Dana Point, CA Housing Market & City Data

Explore key insights and real experiences from people who call Dana Point home. Use the data below as a starting point to compare and discover what makes this city a great place to live.

5.0
Average City Rating
33,577
Population Estimate
$878,469
Median Home Value
96.1%
Employment Rate
51.0%
Bachelor's Degree+

Dana Point City Reviews

Real experiences from people who call Dana Point home.

5.0
(4 Reviews)

Randy Ora

When clients ask The Ora Group about Dana Point, they are usually torn between the blufftop luxury of Monarch Beach and The Strand at Headlands, the harbor charm of Lantern District, or the classic coastal feel of Capistrano Beach. Each pocket operates as its own distinct market. Schools & Community Dana Point falls under Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD), with students feeding into Dana Hills High School. Homes located in micro-pockets that offer safe, walkable routes to school and the updated Dana Point Harbor corridor retain the highest resale resilience. Commutes & Coastal Access Quick access to PCH and Crown Valley Parkway makes getting to the 5 freeway easy, but summer beach traffic can impact daily travel time. Knowing how to maneuver back-road routes via Stonehill Drive or Selva Road keeps your daily commute stress-free. Taxes, Mello-Roos & HOAs Tax structures vary dramatically across Dana Point. Master-planned enclaves in Monarch Beach carry higher HOA dues that cover 24/7 guard gates and community amenities, while Cap Beach offers non-HOA freedom but unique land-lease or coastal setback regulations that buyers must analyze carefully. The Ora Group Advantage From understanding micro-climates and marine layer burns to navigating short-term rental regulations in the Lantern District, localized strategy drives success. Visit TheOraGroup.com to get started.

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Garry Loss

Dana Point is a city located in southern Orange County, California, United States. It has a population of around 33,000 people and is known for its beautiful coastline, ocean views, and beach lifestyle. Dana Point was named after Richard Henry Dana Jr., an American author who wrote the classic memoir "Two Years Before the Mast" which describes his travels as a sailor aboard a merchant ship from Boston to California. Dana Point real estate is highly sought after due to its prime location and picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean. The city offers a range of housing options, from charming beach cottages to luxurious oceanfront estates. The demand for Dana Point homes is driven by the city's natural beauty, convenient location, and excellent schools. Dana Point is also known for its luxury gated communities, such as Monarch Bay, Niguel Shores, Strand at Headlands and Ritz Cove, which offer oceanfront properties with exclusive amenities and services. If you'd like to discuss Dana Point real estate, selling your Dana Point home or to request a private showing of Dana Point homes for sale, contact a Dana Point expert today! Fun Fact: Dana Point, the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World®, is the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas! There are five districts in Dana Point: Monarch Beach: a gated community located near the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and featuring upscale homes and condos. Lantern Village: a neighborhood located near Dana Point Harbor with a mix of older and newer homes. The Lantern District and Town Center are located in Lantern Village. Dana Hills: a community with a range of home styles, located near Dana Hills High School and Dana Point Community Center. Capistrano Beach: a beachfront community located on the border of Dana Point and San Clemente with a mix of homes and condos. Del Obispo: Homes here were first built in the early 1960's. They are among the most family oriented single family homes in Dana Point. Del Obispo is in close proximity to shopping, Del Obispo Park, Doheny Beach and freeway access. Dana Point hosts a number of events throughout the year, including: Festival of Whales: A two-weekend celebration held in March that includes a parade, concerts, art shows, and other activities to honor the annual migration of the California Gray Whale. Summer Concerts In The Park: Dana Point Free Concerts in the Park are on select Sundays Ohana Music Festival: An annual music festival held in September at Doheny State Beach, featuring a lineup of rock, alternative, and indie bands. Maritime Tall Ships Festival: A three-day event held in September that celebrates Dana Point's maritime heritage with tall ships, live music, and educational exhibits. Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza: Dana Point hosts a spectacular fireworks display every year on the Fourth of July. The fireworks are launched from a barge in the harbor and can be viewed from several locations in the city. Turkey Trot: An annual Thanksgiving Day 5K and 10K race that attracts thousands of participants each year. Holiday Lights: A festive event held in December that includes a tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa Claus, and holiday-themed activities for families. Dana Point has many attractions that are worth exploring. Here are some of the popular attractions in Dana Point: Dana Point Harbor: This picturesque harbor is the heart of the city and features two marinas, several waterfront restaurants, and a variety of shops. Visitors can enjoy whale watching tours, fishing charters, and boat rentals, or simply stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Doheny State Beach: This beach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. It has a large campground, picnic areas, and volleyball courts. Visitors can also explore the tide pools and enjoy the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Ocean Institute: This marine science and environmental education center is located in the Dana Point Harbor and offers a variety of programs and exhibits. Visitors can learn about marine life, ocean conservation, and maritime history. Salt Creek Beach: This beach is located in the southern part of Dana Point and is known for its beautiful cliffs and clear waters. It is a popular spot for surfing, swimming, and picnicking. Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area: This 60-acre nature preserve is located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the coastline. Strands Beach: Strands Beach is also a popular spot for surfing, bodyboarding, and swimming. The beach is known for its consistent waves, which attract surfers of all levels. There are also lifeguards on duty during the summer months, making it a safe place for families with children to swim. The beach is accessible via a long staircase that leads down from the bluff above. Farmers Market: Each Saturday, California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market from 9:00am to 1:00pm. The Dana Point Farmers Market is located in La Plaza Park on Pacific Coast Highway near the Clock Tower.

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Oscar Rodriguez

As a Dana Point local, I have been very attentive to the great activities my hometown has to offer. If you're looking for a destination that exudes laidback luxury then look no further than Dana Point. Only an hour drive from both Los Angeles and San Diego, Dana Point offers all the amenities of a beach community but with less crowds.

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Oscar Rodriguez

As a Dana Point local, I have been very attentive to the great activities my hometown has to offer. If you're looking for a destination that exudes laidback luxury then look no further than Dana Point. Only an hour drive from both Los Angeles and San Diego, Dana Point offers all the amenities of a beach community but with less crowds.

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Housing & Demographic Overview

Key insights about the community

Data as of September 2026

HOUSING DATA (September 2026)

Median Price per SqFt$1,183
Median Listing Price$2,438,750
Median Days on Market55
Active Listings79
New Listings32
Total Listings (Active + Pending)97
Avg Listing Price$5,638,959
Avg Listing Price Change MoM2%
Avg Listing Price Change YoY21%

HOUSEHOLD OVERVIEW

Family Size2.86
Family Dual Income50.6
Median Household Income$99,409
Median Individual Income$48,956
Home Ownership63.8%
Home Value$878,469
Median Rent$2,061
Rent Burden33.7%
Poverty5.2%

EDUCATION, GENDER & MARITAL STATUS

EDUCATION

  • No Highschool Degree or GED5.8%
  • Highschool Education11.8%
  • Some College31.4%
  • Bachelors Degree31.5%
  • Graduate Degree19.5%
  • Total College or Above51.0%
  • Stem Degree43.2%

GENDER BREAKDOWN

  • Male48.6%
  • Female51.4%

MARITAL STATUS

  • Married54.1%
  • Divorced15.4%
  • Never Married24.7%
  • Widowed5.9%

CITY DATA & AGE BREAKDOWN

CITY DATA

CityDana Point
State IDCA
Population33,577

AGE BREAKDOWN

Age Group% of Population
Under 1816.6%
19–298.2%
30–399.2%
40–4915.2%
Age Group% of Population
50–5917.7%
60–6917.7%
70–799.8%
80+5.7%

WORKFORCE, ETHNICITY & OTHER

WORKFORCE

Labor Force Participation63.2%
Unemployment Rate3.9%
Disabled9.6%

ETHNICITY

White83.4%
Black1.4%
Asian3.7%
Native American0.4%
Pacific Islander0.1%
Other7.5%
Multiple3.5%

OTHER

Hispanic17.6%
Limited English2.3%
Health Uninsured6.2%
Veteran6.2%

Local Discussions

Community questions and conversations about living in Dana Point, CA.

  1. Is Dana Point, CA a good place to buy a house?

    Local perspectives on Dana Point home prices, buyer demand, neighborhoods, and what to consider before buying a home.

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  2. What are the best neighborhoods in Dana Point, CA for families?

    Local insights on Dana Point neighborhoods, schools, parks, commute times, and other factors families may want to consider.

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  3. What should home buyers know about the Dana Point, CA housing market?

    Local insights on Dana Point home prices, housing inventory, buyer competition, and current real estate market conditions.

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  4. Is it better to buy or rent a home in Dana Point, CA?

    Compare Dana Point home prices, rents, monthly housing costs, and other factors that can affect the decision to buy or rent.

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  5. What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Dana Point, CA?

    Explore Dana Point neighborhoods where home buyers may find more affordable housing options and better value for their budget.

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  6. How much income do you need to buy a house in Dana Point, CA?

    Learn how Dana Point home prices, down payments, mortgage costs, and other expenses can affect how much income buyers may need.

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  7. How much are property taxes on a home in Dana Point, CA?

    Learn how Dana Point property taxes are calculated and how they can affect the overall cost of owning a home.

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  8. What are the best neighborhoods in Dana Point, CA for first-time home buyers?

    Explore Dana Point neighborhoods first-time home buyers may consider based on home prices, location, amenities, and lifestyle.

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  9. What is it like to live in Dana Point, CA?

    Local perspectives on Dana Point neighborhoods, cost of living, weather, commuting, things to do, and everyday life.

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  10. What should I know before moving to Dana Point, CA?

    What newcomers should know about Dana Point housing costs, neighborhoods, transportation, weather, and everyday expenses.

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Top Real Estate Agents in Dana Point, CA

Neighborhoods in Dana Point, CA

Get to know neighborhoods in Dana Point, ordered by the number of properties in the provider sample.

  • Monarch Beach

    Monarch Beach ↗

    Median asking price
    $632,500
    / sq ft
    $1,852
    Active listings
    25
    properties in discovery sample
    272
    B

    Nearby schools · estimated

    7.8/10 · 9 schools

  • Capistrano Beach

    Capistrano Beach ↗

    Median asking price
    $1,050,000
    / sq ft
    $1,171
    Active listings
    19
    properties in discovery sample
    210
    B

    Nearby schools · estimated

    6.4/10 · 5 schools

  • Lantern Village Community Park

    Lantern Village ↗

    Median asking price
    $1,199,900
    / sq ft
    —
    Active listings
    Not available
    properties in discovery sample
    155
    B

    Nearby schools · estimated

    6.3/10 · 3 schools

Data as of . Listing snapshots from Redfin; nearby-school rating estimates.

About these neighborhood estimates

Prices and counts describe active listings returned by the provider, excluding coming-soon and nearby search results. They are asking prices, not sold prices, and may not include every home for sale.

Nearby-school grades are FastExpert estimates from the average available ratings of unique public schools returned for sampled neighborhood properties. A: 8–10; B: 6–under 8; C: 4–under 6; D: 2–under 4; F: 1–under 2. Unrated schools are excluded. Nearby schools may not be assigned to a specific address.

Photos show identified local landmarks. Five neighborhoods are shown, ordered by property count. Median asking price breaks a tie.