Is Country Hills, Brea a Good Place to Live?
Additionally, A prosperous residential enclave in central Orange County with strong schools and established family appeal.
About Country Hills in Brea
Country Hills is a well-established suburban neighborhood in Brea that appeals strongly to families and professionals seeking stability over urban intensity. Additionally, the community boasts a median household income of $130,496, nearly 30% of households with children, and a median home value around $852,000. Moreover, with Brea Country Hills Elementary and William E. Fanning Elementary nearby, school quality anchors the neighborhood's reputation, though car dependency remains high at 76.8% of commutes driven.
Real Estate Market in Country Hills
| Median home price | $852k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +2.1% |
| Price per sq ft | $485 |
| Median rent | $1,915 |
| Typical days on market | 18 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 56 |
| Bike Score | 46 |
Additionally, country Hills sits in the upper-middle tier of Orange County pricing, reflecting its school reputation and family-oriented demographics. Homes move at a steady pace in this demand-stable market.
Additionally, buyers should anticipate competitive bidding for well-maintained homes near top-performing schools. Homes that need updates may see softer interest; strategic renovations and strong inspection contingencies help balance risk in this seller-friendly micromarket.
Who Thrives in Country Hills
Country Hills offers solid entry-level appreciation potential with established neighborhoods and good schools, though $852k medians stretch some first-time budgets.
Additionally, the 29.5% kid demographic and highly-rated elementary and middle schools make this neighborhood purpose-built for growing families seeking suburban safety and community.
Additionally, stable 56.6% owner-occupancy, strong 49.5% bachelor's degree attainment, and consistent appreciation support buy-and-hold rental or flip strategies.
Additionally, the neighborhood lacks walkability (56 walk score) and transit depth, but reliable fiber and proximity to coffee shops like Starbucks and Protein Lab make home offices functional for distributed workers.
Median age 38.9 and low poverty (5.1%) signal economic stability; however, the family-oriented character and limited walkability mean retirees should prioritize proximity to Brea Community Center and active adult communities.
Property Types in Country Hills
Additionally, dominant housing stock; ranch and suburban colonial styles from 1970s-2000s, most with yards and garages.
Smaller complexes scattered throughout; lower maintenance appeal for empty-nesters and downsizers.
Limited new builds; most appreciation driven by updated interiors and modern open-plan layouts.
Living in Country Hills, Brea
Daily life in Country Hills revolves around suburban routines, shopping at Trader Joe's or Sprouts Farmers Market on Birch, and weekend family outings to Country Hills Park or Tracks at Brea. Additionally, dining ranges from casual chains like El Torito and Outback Steakhouse to upscale Alza Osteria. The neighborhood's car-centric layout (76.8% drive) means most errands and entertainment require wheels, though top-tier fitness facilities like Life Time and Brea Community Center keep active residents engaged year-round.
- Alza Osteria · 9 min walk
- Treehouse Bar & Grill · 9 min walk
- Outback Steakhouse · 13 min walk
- Burger King · 16 min walk
- El Torito Grill · 18 min walk
- Starbucks · 14 min walk
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf · 20 min walk
- Protein Lab · 20 min walk
- Ding Tea · 20 min walk
- Coldsun Cafe · 22 min walk
- Country Hills Park · 1 min walk
- Tracks at Brea · 12 min walk
- Greenbriar Park · 17 min walk
- Trader Joe's · 20 min walk
- Albertsons · 22 min walk
- Mother's Market · 23 min walk
- Sprouts Farmers Market · 29 min walk
- Whole Foods Market · 34 min walk
- Life Time · 31 min walk
- Brea Community Center · 32 min walk
- Club Pilates · 35 min walk
- Prange Theory Fitness · 37 min walk
- Battlehouse · 38 min walk
- Curtis Theatre · 29 min walk
- Brea Art Gallery · 29 min walk
Annual events: Brea Art Gallery exhibits, Curtis Theatre productions, Brea summer concert series, community health fairs at Brea Community Center
Schools Near Country Hills, Brea
Country Hills' reputation rests largely on proximity to highly-rated public schools serving the neighborhood. William E. Fanning Elementary (72.5 score) and Brea Country Hills Elementary (66 score) anchor elementary choice, while Col. J. K. Tuffree Middle (63.5 score) and Brea Junior High (62.5 score) handle middle grades.
Elementary Schools
School Score 72.5 with 72% math and 73% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 66 with 67% math and 65% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 63.5 with 58% math and 69% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 62.5 with 58% math and 67% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 67 with 57% math and 77% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 57.5 with 50% math and 65% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 10 with 10% math and 10% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Feeder pattern: Most elementary students progress to Tuffree Middle, then feed to Brea-Olinda High (57.5 score) for secondary education, creating a clear pathway.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Country Hills
Country Hills' position in central Brea places most daily destinations within 15-20 minute drives. However, heavy car dependency and limited public transit mean commutes to major job centers require personal vehicles or vanpools.
Additionally, OCTA local bus service exists but covers limited routes; most residents depend on personal vehicles or carpools, with only 10.9% working from home.
Neighborhoods Near Country Hills
Not sure Country Hills is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Country Hills
What is the average home price in Country Hills, Brea?
The median home value in Country Hills is approximately $852,000, with single-family homes typically ranging from $750,000 to $1.1 million depending on size, condition, and proximity to top-rated schools. Prices have appreciated roughly 2.1% year-over-year, reflecting steady demand from families and professionals. Homes in the neighborhood generally sell within 18 days, indicating moderate but consistent buyer interest.
Is Country Hills a good place to live?
Country Hills is an excellent fit for families and professionals seeking stable, school-focused suburban living. The median household income of $130,496 and 56.6% married demographic signal economic security and family orientation. However, the neighborhood's walkability score of 56 and car-dependent layout mean you'll need a vehicle for daily errands; it's not ideal for those seeking urban convenience or transit-reliant lifestyles.
What are the best schools in Country Hills?
William E. Additionally, fanning Elementary (72.5 score) and Brea Country Hills Elementary (66 score) are the primary elementary options and rank among the stronger schools in the area. Moreover, middle grades feed to Col. J. K. Tuffree Middle (63.5 score), and high school students typically attend Brea-Olinda High. Nearly 50% of the neighborhood holds bachelor's degrees, reflecting strong family engagement in education.
Is Country Hills safe?
Country Hills maintains low poverty at 5.1% and has established police presence through the Brea Police Department and nearby Brea Fire Department Station 3. Additionally, the stable, family-focused demographic and owner-occupancy rate of 58.8% support community cohesion and property investment. Like most suburban neighborhoods, routine precautions apply, but the area is considered stable and secure for families.
Who is Country Hills best for?
Country Hills suits families with school-age children, affluent professionals seeking suburban stability, and investors drawn to steady appreciation and low turnover. First-time buyers may find it accessible if budgets stretch to mid-$800ks; remote workers should confirm reliable internet before committing. The neighborhood is less ideal for car-free urbanists or retirees seeking walkable, active adult communities.
What amenities and shopping are nearby?
Daily conveniences abound within short drives: Trader Joe's and Sprouts Farmers Market for groceries, Starbucks and Protein Lab for coffee, restaurants like Alza Osteria and El Torito, and fitness at Life Time or Brea Community Center. The Home Depot, Ross, and Nordstrom Rack offer retail, while Curtis Theatre and Brea Art Gallery provide cultural options. Country Hills Park and Tracks at Brea support outdoor recreation.
Where this Country Hills data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Find Your Home in Country Hills
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