Brea Real Estate and Homes

It’s official: according to Sunset magazine, Orange County’s Brea is one of the five best places to live in the Western United States. Is it any wonder that Brea real estate is in such demand?

Brea (Spanish for “tar”) had its beginnings in oil production. At the turn of the 20th century, oil was so abundant in the area that it literally bubbled up from the ground in the nearby canyon. The economy soared, and much of the real estate in Brea was covered with oil-drilling towers.

Over the decades, the Brea oil reserves declined. But local residents, reluctant to move from such a spectacular Orange County location, altered their economy rather than relocate. Much of Brea real estate became agricultural in nature: orange and lemon groves in particular became part of the Brea landscape. The population remained modest, though. In 1950, only about 3,200 people had purchased real estate in Brea and called it home.

It wasn’t long before this changed. Gradually, as in other sections of Orange County real estate, Brea’s orange and lemon groves were replaced by residential and industrial zones. Perhaps the biggest factors driving growth were the opening of the Orange Freeway and the Brea Mall in the 1970’s.

Brea real estate gradually evolved. And in the late 1990’s, a major section of downtown Brea was redeveloped. The center of Brea now boasted a fabulous entertainment district, complete with theatres, cafes, comedy club and a weekly farmers’ market.

Truly, Brea real estate is now among Orange County’s most desirable. With a population now reaching about 40,000, Brea is a lively and vibrant community. It’s hard to believe, as you survey its clean and modern core, that the town was founded on oil and was named after tar!

With its great schools, solid economy and (of course) spectacular Orange County weather, there is simply no better place to live than Brea. Real estate is still somewhat more affordable than in other parts of Orange County, but there’s no need to sacrifice lifestyle. If you’re considering purchasing Orange County real estate, Brea simply must be near the top of your shortlist.