La Habra is the northwest corner of Orange County, a city of mostly postwar houses pressed up against the Los Angeles County line and the foot of the Puente Hills. It has no freeway running through it, which keeps it quieter than its neighbors and also shapes every commute. For help with real estate in La Habra, call or text Aimee Ghafouri of 951 Properties at (951) 331-8453. Aimee is a Temecula-based real estate agent licensed across California.
Where La Habra Sits
La Habra is an incorporated city, founded in the citrus and avocado era and incorporated in 1925. Fullerton lies to the south and east and Brea to the east. On the north and west, the neighbors are in Los Angeles County: La Habra Heights on the hills above, Whittier and its unincorporated edges to the northwest, and La Mirada to the southwest. Because the county line is so close, check which city and county a listing is really in. La Habra and La Habra Heights are two different cities in two different counties, with different lot sizes, utilities and rules.
The main roads are Beach Boulevard (State Route 39), Imperial Highway, Whittier Boulevard, Harbor Boulevard and La Habra Boulevard, the old main street. The nearest freeways are the 57 to the east and the 5 and 91 to the south, each reached on surface streets.
La Habra Homes for Sale: What the Housing Looks Like
- Postwar ranch homes: the bulk of the city, built in the 1950s and 1960s. Single-story plans, attached or detached garages and usable back gardens are typical.
- Older houses near the center: bungalows and early homes on the streets around La Habra Boulevard, on the original town grid.
- Hillside homes on the north side: larger houses on sloping streets climbing toward La Habra Heights, some with views across the basin.
- Newer homes near Westridge Golf Club: houses and attached homes built around the golf course on the west side of the city, generally within homeowners associations.
- Condos and townhomes: scattered complexes, mostly from the 1970s and 1980s, plus recent infill.
- Manufactured homes: several parks where the home is owned and the space is rented.
Inspecting a Mid-Century House in La Habra
Most houses for sale in La Habra are more than half a century old, so inspections do real work here. Ask your inspector to look closely at:
- Original drain lines, with a camera inspection of the sewer lateral to the street.
- Galvanized or early copper supply plumbing and any slab leaks.
- The electrical panel and whether the wiring has been updated.
- Roof age, attic insulation and the heating and cooling system.
- Garage conversions, patio enclosures and added rooms. Ask the city building department for the permit history.
Hills, Faults and Insurance
The Whittier Fault runs through the Puente Hills just north of the city, and a moderate earthquake centred near La Habra in 2014 was felt widely. That is not unusual for Southern California, but it is a reason to read the natural hazard disclosure, ask about foundation bolting and bracing on older homes, and price earthquake insurance, which is a separate policy. On the hillside streets, also look at drainage, retaining walls and slope maintenance, and check whether the address is in a mapped fire hazard zone, since that can affect insurance availability. An insurance agent can quote a specific address during your contingency period.
School Districts and City Services
Several school districts serve La Habra. Elementary and middle schools are mainly in La Habra City School District, with part of the city in Lowell Joint School District, and high schools belong to Fullerton Joint Union High School District. Boundaries do not follow neighborhood names, so confirm the assigned schools for an address with the districts. For zoning, accessory dwelling unit rules and permit records, the City of La Habra is the source.
Selling a Home in La Habra
Many sellers here have owned for decades, and the house may be largely original. That is not a problem if it is priced and presented honestly. Aimee looks at recent sales of similar homes in the same part of the city, separates updated from original-condition comparables, and advises whether cleaning, paint and landscaping are enough or whether a specific repair will pay for itself. A pre-listing sewer or roof inspection can also prevent surprises in escrow. She markets each listing with professional photography and keeps sellers informed at every step.
A La Habra Real Estate Agent Who Covers Both Ends of a Move
Aimee Ghafouri grew up in Murrieta and has more than 15 years of sales and marketing experience and a bachelor’s degree in business. Her office is in Temecula, and her license lets her represent buyers, sellers and investors anywhere in the state. Owners in older parts of north Orange County sometimes sell and buy newer construction in the Inland Empire, and others move the opposite way. Aimee can handle both transactions. Send a note through the contact page.
Nearby Cities
- La Habra Heights, the rural hillside city to the north in Los Angeles County
- Brea, to the east
- Fullerton, to the south and east
- Whittier, to the northwest
- La Mirada, to the southwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Habra in Orange County or Los Angeles County?
La Habra is in Orange County, at its northwest corner. La Habra Heights, directly north, is a separate city in Los Angeles County, so check the city and county shown on any listing.
How old are most houses for sale in La Habra?
Most were built in the 1950s and 1960s, with older homes near La Habra Boulevard and newer ones near Westridge Golf Club. Plan for a sewer camera inspection and a close look at plumbing, electrical and roofing on the older homes.
Which school district serves La Habra?
It depends on the address. La Habra City School District and Lowell Joint School District cover the lower grades in different parts of the city, and Fullerton Joint Union High School District runs the high schools. Confirm with the districts.
Does La Habra have a freeway?
No freeway passes through the city. Drivers use Beach Boulevard, Imperial Highway and Harbor Boulevard to reach the 57, 5 and 91, so test your own commute at the hours you would travel.
How can I get help selling a home in La Habra?
Call or text Aimee Ghafouri at (951) 331-8453. She will review recent comparable sales, walk through the property with you and suggest preparation before the home goes on the market.
Buying or Selling in La Habra?
Aimee Ghafouri is a real estate agent based in Temecula who grew up in Murrieta. She is licensed to work anywhere in California and represents buyers, sellers and investors.
Aimee Ghafouri, 951 Properties, CAL DRE #02193341. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Equal Housing Opportunity.