Neighborhood Spotlight: Fountain Valley, CA

Known as a quiet and beautiful community popular with commuters, Fountain Valley has experienced tremendous growth over the last few decades. Its excellent location between Los Angeles and San Diego as well as its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean make Fountain Valley a wonderful place to call home.

Fountain Valley at a glance

Located in Orange County, California, Fountain Valley is a city with a population of approximately 56,000. The city is bisected by the 405 freeway and has a total area of about nine square miles. It is bordered by Huntington Beach to the west and south, Garden Grove and Westminster to the north, Santa Ana to the northeast, Costa Mesa to the southeast, and the Santa Ana River to the south.

Fountain Valley neighborhoods and real estate

Fountain Valley is a wonderful bedroom community that offers a wide variety of real estate options. The city has a dense suburban feel and is home to many young professionals as well as retirees. South of the 405 you’ll find mostly quiet, middle-class neighborhoods, while north of the freeway is mostly comprised of parkland. The median home price in Fountain Valley is approximately $651,000.

Fountain Valley history

The name “Fountain Valley” springs from the many artesian wells that are found in the area. In the late 1800s, the area was called “Gospel Swamps” by residents because of the abundant water. Drainage canals were dug and early settlers grew a variety of crops and raised cattle. In the 1930s landowners began to sell off pieces of their lands. The city was incorporated in 1957 as the 21st city in Orange County. James Kanno was the first mayor of the city and one of the first Japanese-American mayors in the United States. The city experienced tremendous growth in the 1960s and is considered one of the county’s best-planned communities. In 1975, after the Fall of Saigon, Fountain Valley and its surrounding communities welcomed a large influx of Vietnamese refugees.

Fountain Valley amenities

Fountain Valley has an abundance of parks for residents and visitors to enjoy. This includes Miles Square Regional Park, a 640-acre park that is home to two lakes, a community center, and three 18-hole golf courses. It also contains picnic shelters, baseball and softball fields, an archery range, and an urban nature area that has been planted with California native species. Every year the city holds a Summerfest in the park with rides, live music, booths, and a car show.

History lovers will enjoy Heritage Park. This collection of historic buildings is located next to the library and includes a Japanese bathhouse, a real estate office, and a replica of the old firehouse. Visitors can enjoy a bocce ball court, a gazebo, a reflecting pond, and a Veteran’s Memorial Monument.

One of the best aspects of living in Fountain Valley is its close proximity to many world-class attractions. Take the family and head to Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm for the day. Or shop-til-you-drop at South Coast Plaza or Fashion Island. Of course, the beaches of the Pacific Ocean are also just 15 minutes away.

There are many wonderful options when it comes to dining in Fountain Valley. Inka Cantina is a Peruvian restaurant where you can indulge in traditional family recipes from The Andes and the northern coast of Peru. Mr. Kebap is the place to go when you’re craving Turkish food. Or experience the intense flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Au Lac.

Fountain Valley schools

Students in Fountain Valley are served by several school districts. This includes Fountain Valley Elementary School District, Huntington Beach City Elementary School District, Ocean View School District, Garden Grove Unified School District, and Huntington Beach Union High School District. Many of the public schools in Fountain Valley are highly rated, and Fountain Valley High School has earned an A+ rating on Niche. In addition, Fountain Valley is home to Coastline Community College.

Explore Fountain Valley today!

Are you ready to find out what makes this Orange County enclave so popular? Then view available properties in Fountain Valley and schedule your private showing today!