City Guide
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Overview
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is recognized as one of Orange County's youngest cities and currently has the longest city name in California. There are around 47,294 people, so relocating to Rancho Santa Margarita offers the benefit of small-city living with the perks of a somewhat larger city. An interesting fact is that the majority of the neighborhoods are governed by homeowners associations. Living in Rancho Santa Margarita offers excellent hiking nearby in the Santa Ana Mountains.
What’s it like to live in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA ?
If you're looking to buy a home for sale in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA you'll find that the median sale price is
$990,000
and homes stay on the market for 36 days. You'll find that the median sale prices of
a single family home and a condo/co-op in Rancho Santa Margarita are $1,167,000
and $685,000
, respectively. Rancho Santa Margarita area townhouses have a median sale price of $964,000
, making them less expensive
than single family homes. If you’re not ready to buy a home, consider one of the many apartments for rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CAExplore our Rancho Santa Margarita housing market page for insights about how home values have changed over
the years and how Rancho Santa Margarita home prices compare to other markets. Explore our Rancho Santa Margarita rental market trends page for insights about how rental prices have changed and how Rancho Santa Margarita rental prices compare to other rental markets. If you're curious about the most valuable home features in Rancho Santa Margarita, or looking for a new home improvement project,
discover what home features and design trends may help increase your home's value.
Popular neighborhoods in and around Rancho Santa Margarita
| Neighborhood | Median Sale Price | Compete Score | Walk Score | Real Estate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palmia | $1,147,000 | 74 / 100 | 44 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Casta del Sol | $900,000 | 72 / 100 | 26 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Wagon Wheel | $1,314,500 | 70 / 100 | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
| Robinson Ranch | $1,130,500 | 68 / 100 | 19 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Dove Canyon | $1,900,000 | 61 / 100 | 17 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
Popular homes for sale in Rancho Santa Margarita
See all homes for sale
Rental listings in Rancho Santa Margarita
See how much rent you can affordSee all rental listings
What is the cost of living in Rancho Santa Margarita?
The cost of living in Rancho Santa Margarita is 57% higher than the national average. Housing is typically the largest expense for most American households. In Rancho Santa Margarita, the average monthly rent is $3,107, while the median home price is $1,033,000. Overall, housing in Rancho Santa Margarita is 134% higher than the national average. Groceries, like produce, dry goods, and other essential household items, cost 10% higher in Rancho Santa Margarita. Though healthcare costs 6% lower in Rancho Santa Margarita compared to the national average, costs vary greatly by location, person, personal health, and health insurance. In Rancho Santa Margarita, an optometry check-up costs around $155.54, while a dentist appointment is $117.69 on average. Learn more about the cost of living in Rancho Santa Margarita. Discover how utilities, transportation, and lifestyle, compares against the national average.
Compared to the national average
57%
Cost of living
134%
Home prices
Cost of living calculator
Compare cities across the U.S.
Rancho Santa Margarita Migration & Relocation Trends
In Feb '25 - Apr '25, 23% of Rancho Santa Margarita homebuyers searched to move out of Rancho Santa Margarita, while 77% looked to stay within the metropolitan area.
- Across the nation, 4% of homebuyers searched to move into Rancho Santa Margarita from outside metros.
- Houston homebuyers searched to move into Rancho Santa Margarita more than any other metro followed by San Francisco and Hermiston.
Where are people moving to Rancho Santa Margarita from?
- 77% of Rancho Santa Margarita homebuyers searched to stay within the Rancho Santa Margarita metropolitan area.
- Las Vegas was the most popular destination among Rancho Santa Margarita homebuyers followed by San Diego and Bakersfield.
Where are people from Rancho Santa Margarita moving to?
Number of People Moving to Rancho Santa Margarita
least
most
People are moving to Rancho Santa Margarita from
| Inbound | Net inflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Feb '25 - Apr '25 | ||
| 1 | 1,150 | ||
| 2 | 854 | ||
| 3 | 42 | ||
| 4 | 7 | ||
| 5 | 6 | ||
| 6 | 5 | ||
| 7 | 5 | ||
| 8 | 4 | ||
| 9 | 2 | ||
| 10 | 1 | ||
People are leaving Rancho Santa Margarita for
| Outbound | Net outflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Feb '25 - Apr '25 | ||
| 1 | 6,194 | ||
| 2 | 6,111 | ||
| 3 | 3,957 | ||
| 4 | 3,918 | ||
| 5 | 2,581 | ||
| 6 | 2,437 | ||
| 7 | 2,211 | ||
| 8 | 1,924 | ||
| 9 | 1,903 | ||
| 10 | 1,590 | ||
Methodology
This data does not reflect actual moves. The latest migration analysis is based on a sample of about two
million Redfin.com users who searched for homes across more than 100 metro areas. To be included in this dataset, a Redfin.com user
must have viewed at least 10 homes in a three month period. This dataset excludes all rentals data.
What is there to do in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA ?
There are many fantastic ways to spend your time in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, from enjoying local art, dining at some of the top restaurants in town, or spending time at a park. One landmark you can visit in Rancho Santa Margarita is Aliso Creek Beach. You'll also find that there's a rich arts and culture scene, with many performing arts centers such as Comedy Entertainment and Nuila Events. Home to Solano Park, Arroyo Vista Park, and Trabuco Mesa Park, there are lots of parks where you can spend a relaxing evening. For a taste of Rancho Santa Margarita's cuisine, there are a couple of local eateries you don't want to skip. Hanna's Restaurant & Bar and T J's Cantina & Restaurant are just a couple of the many restaurants you should stop for a meal at.
Explore some of the best things to do in Rancho Santa Margarita
What's the best way to get around Rancho Santa Margarita, CA ?
The best way to get around Rancho Santa Margarita is by car, but there are many methods for getting around the city. If you’re exploring the city by foot, Rancho Santa Margarita has a walk score of 34, meaning this area is car dependent. You can also get around Rancho Santa Margarita by bike. With a bike score of 34, there is a minimal amount of infrastructure for biking.
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Rancho Santa Margarita Transportation
Bus Station
Buses can be found throughout the city and are easily accessible to commute in the city.
Rail Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Tram Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Metro Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Car & Bike Rentals
Renting a car is another good way to get around the city. There are 2 car rental locations.
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