For those considering buying a home in Anaheim, the most common question these days is, 'I should have bought five years ago; is it too late now?' Looking at the actual figures, it's easy to understand why this concern arises. At the beginning of 2021, the median home value in Anaheim was around $620,000, and as of 2026, it has risen to about $843,000. This represents an increase of approximately 36% over five years.

Like the rest of Orange County, Anaheim saw the steepest price increases between 2021 and 2022, and during the second half of 2022, there was a brief pause due to rising interest rates. From 2023 to 2025, a combination of low inventory and steady demand led to a gradual increase, while the past year has shown slight adjustments as the market catches its breath.

Considering that the national average five-year cumulative increase is around 35-45%, Anaheim's 36% falls within that average range. Although the rate of increase may not seem striking given the already high price levels, in actual dollar terms, it means an increase of over $220,000 in five years, which is no small change.

Factors supporting Anaheim's prices include the expansion of Disneyland Resort, employment in the tourism and service sectors, chronic shortages of new supply, and the preference for school districts in areas with a high concentration of Korean residents. The proximity to Garden Grove and Fullerton also seems to support steady demand from Korean households.

Regarding future trends, there is caution in both optimism and pessimism. The unique supply constraints in Orange County are unlikely to ease quickly, suggesting a low possibility of a sharp decline. However, considering the already high price burdens and interest rates, it may not be easy to see a repeat of past rapid increases.

If you're debating whether to rent or buy a home now, in areas like Anaheim where supply is structurally limited, taking a long-term holding perspective may be a more stable approach. Conversely, if you're considering selling, the current low inventory period might not be a bad time to do so.

Ultimately, viewing Anaheim real estate from the perspective of long-term residency and asset stability rather than short-term price fluctuations seems to be a more realistic approach.

The figures mentioned are estimates based on Zillow ZHVI as of January 2021 and the first half of 2026, and actual market values may vary by specific areas and school districts.