Tustin: Quiet Neighborhoods, Excellent Schools, and a Convenient Location
Rich Kaufman, who co-owns two bakeries in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar, was immediately drawn to his future home in Tustin. “I was flooded with childhood memories of my grandma’s house,” he said of the 1934-built home. “The huge arched doorways, big windows, wood floors, and squeaky doors all really appealed to me.”
His only concern was whether his wife, Lara Kaufman, would like the home, but she agreed to the purchase without hesitation.
Lara Kaufman said, “The house’s interior design is old Art Deco, and it has a lot of personality.” Last April, they bought the 2,000 square foot, three-bedroom house for $330,000.
Since moving in, the Kaufmans have also grown fond of Tustin itself. Lara Kaufman appreciates the town’s small-town atmosphere, a welcome change from their previous beach area home. “People are down-to-earth here and very friendly,” she shared. “I don’t have to worry about putting on makeup to go to the store. And unlike some areas, there are many young couples like us who are starting families.”
Rich Kaufman enjoys the quiet, pastoral feel of their North Tustin home, surrounded by neighbors with horses and mini-orchards.
According to Melody Streur, a realtor with Century 21 Academy in Tustin, the city’s sedate, low-profile atmosphere is one of the reasons people move to and stay in Tustin.
“Once people move into the area, they tend to stay,” said Streur. “Residents generally have a strong sense of family and enjoy the quiet lifestyle Tustin offers.”
Strong Community Bonds
Mike Sackett, a longtime resident, explains that his Tustin neighborhood has been quiet since the day he and his wife, Blanche, moved in 36 years ago. “It’s never been really noisy here,” he said. “The neighbors have always gotten together to help one another, and the fire department was once all volunteer.” Today, Mike continues to help neighbors with outdoor projects.
Family-Oriented Neighborhoods
Blanche Sackett remembers the day they found their home. “We were looking for a four-bedroom home for our two children and my mother. We looked in Santa Ana, but when we found this model home, I knew it was the one,” she said. They purchased the 1,300-square-foot house for $13,180 in 1956. Today, it would sell for about $220,000.
Top-Rated Schools
Many families choose to stay in Tustin because of its highly-rated schools. Both Tustin High School and Foothill High School have produced numerous National Merit Scholars. Principal Duffy Clark of Tustin High says, “Around 90% of our students go on to college, and in the last decade, we’ve sent more students to West Point than any other high school west of the Mississippi.”
Foothill High School boasts similar academic success. Janis Jones, the school’s principal, notes that 96.5% of the 1992 graduating class went on to college, with many attending Ivy League universities such as Harvard and Stanford.
Location and Housing Options
Tustin is centrally located, just eight miles from John Wayne Airport and 12 miles from the beach, making it a convenient spot for shopping and travel. The city offers a wide range of housing options, from affordable homes to luxury estates.
- The average home in Tustin sells for $349,000, typically 2,200 to 2,800 square feet with 2 to 2.5 bathrooms.
- Larger estates range from 4,000 to 10,000 square feet, priced between $500,000 and $2 million.
- Smaller homes of 1,200 to 1,700 square feet cost between $195,000 and $225,000.
- Two- to three-bedroom condos average $153,000 for 1,000 to 1,500 square feet.
The allure of Tustin is so strong that it even attracts residents from other cities. For example, Judy Oku moved to Tustin after living in Irvine for 13 years. “We love it here,” she said. “It’s nice and quiet, close to shopping, and we can even walk to the movie theater.”
Historical Background
Tustin was founded in 1868 by Columbus Tustin, a farmer and buggy maker. Its growth was slow compared to neighboring cities, and it wasn’t incorporated until 1927. The city remained a small farming community for years, with its pace of life reflecting that tradition.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, Tustin has transformed, but many longtime residents still cherish the city’s quiet, small-town charm. Hugh Robinson, a retired Marine, fondly recalls the 1950s when he and his wife, Marion, bought a home for $18,000—now valued at $200,000.
“At the time, there were few homes and it was peaceful at night,” said Hugh. “An orange grove sat behind us, and the smell of orange blossoms filled the air when in bloom.”
Notable Landmarks
Despite modern changes, Tustin still retains historic buildings, such as the Knights of Pythias building from 1925. It houses the Chamber of Commerce, Tustin Historical Society, and some unique businesses like a vintage clothing store and an old hardware store. Other popular spots include the health food restaurant Rutabegorz and McCharles House Restaurant in a Victorian mansion.
Demographics and Population Statistics
- 1992 estimated population: 53,524
- 1980-90 population change: +32.3%
- Median age: 29.5 years
- Annual income: $20,933 per capita; $42,832 median household
While the city is more crowded than in years past, many long-term residents still find Tustin an ideal place to call home. “We’ve grown with the area, and we’re here to stay,” says Marion Robinson.
