13981 Sandhurst Place, North Tustin
Single Family Homes For Sale in North Tustin
Single family homes in North Tustin range from around $850,000 to $9M and above for estate properties, with a median near $1.7M. Inventory is limited and the community draws consistent demand from buyers targeting the Foothill High School pipeline. I track this market as part of my weekly Orange County housing report and can tell you what is active, what just went pending, and what comparable homes have sold for. Call or text any time: 949-430-7500
Single Family Homes in North Tustin
North Tustin is an unincorporated community of Orange County sitting in the Tustin Hills north of the City of Tustin. It is not part of the incorporated city and is governed by Orange County rather than a city council — a distinction that matters because it shapes everything from how the community looks and feels to how development is regulated. The result is a neighborhood of large-lot custom homes on tree-lined streets with a settled, semi-rural estate character that is simply not available inside any of the incorporated cities of central Orange County. Lots commonly run from a quarter acre to well over an acre, and the housing stock reflects decades of custom and semi-custom construction rather than tract development.
Lemon Heights and Cowan Heights are the two neighborhoods that draw the most buyer interest. Lemon Heights is the more family-centric of the two, anchored by the Arroyo Elementary, Hewes Middle School, and Foothill High School pipeline — a set of Tustin Unified campuses that consistently ranks among the best in Orange County and is the primary driver of family demand in North Tustin. Streets like Racquet Hill and Red Hill Ridge offer a range of single-story ranches and larger traditional and Mediterranean homes on half-acre lots with mature canopy. Cowan Heights sits higher in the hills and is prized for its views — properties here can look out over Santiago Canyon, Peters Canyon, the Newport coast, Catalina Island, and on clear days north toward Palos Verdes. Buyers who come to North Tustin specifically for views tend to focus on Cowan Heights; buyers who are prioritizing the school pipeline focus on Lemon Heights.
The current market in North Tustin is more balanced than in recent years, with homes taking longer to sell and buyers having more room than during the peak. That creates real opportunity for prepared buyers in a community where inventory is always limited and quality properties do not come available on a predictable schedule. For current market data, see the live North Tustin market report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What price range should I expect for a single family home in North Tustin?
Single family homes in North Tustin start around $850,000 for smaller or entry-level properties and rise to $9M and above for the largest custom estates on significant acreage. The median is approximately $1.7M. Lemon Heights homes — particularly those in the Foothill High attendance area on established streets — typically range from $1.2M to $2.5M depending on size and condition. Cowan Heights view properties span a wider range, with the best view lots and larger custom homes pushing well above $2M. Homes have been taking longer to sell than in prior years, which gives buyers more time to evaluate and negotiate than the recent peak market allowed.
What makes North Tustin different from the City of Tustin?
The distinction is significant and worth understanding before starting a search. North Tustin is unincorporated — it is not part of the City of Tustin and never has been. It is governed by Orange County, not a city council, and lacks incorporated city services and the HOA structure common in Tustin's master-planned communities. What it has instead is space: lots in North Tustin are substantially larger than anything in the incorporated city, custom construction is the norm rather than the exception, and the overall character is that of an established hillside estate community rather than a planned suburban development. The two areas share proximity and some schools but are distinct markets with different buyers, different price points, and different lifestyle profiles.
What schools serve North Tustin CA?
North Tustin students attend Tustin Unified School District. The school pipeline most buyers come for is Arroyo Elementary, Hewes Middle School, and Foothill High School — all Tustin Unified campuses located in and near the Lemon Heights area. Foothill High School is consistently ranked among the top public high schools in Orange County, and Tustin Unified holds an A-plus overall district rating. The school pipeline is the single most cited factor in family buyers' decisions to target North Tustin specifically over comparable communities in adjacent areas.
What are the differences between Lemon Heights and Cowan Heights?
Both neighborhoods are within North Tustin but appeal to somewhat different buyer profiles. Lemon Heights is closer to the Tustin Unified school campuses, has more established street-level character, and is the neighborhood most family buyers focus on when the school pipeline is the primary motivation. Homes here tend to have mature landscaping, half-acre-plus lots, and a mix of ranch, traditional, and Mediterranean architecture. Cowan Heights is positioned higher in the hills and is the destination for buyers prioritizing views — the sight lines from many Cowan Heights properties are among the best of any residential neighborhood in inland Orange County, spanning the coast, canyons, and mountains. Premium view lots in Cowan Heights command a significant premium over non-view properties in Lemon Heights at equivalent square footage.
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Eric Engelbert is an Orange County real estate broker who tracks every city and every neighborhood through weekly market reports. Get expert guidance on current pricing, which neighborhoods offer the best value, and how to compete effectively before you make an offer.
Last updated: June 2026
North Tustin Single Family Homes for Sale
Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.