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.