Fullerton is one of the older cities in north Orange County, and it shows in the housing. Within a few miles you can go from pre-war bungalows near a working train depot to mid-century modern tracts, hillside ranch homes on horse trails and a master-planned community built on a former aerospace site. To talk through Fullerton homes for sale or a sale of your own, call or text Aimee Ghafouri of 951 Properties at (951) 331-8453.
Fullerton Real Estate by Area
Fullerton is an incorporated city bordered by La Habra and Brea to the north, Placentia to the east, Anaheim to the south and Buena Park to the west. The 91 freeway runs along the southern edge and the 57 along the east. The flat southern half and the hilly northern half are very different markets.
- Downtown and the surrounding older streets. Harbor Boulevard runs through a historic commercial core next to the Fullerton Transportation Center, which has Amtrak and Metrolink service. The nearby blocks hold Craftsman bungalows, Spanish Colonial Revival houses and other homes from the early twentieth century.
- Sunny Hills. The northwest hills are known for larger lots, ranch homes and custom houses, and a network of recreational trails, including equestrian trails around Laguna Lake.
- Amerige Heights. A master-planned community in west Fullerton on the former Hughes Aircraft site, with newer single-family homes, townhomes, a homeowners association and its own shopping center.
- East Fullerton. The area around Cal State Fullerton and toward the Coyote Hills golf course mixes tract homes, condos, apartments and hillside streets.
- South and southwest Fullerton. Flat postwar tracts, small multi-unit buildings and industrial land closer to the freeway, with Fullerton Municipal Airport at the western edge.
Property Types Buyers Search For
Searches for houses for sale in Fullerton tend to be specific. Common ones include historic homes near downtown, Eichler and other mid-century modern houses (Fullerton has a few Eichler tracts), single-story ranch homes in Sunny Hills, horse property, view homes in the hills, and newer homes in Amerige Heights. Condos and townhomes are spread through the city, and rental properties near the university and Fullerton College attract investors.
Buying an Older or Historic Home
Pre-war houses are a big part of the appeal of Fullerton real estate, and they need a careful inspection period. Ask about the foundation (many are raised foundations, which may or may not have been bolted and braced), knob and tube or other early wiring, original plumbing, the sewer lateral, and how any additions were permitted.
The city has designated landmarks and residential preservation zones where exterior changes go through extra design review. If a home is in one, or is individually listed, find out from the City of Fullerton planning staff what that means for windows, additions and demolition before you plan a remodel.
Hillside Considerations
In Sunny Hills and the other hill neighborhoods, look at drainage, retaining walls and slope maintenance, and order a geotechnical opinion if an inspector recommends one. Check whether the parcel is zoned for horses rather than assuming it from the neighborhood. Parts of the hills border open space, so ask an insurer early about wildfire-related underwriting. Some of the remaining open land in the West Coyote Hills has been the subject of long-running development and preservation proposals. Buyers nearby should ask the city for the current status.
Noise, Trains and the Airport
Fullerton sits on a heavily used freight and passenger rail corridor, and it has the county’s only general aviation airport. Homes near the tracks, the airport or the freeways should be visited at several times of day. Sellers of those homes must disclose what they know, but your own visit tells you more.
HOAs, Taxes and School Boundaries
Most older Fullerton neighborhoods have no homeowners association, while Amerige Heights and the condo and townhome complexes do. Read the association’s rules, budget and reserve study during your contingency period, and look at the property tax bill for any special assessments, which are more likely in newer developments. Elementary and high school districts are separate here and boundaries do not follow neighborhood names, so confirm school assignment by address with the districts.
Selling a Home in Fullerton
Pricing here depends heavily on which Fullerton you are in. A restored bungalow, an original-condition Eichler and a hillside ranch each have a different buyer pool and a different set of comparable sales. Sellers do well to document permits, system upgrades and any preservation status up front, and to market the features that matter for that type: original architectural detail, lot size and trail access, or HOA amenities.
Working With a Fullerton Real Estate Agent
Aimee Ghafouri is a Temecula-based real estate agent licensed throughout California. She grew up in Murrieta, brings more than 15 years of sales and marketing experience and a bachelor’s degree in business, and works with buyers, sellers and investors. Her approach centers on communication, dedication and serving others. Call or text (951) 331-8453, or use the contact page.
Nearby Areas
Common comparisons with Fullerton include Brea, La Habra, Placentia, Anaheim and Buena Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the historic homes in Fullerton?
Most pre-war houses are in the older neighborhoods around downtown. Some streets are in city preservation zones, so check with Fullerton planning staff before planning exterior changes.
Are there Eichler homes in Fullerton?
Yes, Fullerton has a small number of Eichler tracts along with other mid-century modern houses. They come up for sale infrequently, so a saved search with alerts helps.
Can I keep horses in Sunny Hills?
Some parcels in the Fullerton hills are zoned for horses and connect to recreational trails, but it varies lot by lot. Confirm zoning and any limits with the city before you buy.
Does Fullerton have a train station?
Yes. The Fullerton Transportation Center downtown is served by Amtrak and Metrolink trains. The same rail corridor carries freight, so check noise at homes near the tracks.
How do I start a Fullerton home search?
Call or text Aimee Ghafouri at (951) 331-8453 and describe the type of home and part of the city you want. She can set up listings alerts and schedule showings.
Buying or Selling in Fullerton?
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.