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Brea

Learn more about Brea

Brea, California, is a charming city located in northern Orange County, known for its strong sense of community, vibrant downtown area, and commitment to preserving its rich history. The city’s well-planned layout features a blend of residential neighborhoods, shopping districts, and recreational spaces, creating a balanced and attractive environment for residents. Brea’s historic downtown area, often referred to as the Brea Downtown, is a hub of activity with its mix of boutiques, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the Brea Art Gallery, which showcases local and regional artists.

One of Brea’s standout features is its dedication to parks and open spaces. The city offers numerous parks and trails, such as the Brea Sports Park and the Carbon Canyon Regional Park, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, and sports. Brea also hosts various community events and festivals throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of local pride and engagement. With its blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and a focus on community well-being, Brea offers a welcoming and enriching environment for its residents and visitors alike.

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Discover Brea: Where Community, Convenience, and Culture Meet

Nestled in North Orange County, Brea is a city that blends suburban warmth with urban access. If you are relocating, investing, or just curious, here’s what makes Brea special, and why Jack Ma Real Estate showcases it confidently.

Prime Infrastructure & Local Services

  • Electricity & Gas
    Power in Brea is served by Southern California Edison (SCE), while natural gas is provided via Southern California Gas Company. The city also participates in regional energy efficiency and community energy programs, helping reduce energy waste and lower utility costs over time.

  • Water & Waste Management
    The Metropolitan Water District handles local water supply services, ensuring clean and reliable delivery throughout Brea. Trash and recycling are managed by Brea Disposal, keeping residential neighborhoods tidy.

  • Internet, Cable & Telecom
    For digital connectivity, residents commonly tap into Spectrum for cable and broadband services. Telephone and internet options also include AT&T, Verizon, and other local providers, giving you choices for speed and redundancy.

  • Community Facilities
    The Brea Community Center is a vibrant hub offering fitness classes, after-school programs, recreation, facility rentals, and seasonal events. It’s located at 695 E. Madison Way and welcomes all age groups to engage in city life.

Education & Learning Opportunities

One of Brea’s greatest assets is its educational system. The city is served by the Brea Olinda Unified School District (BOUSD), which handles six elementary schools, one junior high, one high school, a continuation school, and an online academy. BOUSD emphasizes innovation, academic excellence, and student enrichment across disciplines.

At the high school level, Brea Olinda High School is a long-standing, respected institution with a strong track record in athletics, arts, and academic programs. Many schools in the district have earned state-level honors, reflecting Brea’s commitment to quality education.

Beyond public schools, local private and specialty learning centers are available, and nearby community colleges and institutions provide advanced or continuing education options.

Shopping, Dining & Entertainment

Brea is well known as a regional shopping and entertainment destination in Orange County.

  • The Brea Mall
    The crown jewel of retail in the area is Brea Mall, an expansive two-story shopping complex with over 170 specialty shops, multiple anchor department stores (such as Macy’s, JCPenney, Nordstrom), and a lively food court. This mall is constantly evolving, and redevelopment plans include new outdoor plazas, dining nodes, and modern enhancements to keep it fresh.

  • Downtown Brea & Retail Corridors
    Beyond the mall, the heart of Brea is its Downtown district, where local boutiques, galleries, cafés, theaters, and restaurants thrive. The city also features retail strips along Brea Boulevard and Imperial Highway, plus centers like Brea Marketplace and Brea Gateway Center for everyday shopping needs.

  • Nearby Shopping Hubs
    Plazas and shopping complexes in adjacent cities, such as La Habra Marketplace, are within reach, giving residents even more variety.

  • Entertainment & Culture
    Brea offers a robust cultural scene. Catch a live show at the Curtis Theatre, enjoy public art installations scattered throughout the city, or attend events like the annual Jazz Festival and seasonal holiday celebrations downtown. For film lovers, theaters in and around Brea show mainstream and specialty films.

Parks, Trails & Outdoor Life

Brea doesn’t skimp on greenery and recreation. With over a dozen community parks, two regional parks, and the Carbon Canyon / Olinda area, residents enjoy:

  • Scenic hiking and walking trails, especially near the foothills and Olinda neighborhood

  • Picnic spots, playgrounds, sports fields, and open spaces for families

  • Golf courses and outdoor amenities

  • The Olinda Oil Museum & Trail, which preserves local history and offers pleasant walking routes

The neighborhood of Olinda, perched nearer the hills, offers quieter living, lightly wooded surroundings, and a link to Brea’s origins as an oil town. For those who prefer a more rural feel while remaining part of city life, Olinda is a compelling option.

Location & Access

Brea strikes a balance between serenity and accessibility:

  • It sits roughly 9 miles north of Anaheim and provides relatively direct routes to major job centers in Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles area.

  • Freeways like State Route 57 run nearby, helping with commutes, travel, and regional connections.

  • Public transit is served by OC Bus and Foothill Transit, enabling linkages to broader Orange County destinations.

Why Buyers Are Drawn to Brea?

  • The art-forward identity: Known as the “City of Art,” Brea maintains a notable public sculpture program and integrates art into parks, streetscapes, and public spaces.

  • Strong community feel: Events downtown, farmers markets, theater nights, art walks, and family festivals encourage civic pride and neighborly connection.

  • Investable property values: Because of its central location, quality schools, and amenities, homes in Brea tend to hold value and attract long-term buyers.

  • Balanced lifestyle: You get suburban comfort, cultural vibrancy, and urban access, all in one place.

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Schools In The Area

Browse local schools, complete with ratings and contact info.
Falcon Academy of Science and Technology 714-529-3908 Public KG-6
Olinda Elementary School 714-528-7475 Public KG-6
Brea Junior High School 714-990-7500 Public 7-8
Brea Olinda High School 714-990-7850 Public 9-12
Falcon Academy of Science and Technology 714-529-3908 Public KG-6
Olinda Elementary School 714-528-7475 Public KG-6
Mariposa Elementary School 714-529-4916 Public KG-6
Brea Country Hills Elementary School 714-990-3221 Public KG-6
Arovista Elementary School 714-529-2185 Public KG-6
Laurel Elementary Magnet School of Innovation and Career Explr 714-529-2520 Public KG-6
Christ Lutheran School 714-529-0892 Private PK-8
Bousd Online Academy 714-990-7533 Public KG-6
Future Minds Montessori 714-309-0946 Private PK-KG
St Angela Merici Parish School 714-529-6372 Private KG-8
Montessori of Brea 714-529-0321 Private KG-1
Falcon Academy of Science and Technology 714-529-3908 Public KG-6
Olinda Elementary School 714-528-7475 Public KG-6
Mariposa Elementary School 714-529-4916 Public KG-6
Brea Country Hills Elementary School 714-990-3221 Public KG-6
Arovista Elementary School 714-529-2185 Public KG-6
Laurel Elementary Magnet School of Innovation and Career Explr 714-529-2520 Public KG-6
Christ Lutheran School 714-529-0892 Private PK-8
Bousd Online Academy 714-990-7533 Public KG-6
St Angela Merici Parish School 714-529-6372 Private KG-8
Montessori of Brea 714-529-0321 Private KG-1
Brea Junior High School 714-990-7500 Public 7-8
St Angela Merici Parish School 714-529-6372 Private KG-8
Christ Lutheran School 714-529-0892 Private PK-8
Brea Olinda High School 714-990-7850 Public 9-12
Brea Canyon High (Continuation) 714-990-7882 Public 9-12
The Page School 626-688-3311 Private 9-11

Around The Area

Browse through the top rated businesses that Brea has to offer!

News and Advice

Read helpful resources and articles related to the area.

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