Midway City is not a city. It is a patch of unincorporated Orange County land, almost entirely surrounded by Westminster, that was never annexed by its neighbors. That status gives it a different look from the streets around it: bigger lots, a looser mix of old and new houses, and county rules in place of a city hall. If you are weighing Midway City real estate, call or text Aimee Ghafouri of 951 Properties at (951) 331-8453.
Where Midway City Is
The community is centred near Beach Boulevard and Bolsa Avenue in western Orange County, in the 92655 zip code. The name is usually explained by its position about halfway between Seal Beach and Santa Ana. Over the decades, annexations by Westminster trimmed it into several separate pieces, the largest lying east of Beach Boulevard and south of Hazard Avenue. Westminster borders it on most sides and Huntington Beach touches it on the southwest.
The Garden Grove Freeway (State Route 22) and Interstate 405 are each a short drive away, and Beach Boulevard runs straight south to the ocean at Huntington Beach.
Why Unincorporated Status Matters to Buyers
For anyone looking at houses for sale in Midway City, jurisdiction is the first thing to understand.
- Permits and zoning come from the County of Orange, not from Westminster. County zoning standards for setbacks, lot coverage, second units and animal keeping can differ from those of the city across the street.
- Law enforcement is provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and fire service by the Orange County Fire Authority.
- Sewer and trash are handled by the Midway City Sanitary District, a special district that also serves much of Westminster.
- Water comes from different providers depending on the street, including small mutual water companies in some parts. Ask which provider serves the parcel and whether any membership or share transfers with the sale.
- Street improvements vary. Some blocks lack the curbs, gutters, sidewalks or street lights found in neighboring city tracts.
Boundaries zigzag, so confirm with the county assessor or the title company that a specific address is in the unincorporated area before relying on any of this.
Midway City Homes for Sale: Housing Stock
The typical original house is a small single-story home from the 1940s or 1950s on a lot that is noticeably larger than those in nearby tract neighborhoods. That combination has driven decades of rebuilding. On one block you may see:
- An original two-bedroom or three-bedroom cottage with a detached garage.
- A large, recently built two-story house filling much of its lot.
- A house with one or more additional units behind it.
- A property bought mainly for its land.
There are also mobile home parks, where buyers typically own the home and rent the space, and a few condo and small multi-unit properties. Commercial frontage lines Beach Boulevard and Bolsa Avenue.
Lot Value, Additions and Second Units
Many buyers are drawn here by what a lot might allow: a bigger house, an accessory dwelling unit or room for several vehicles. Treat that as a question to verify, not an assumption. Before writing an offer based on future building plans:
- Ask the County of Orange planning counter what the zoning allows on that parcel.
- Check permit records for every existing structure. Unpermitted units and converted garages do turn up, and legalizing them can be costly or impossible.
- Confirm lot dimensions, easements and any road dedication with a title report, and a survey if the lines matter.
- Ask the sanitary district and the water provider about capacity and connection requirements for added units.
Inspecting an Older Midway City House
Original homes here are seventy or more years old. A thorough inspection should cover the foundation, the roof, wiring and panel capacity, galvanized or cast iron pipes, and the sewer lateral (a camera inspection is worth the fee). Homes of this age commonly contain lead paint and asbestos materials, which standard disclosures address. The area is on a low, flat plain, so check the current federal flood map for the address and ask a lender whether flood insurance is required.
Schools and Services
Elementary schools serving Midway City belong mainly to the Westminster School District, with the Ocean View School District covering part of the southern area. High schools are part of the Huntington Beach Union High School District. Verify the assignment for any address with the districts. A branch of the county library is located in the community.
Selling a Home in Midway City
Pricing here turns on lot size and what is legally built on it. Two houses with the same bedroom count can differ widely if one sits on a deeper lot or has a permitted second unit. Sellers should pull county permit records before listing, state the lot dimensions accurately, and be direct about any structure without permits. Marketing should reach buyers searching Westminster as well, since many do not know Midway City by name.
A Midway City Real Estate Agent You Can Call
Aimee Ghafouri is a real estate agent based in Temecula and licensed anywhere in California. She grew up in Murrieta, has a business degree and more than 15 years in sales and marketing, and represents buyers, sellers and investors with a focus on communication, dedication and service.
Nearby Areas
Compare with Westminster, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley and Stanton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Midway City its own city?
No. Despite the name, it is an unincorporated community governed by the County of Orange and its Board of Supervisors. Westminster surrounds most of it.
Who issues building permits in Midway City?
The County of Orange does, through its planning and building offices. Rules can differ from those in Westminster or Huntington Beach, so check county zoning for the exact parcel before planning an addition or second unit.
Why are lots in Midway City larger than nearby?
The area was subdivided earlier and less uniformly than the surrounding postwar tracts, leaving many deep lots. That is why older small houses are often replaced with larger homes or joined by additional units.
Who provides water and sewer service?
Sewer and trash service come from the Midway City Sanitary District. Water is supplied by different providers depending on location, including mutual water companies, so confirm the provider for the address during escrow.
How do I start searching Midway City homes for sale?
Call or text Aimee Ghafouri at (951) 331-8453. She can set up a search by map area so that listings filed under Westminster or Midway City both appear.
Buying or Selling in Midway City?
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.