If you’re exploring options for relocating, living in Tustin CA might just be the perfect fit. Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Tustin is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and friendly people. No matter why you’re drawn to the area, moving to Tustin is never a bad idea.
The city of Tustin CA boasts a rich history, beautiful parks, and convenient amenities, while still maintaining a more affordable cost of living compared to some other Orange County hotspots. With close proximity to nearby attractions, Tustin offers a high quality of life for its residents. As such, Tustin is a good place to live. If you’re on the hunt for a wonderful, vibrant community, then look no further than Tustin! Here’s everything you need to know about living in Tustin CA.
Where Is Tustin California?
What County is Tustin CA in? Tustin CA is in Orange County and is a part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Tustin is bordered by other popular cities in Orange County, such as Santa Ana, Irvine, North Tustin, and Orange. There are plenty of wonderful natural attractions for you to enjoy when living in Tustin CA. The Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve and Crystal Cove State Park are both just a few miles away from Tustin.
When living in Tustin CA, the easiest way to get around is by personal vehicle, however, the Orange County Transportation Authority runs bus routes as well as a Metrolink in the area.
Tustin Population & Demographics
How many people are living in Tustin CA? The population of Tustin is 80,276, which is an increase of 6.2% over the past decade. Residents living in Tustin CA are very affluent compared to the rest of California. The median household income is $102,065, which is higher than the national average of $75,149 and the California average of $91,905.
After moving to Tustin, you will share a zip code with several notable people. Some people who have lived in Tustin include actor Cuba Gooding Jr., NFL player Sam Baker, and actor Matthew Lillard.
Additional Tustin Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 50.4% female, 49.6% male
- Median age:
- Racial & ethnic composition: 41.9% White (28.3% non-Hispanic), 25.4% Asian, 11.1% two or more races, 2.3% Black or African American, 0.7% American Indian, 0.3% Native Hawaiian
- Educational attainment: 88.1% high school degree (or higher), 45.9% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 31.5%
Is Tustin CA safe? Here’s an overview of the Tustin CA crime rate:
- Overall crime: 2,806 crimes per 100,000 people (1.3% lower than state average and 20.7% higher than national average)
- Violent crime: 320 crimes per 100,000 people (35.9% lower than state average and 13.5% lower than national average)
- Property crime: 2,486 crimes per 100,000 people (6.1% higher than state average and 27.2% higher than national average)
Tustin CA is one of the safest cities in Orange County. Although the overall crime rate is slightly above the national average, most of the crime committed in the area is property crime. Property crime, while frustrating, is not typically a threat to your safety. As such, living in Tustin CA is very safe. When living in Tustin CA, you’ll be protected by the Tustin Police Department.
Tustin Cost of Living
Before moving to Tustin, you’ll want to decide if the cost of living is realistic for you and your family. The Cost of Living Index in Tustin is 164.9, which is 64.9% higher than the national average of 100. Although the cost of living in Tustin CA is on the higher end, it is still well below several Orange County cities. Tustin is 16.2% more affordable than Irvine and 15.6% more affordable than Huntington Beach. This makes Tustin one of the best places to live for those who want to live in Orange County without the sky-high price tag.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Tustin CA would need to earn $147,022 per year ($12,252 per month) to live comfortably in the city.
Typical Tustin Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Gallon of milk: $3.80
- Cappuccino: $5.20
- Bottle of wine: $12.00
- Gallon of gas: $4.85
- Average Tustin utilities per month: $187.50
Source: Numbeo
Curious about real estate prices when living in Tustin CA? Tustin CA real estate contributes greatly to the higher cost of living in the city. According to Redfin, the average home price in Tustin CA is $1.27 million. There are plenty of different types of homes for sale in Tustin CA, including single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. The Tustin real estate market is booming, with the median home price up 37.8% compared to last year. The median home price in Tustin is well above the national median home price of $439,000 and the California median home price of $838,000.
Looking for apartments in Tustin CA? According to RentCafe, the average rent in Tustin CA is $2,823 per month. This is higher than the national average of $1,713 but lower than other California cities such as San Francisco ($3,323), San Jose ($3,022), and San Diego ($2,995). So, being a renter while living in Tustin CA is more affordable than other major cities in California.
Neighborhoods in Tustin CA | Best Places to Live in Tustin
When moving to this Orange County city, you’ll want to make sure you choose a great neighborhood to settle down in. These are a few of the best neighborhoods to consider when living in Tustin California.
Tustin Ranch | Quiet Community Popular Among Families
If you are moving to Tustin CA with your family, then Tustin Ranch may be a perfect fit for you. Tustin Ranch is a quiet, family-friendly area with several single-family homes situated on quiet streets. In this area, you’ll find the popular Tustin Ranch Golf Club as well as the top-rated Tustin Ranch Elementary School. For those visiting the area or looking for a short-term stay near the course, Stay and Play Vacation Rentals offers golf-friendly lodging options just minutes away. Ideal for enjoying the Tustin lifestyle both on and off the green.
Downtown Tustin | Bustling Area With Severa Fun Things to Do
Experience living in Tustin CA at its finest in the downtown area. Downtown Tustin CA is one of the best places to call home for those who love the hustle and bustle of the city. There are several great bars, coffee shops, and restaurants in this area, and the neighborhood is incredibly walkable. You’ll also find some of the city’s best apartment complexes here.
Check out Old Town Tustin CA if you want to live in a neighborhood full of rich history. This neighborhood is centered around a group of historic buildings dating back to the 1880s. The neighborhood is very cozy, and housing mostly comes in the form of small homes and condos. This area is also where you’ll find the famous Tustin CA Farmers Market.
Tustin CA Weather & Climate
When living in Tustin CA, you’ll experience a Mediterranean climate. This means that the area experiences hot, dry summers and wet, mild winters. Here’s a quick overview of the Tustin climate.
- Average summer Tustin temperature: 81ºF
- Average winter Tustin temperature: 57ºF
- Average annual rainfall in Tustin CA: 13.9 inches
- Most comfortable months in Tustin CA: late May to early October
Things to Do in Tustin
There are plenty of amazing things to do in Tustin as well as surrounding areas like Irvine and Santa Ana. For grocery shopping, head over to Albertsons and Ralphs Fresh Fare. To shop till you drop, check out The District at Tustin Legacy and Tustin Plaza. These are the best things to do in Tustin CA.
Head over to the Marconi Automotive Museum to explore luxury, rare, and historic cars from the past 100 years.
1302 Industrial Dr, Tustin, CA 92780, (714) 258-3001
When living in Tustin CA, you can’t skip out on Tustin Heritage Park. Tustin Heritage Park is one of the most fun things to do in Tustin CA. This park is ideal for kids and contains an outside roller hockey rink, a playground, a basketball court, and plenty of green space.
2350 Kinsman Cir, Tustin, CA 92780, (714) 573-3326
If you’re looking for outdoor activities when living in Tustin CA, then check out Peters Canyon in nearby Santa Ana. Peters Canyon offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and more.
8548 Canyon View Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Additional Tustin Attractions
If you still aren’t sure what to do in Tustin, then check out the City of Tustin CA Event Calendar. There’s always something going on for residents living in Tustin CA.
Tustin Restaurants
Whether you’re looking for cozy coffee shops, luxurious fine dining, or casual joints, Tustin has it all. Living in Tustin CA is great for foodies! These are some of the best restaurants in Tustin CA.
This cozy joint serves up delicious Mediterranean staples and contains an adjoining bakery and cafe.
17440 17th St, Tustin, CA 92780, (714) 838-8855
Head over to The Black Marlin to enjoy fresh seafood, steaks, and delicious cocktails.
560 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780, (714) 929-7427
Craving a quick burger? Hopdoddy Burger Bar serves up high-quality burgers and craft beer.
3030 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92782, (714) 505-2337
Jobs in Tustin
Looking for jobs in Tustin CA? There are plenty of great employers in the Tustin CA area to choose from. The top employers in Tustin CA are:
According to PayScale, the average salary in Tustin CA is $81,000 per year. Over $5,000 more than the average wage typically paid by companies hiring in California. If you are looking for jobs in Tustin CA, then check out the city job board or search for “Tustin jobs” on Indeed.
Tustin Schools
If you will be living in Tustin California with kids, then you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of highly rated schools in Tustin CA. The primary Tustin school district is the Tustin Unified School District, which serves over 24,000 students across 28 schools.
There are 18 elementary schools in Tustin CA, a Kindergarten through 8th-grade school, five middle schools, and four high schools in Tustin California. Some of the most popular Tustin high schools include Hillview and Tustin High School. Tustin High School has a prestigious STEP academy, called “T-Tech,” allowing students to specialize in the STEM fields throughout their four years in high school.
There are also many great private schools in Tustin CA. Fairmont Private School was recently voted the best private school three years in a row, and Red Hill Lutheran School is one of the best religious schools in the area.
After moving to Tustin CA, make sure you check out the Tustin Library.
Tustin California Statistics & Information
- County: Orange County
- Tustin area: 11.12 square miles
- Tustin zip code: 92780-92782
- Tustin area code: 657, 714, 949
- Tustin elevation: 138 feet
- Tustin time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Tustin CA: John Wayne Airport (SNA), 6.0 miles away
Tustin CA Map
Here’s a map of places to explore when living in Tustin CA.
With a fair cost of living, excellent schools, and fun attractions, living in Tustin CA has never been better! If moving to Tustin sounds great to you, then get in touch with Daly Movers! Call our expert Tustin movers today at 800-395-6683 for a free quote.
