Moving to Santa Ana CA in 2023? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Santa Ana, CA.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Santa Ana, CA.

Is moving to Santa Ana California, right for you?

The city is full of beautiful areas, and it is home to some of Orange County's most popular tourist attractions.

If you love culture and arts, Santa Ana is home to modern and folk-dance troupes, symphony orchestras, and theatre groups. Santa streets are great for walking, driving, and hiking.

If you’re wondering if moving to Santa Ana is right for you, this guide contains all you need to know about moving to make the right moving decision.

facts of Santa Ana

Quick facts to know before moving to Santa Ana California

  • The median age in Santa Ana California is 32.6 years
  • Santa Ana’s summer high in July is around 82 degrees
  • On average, Santa Ana gets 0 inches of snow per year
  • Around 52.7% of Santa Ana’s residents are renters
  • Santa Ana averages 279 sunny days per year
  • Santa Ana’s unemployment rate is lower than the U.S. average

What’s the population of Santa Ana California?

Santa Ana’s population is 305,937 people. The city stretches across 27 square miles making it the 14th largest city in California. Santa Ana is nestled in Orange County California and the city is the county seat of Orange County.

  • Santa Ana has a population density of 11,182 people per square mile
  • The median age in Santa Ana California is 32.6 years
  • 31.9 years is the median age for males and 33.3 years for females
  • Santa Ana is currently declining at a rate of 0.47% annually
  • Santa Ana’s population has decreased by 1.38% since the last census

How fast can you commute in Santa Ana California?

Santa Ana’s average one-way commute time takes 25.1 minutes. That’s lower than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes. You’ll spend less than 30 minutes commuting to work if you move to Santa Ana. Less time on the road means less stress and having more time for other things.

Here’s how people in Santa Ana get to work:

  • About 73.4% of Santa Ana residents drive their own car alone
  • Around 14.3% of Santa Ana residents carpool with others
  • Up to 2.0% of Santa Ana California residents work from home
  • About 5.8% of Santa Ana California residents take mass transit

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What’s the weather like in Santa Ana California?

Santa Ana averages 279 sunny days per year. The United States average is 205 sunny days. If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before moving to Santa Ana California, the following is a quick snapshot of the city’s weather:

  • Santa Ana’s summer high in July is around 82 degrees
  • Santa Ana gets 13 inches of rain on average per year. The U.S. average is 38 inches
  • On average, Santa Ana gets 0 inches of snow per year. U.S. average is 28 inches
  • Santa Ana’s winter low in January is 47 degrees
  • Santa Ana gets 36 days of precipitation every year
moving to Santa Ana

Top 10 reasons to move to Santa California

People are moving to Santa Ana California for many reasons. As one of the most livable cities in California, Santa Ana is constantly attracting people from all over the state and beyond.

Since you’re considering moving to Santa Ana, check out the key reasons people are moving to the city:

  • Santa Ana has a sunny weather
  • Santa Ana is a safe city and crime rates are lower than in most other big cities in California
  • Santa Ana is a culturally diverse place and attracts many different people from all over the country.
  • Santa Ana is close to several other major cities in California
  • You can go surfing, swimming, hiking and do many other things in nature in the Santa Ana region
  • If you love sports, you’ll enjoy living in Santa Ana

  • There are many recreational spaces in Santa Ana
  • Santa Ana’s commuting time is shorter than the U.S. average
  • The Locals Are Always Willing To Lend A hand
  • Santa Ana’s Got Better Streets For Walking, Biking And Driving
Santa Ana pros and cons

Pros & cons of moving to Santa Ana California

If you’d like to find out if moving to Santa Ana CA is right for you or not, we’ve made a list of the pros and cons of living in the city.

This can make it easier for you to figure out if moving to Santa Ana is right for you or not.

Pros of living in Santa Ana Cons of living in Santa Ana
Expensive homesHigh cost of living
Home To Great Historical BuildingsHomelessness
Favorable ClimatePublic transport in Santa Ana is rather poor
Great For Fauna And Flora InterestsSince living and housing costs are so high, many people in the Santa Ana region still struggle to make a living
Culture and ArtsLimited number of great bars and clubs in Santa Ana compared to other major cities like L.A
Excellent Hopping Places And RestaurantsHigh property prices and rents are barely affordable
The median household income in Santa Ana is slightly above national averageIt might take long to find a decent place to stay
Good schools and colleges in Santa AnaSanta Ana’s air quality is poor
Unemployment rate in Santa Ana is about national averageYou may have to rely on bottled water from the store
Santa Ana is not far away from the coast, and you can therefore enjoy beautiful beaches
Santa Ana is a tolerant place where people are welcome from all over the world
place to live Santa Ana

Best places to live in Santa Ana California

Santa Ana is home to several beautiful livable neighborhoods. Moving to Santa Ana CA gives you the perfect chance to live in any of these neighborhoods.

If you’re moving to Santa Ana and wondering what neighborhood the best for you is, the following is a list of the ten best neighborhoods in Santa Ana CA:

Rank City Population Home Value Median Income
1Metro Classic1,646$525,500$97,727
2Morning Sunwood2,639$509,700$101,591
3West Grove Valley1,393$429,300$83,646
4Floral Park1,619$521,433$71,608
5Fisher Park693$603,200$129,615
6Thornton Park3,352$429,700$80,580
7Shadow Run2,016$423,100$66,731
8Bristol-Warner2,905$365,200$92,045
9Washington Square3,389$484,333$46,199
10Laurelhurst1,810$430,900$82,679

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cost of living in Santa Ana

Cost of living in Santa Ana California

Affordable living in a big city is one of the key perks of moving to Santa Ana, California. The cost of living in Santa Ana California is 144.8. The United States average is 100.

Santa Ana’s average cost of living is below the national average. The following are the key components that make up Santa Ana’s cost of living:

Living Expense Santa Ana California National Average
Overall144.8149.9100
Grocery102105.1100
Health93.498.3100
Housing235.8234.8100
Median Home Cost$687,800$733,500$338,100
Utilities97.9102.4100
Transportation112.5133.1100
Miscellaneous155.8118.7100

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Santa Ana California housing market

If you’re interested in buying a home after moving to Santa Ana, we have the key information you need to know about the city’s housing market. This will make it easier for you to make up your mind about buying a home or not if you’re moving to Santa Ana, California:

  • Santa Ana’s median home cost is $687,800
  • Over the last ten years, home values in Santa Ana have risen by 115.6%
  • Currently, Santa Ana’s home values have appreciated by 16.8%
  • Around 52.7% of Santa Ana’s residents are renters
  • Up to 1.1% of homes and apartments in Santa Ana are open to rent

What’s the average home rental price in Santa Ana, CA?

Santa Ana’s rental market is known for its affordable homes. If you’re considering renting a home or an apartment after moving to Santa Ana, look at the average rental prices below:

  • Santa Ana’s average rent for a studio apartment is $1526
  • Santa Ana’s average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $1,695
  • Santa Ana’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $2067
  • Santa Ana’s average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $2827
  • The average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is $3,268
jobs in Santa Ana

How is the job market in Santa Ana California?

How fast can you get a job if you need one in Santa Ana California? The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several job markets across the United States and Santa Ana CA wasn’t left out.

Since you’re considering moving to Santa Ana CA, here’s a breakdown of the city’s job market:

  • Santa Ana’s unemployment rate is 4.7%. The U.S. average is 6.0%
  • Santa Ana’s job growth has been positive so far
  • Over the past year, Santa Ana’s jobs have grown by 2.6%
  • Santa Ana’s future job growth is predicted to hit 46.42%
  • Getting a job in Santa Ana is easier compared to other similar sized cities in the state

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What are the top career options in Santa Ana California?

You’ll find lots of jobs to choose from if you’re moving to Santa Ana, California. Which ones should you opt for? You may be interested in some of the city’s highest-paying jobs. The following is the list of the highest-paying jobs in Santa Ana California.

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary
1Senior Vice President$244,063$133,000
2Adult Psychiatrist$212,953$101,000
3President$205,322$106,000
4Chief Executive Officer$200,713$108,000
5Physician$187,269$101,000
6Engineering Director$179,579$115,000
7Vice President$177,356$99,000
8Clinical Sciences Professor$166,315$95,000
9Chief Operating Officer$165,733$83,000
10Application Services Manager$163,917$95,000

What is a good salary in Santa Ana California?

Moving to Santa Ana could mean getting a new job. But how many bucks can you earn in the city? Will you be earning more money or less compared to where you are right now? Let’s find out:

  • Santa Ana’s average annual pay for average jobs is $55,177
  • Santa Ana’s average hourly pay is $26.53 per hour
  • Santa Ana’s average weekly pay is $1,061 per week
  • Santa Ana’s average monthly payment is $4,598 per month
  • Santa Ana’s minimum wage is $13.0 per hour

Top Industries in Santa Ana California

Like several other large cities, Santa Ana’s economy is powered by several industries. The best part is that whether you work in a small or large industry, you’ll most likely find a suitable spot for your job in Santa Ana California. The following is a list of the city’s largest industries since you’re considering moving to Santa Ana California:

  • Natural resources and mining
  • Construction
  • Manufacturing
  • Trade, transportation, and utilities
  • Information
  • Financial activities
  • Professional and business services
  • Educational and health systems
  • Government
  • Leisure and hospitality
taxes in Santa Ana, CA

California Taxes

Taxes in California are rated among the highest in the United States.

Depending on where you’re moving from, moving to California will most likely mean paying a certain amount in taxes. Here’s a breakdown of taxes in California:

  • California’s income tax is 1% - 13.3%
  • Sales tax in California is 7.25% -10.50%
  • Property tax in California is 0.73% average effective rate
  • California gas tax is 50.50 cents per gallon of regular gasoline
  • Gas tax per gallon of regular diesel is 38.50 cents
Santa Ana things to do

Best things to do in Santa Ana California

There are lots of exciting things you can do in Santa Ana California. The city is home to several attractions, and you’ll find lots of amazing things to do in Santa Ana California.

If you’re moving to Santa Ana California, we’ve made a list of the various things you can do and places to visit and explore. Look at the list:

  • Get Hands On With Science At Discovery Cube Orange County
  • Spend Some Time At Bowers Museum
  • Visit Santa Ana Zoo
  • Step Inside Old Orange County Courthouse
  • Take A Cooking Lesson At Hipcooks
  • See The Intricate Details of The Kellogg House
  • Look Back On World War II At Lyon Air Museum
  • Get Arty At CSUF Grand Central Art Center
  • Come And See Santiago Creek
  • Drinks Galore At The Copper Door
  • Take A Helicopter Ride With OC Helicopters
  • Enjoy Live Music At The Observatory OC
  • Grab Something To Eat At The Playground
  • Join The Outpost Fest
  • Play A Round At River View Golf Course

What is the crime rate in Santa Ana California?

Is Santa Ana California a safe city for you and your loved ones? Like several other large cities in the United States, Santa Ana has its fair share of crime problems. The following are key stats about the city’s crime rates since you’re considering moving to Santa Ana California:

  • The violent crime rate in Santa Ana CA is 29.3. The national average is 22.7
  • The property crime rate in Santa Ana CA is 30.0 The national average is 35.4
  • Residents have a 1 in 233.1 chance of being the victim o f a violent crime
  • Residents have a 1 in 48.1 chance of being the victim of a property crime

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Statistic Count Raw Santa Ana/ 100k People California/ 100k People National/ 100k People
Total Crimes Per 100K8,3552,508.22,581.02,346.0
Violent Crime1,429429.0442.0387.8
Murder154.55.66.5
Robbery401120.4113.673.9
Aggravated Assault868260.6288.7279.7
Property Crime6,9262,079.22,138.91,958.2
Burglary1,136341.0369.7314.2
Larceny4,0781,224.21,341.71,398.0
Car Theft1,712513.9427.6246.0
schools in Santa Ana

Best Schools & Universities in Santa Ana California

Santa Ana is home to several top-quality schools. If you’re moving to Santa Ana, California, you’ll have easier access to several excellent schools from universities and colleges to elementary, middle, and high schools.

The following is a list of the best schools in the city if you’re moving to Santa Ana, CA:

Best elementary schools in Santa Ana, CA

  • R. F. Hazard Elementary School
    Public, K-6 | 468 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Arroyo Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 640 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Panorama Elementary School
    Public, K-6 | 404 students, Rating: 7/10

  • John Muir Fundamental Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 876 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Tustin Memorial Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 584 students, Rating: 7/10

Best middle schools in Santa Ana, CA

  • Ocsa
    Charter, 7-12 | 2,177 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Gonzalo Felicitas Mendez Fundamental Intermediate School
    Public, 6-8 | 1,392 students, Rating: 7/10

  • El Sol Santa Ana Science And Arts Academy
    Charter, K-8 | 919 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Magnolia Science Academy Santa Ana
    Charter, K-12 | 674 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Hewes Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 1,003 students, Rating: 7/10

Best high schools in Santa Ana, CA

  • Ocsa
    Charter, 7-12 | 2,177 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Foothill High School
    Public, 9-12 | 2,467 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Hector G. Godinez School
    Public, 9-12 | 2,449 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Nova Academy
    Charter, 9-12 | 430 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Segerstrom High School
    Public, 9-12 | 2,435 students, Rating: 7/10

Best universities and colleges in Santa Ana, CA

  • South Coast College

  • UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education

  • Stanbridge University

  • National Polytechnic College

  • Inter Coast College West Covina

  • Pepperdine University

  • Santa Ana College

  • Chapman University

  • California Coast University

  • University of California – Irvine

  • University of San Francisco - Orange County Campus

  • Stanbridge University

  • Trinity International University

  • Coastline College

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Santa Ana California a good place to live?

Santa Ana, a magnificent community built on culture and family, is home to different lifestyles reflected in its food, schools, and neighborhoods. The beach, the fair, professional sports teams, and the nightlife are all within 20 minutes of the city because it is located in the heart of Orange County.

Is Santa Ana cheap to live in?

In terms of cost of living, Santa Ana ranks 10th out of 273 cities in the United States. Santa Ana's cost of living is 148.5% of the national average.

What is special about Santa Ana?

Santa Ana is the county seat of Orange County, California. It is the County Capital and the second-most populous city in Orange County, with a thriving nightlife and arts sector.

Why is Santa Ana so hot?

When there is high pressure over the Great Basin, which includes Nevada and parts of Utah, and low pressure over Southern California, Santa Anas form. The winds are blowing from the desert, but that isn't why they are so scorching. They're heated for the same reason that hot air comes out of a bicycle pump.

What is the tax rate in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana's sales tax rate is 9.25%, which includes 6% California state sales tax, 0.25% Orange County sales tax, 1.5% Santa Ana tax, and 1.5% Special tax.

Is Santa Ana a small town?

Santa Ana, California, has a population of 310,227 as of the 2020 census, making it the second most populated city in Orange County (after Anaheim), the 13th most populous city in California, and the 64th densest large city in the United States.

Is Santa Ana a city or town?

Santa Ana, California. Santa Ana, located in the heart of Orange County along the Santa Ana River, is both the most populated and the largest city in the county, covering 27.2 square miles. In 2007, the city had a population of 327,780 inhabitants.

What type of people live in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana is a melting pot of culture and home to many people. This include (Hispanic) (44.6%), White (Hispanic) (25.7%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (12%), White (Non-Hispanic) (9.98%), and two+ (Hispanic) (4.87%) are the top five ethnic groups in Santa Ana, CA. None of the Santa Ana, CA households reported speaking a non-English language as their primary shared language at home.

Does Santa Ana have an airport?

The airport is owned by the County of Orange, located in Santa Ana, and operates under the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code "SNA." Formerly known as Orange County Airport, it was renamed John Wayne Airport in 1979 in honor of the late actor and Newport Beach resident John Wayne.

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