s one of the reasons buyers fall in love with the area.
3. It’s NOT a Cookie-Cutter Neighborhood (Praise Be!)
Let’s be real: some people love HOAs. There’s a certain appeal to manicured streets and uniform house colors. But if that’s not your vibe—if you love creativity, individuality, and unique architecture—North Tustin is your dream zone.
There are no HOAs in most of North Tustin, which means no letters about your trash cans, Halloween decorations, or paying to have someone with no style or design skills tell you what paint color you can paint your home.
Even better? The homes are eclectic and full of character. You’ll find:
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Mid-century modern stunners
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Classic ranch homes
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Spanish-style estates
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Contemporary masterpieces
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Custom homes with one-of-a-kind design details
If you're the type of person who sees a builder-grade kitchen and immediately starts mentally demoing it, you're going to thrive in North Tustin. This is a neighborhood where design freedom reigns.
4. Local Restaurants You Should Know About (And Probably Try This Week)
Food matters. Especially when you don’t feel like cooking. North Tustin isn’t about flashy dining scenes—but it does have a tight lineup of go-to local gems that you’ll quickly make part of your weekly routine.
Here are some favorites:
🍽 Orange Hill Restaurant
An iconic OC destination, perched high above the city with panoramic views that stretch from Disneyland fireworks to the ocean on a clear night. It’s upscale, romantic, and a go-to for celebrations or date nights.
🌮 Moreno’s for Taco Tuesday
This is the local hot spot on Tuesdays. Think lively outdoor patio, twinkle lights overhead, and a crowd that knows the carne asada tacos are the move. It’s casual, fun, and the margaritas don’t hurt either.
🍺 Tustin Brewing Company
Craving craft beer and burgers? TBC is a local institution. Perfect for game nights, laid-back dinners, or just hanging with friends. The wings are solid and the vibe is unpretentious.
🇬🇷 Christakis Greek Cuisine
Authentic Mediterranean food that locals (especially those with Greek roots!) swear by. The flavors are bold, fresh, and transportive. Try the lamb—you’ll thank me later.
🍣 Sakuraya Sushi
Fast, no-fuss, and reliable. It’s not trendy or dressed up, but the rolls are consistently great and hit the spot when you're craving sushi without the waitlist. Grab it to-go or enjoy a quick bite in a low-key setting.
Final Thoughts
North Tustin has everything: value, charm, views, space, location, and a true sense of individuality. It’s one of the few remaining OC neighborhoods where you’re not sacrificing personality for practicality—or vice versa.
If you want to live in a neighborhood where you can stretch out, enjoy a real yard, design your home the way you want, and still be close to everything... North Tustin is calling.
Thinking of making the move? Let’s grab tacos and talk strategy—I know just the place. 🌮😉
