Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portola Hills, CA
Considering a move to Portola Hills, CA? This scenic, family-friendly community of about 7,500 residents is known for its excellent schools, low crime rates (violent crimes at just 85 per 100k), and beautiful weather with 78% sunny days each year. While the median home price is higher at $1.1M and average rents are around $3,200, residents enjoy strong incomes, a highly educated population, and easy access to parks and hiking trails. Expect a comfortable suburban lifestyle, a 31-minute average commute, and top-notch amenities for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Portola Hills, CA
Demographics - Portola Hills, CA
Portola Hills is a close-knit community of around 7,500 residents, with a median age of 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is mostly White, with notable Asian and other ethnic groups, and nearly one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home. The neighborhood's moderate density offers a suburban feel, making it attractive for families and professionals.
Population:
7,500
Density:
3,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.0%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
15.0%
Others:
15.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portola Hills, CA?
Living in Portola Hills comes with a high cost of living, reflected by a median home value of $1,100,000 and average rents around $3,200 per month. Housing expenses are significantly above the national average, but residents benefit from strong local amenities and services. Utility and transportation costs are also elevated, which is common in desirable Orange County suburbs.
Median House Value:
$1,100,000
Gross Rent:
$3,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
175.0
Grocery:
115.0
Housing:
270.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
140.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Portola Hills, CA a safe place to live?
Portola Hills is a safe neighborhood, with low violent crime rates—just 85 incidents per 100,000 people—and a property crime risk well below many California communities. Residents enjoy a strong sense of security, with a 1 in over 1,100 chance of experiencing a violent crime. This reputation for safety adds to the area's family-friendly appeal.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
720
Crime Index:
805
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,175
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 139
Weather
What is the weather like in Portola Hills, CA year-round?
The area boasts mild, Mediterranean-style weather, with winter lows around 44°F and summer highs near 86°F. Residents enjoy about 78% sunny days annually and just 14 inches of rain per year, making outdoor living and recreation popular year-round. Comfortable seasonal changes and abundant sunshine contribute to a high quality of life.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
78%
Neighbors
Portola Hills residents are generally well-educated and financially comfortable, with a median household income of $155,000 and a poverty rate of just 3.2%. Over half the population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the community has a low unemployment rate. Most households own their homes, and commute times average about 31 minutes.
Median Income:
$60,000
Household Income:
$155,000
Family Income:
$170,000
Per Capita Income:
$58,000
Income Male:
$85,000
Income Female:
$65,000
Poverty Rate:
3.2%
Non English Speakers:
19.5%
Rent:
$3,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
31.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.0%
Bachelors or More:
56.0%
Education
How are the schools in Portola Hills, CA?
Families in Portola Hills benefit from highly rated public schools such as Portola Hills Elementary and Serrano Intermediate, as well as quality private options like St. John’s Episcopal School. Nearby colleges, including Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College, offer higher education opportunities within a short drive. The community’s strong educational resources support lifelong learning and academic success.
Public Schools
Name:
Portola Hills Elementary School
Street:
19422 Saddleback Ranch Rd
Phone:
949-770-1415
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.0
Name:
Serrano Intermediate School
Street:
24642 Jeronimo Rd
Phone:
949-586-3221
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
26.0
Private Schools
Name:
St. John's Episcopal School
Street:
30382 Via Con Dios
Phone:
949-858-5144
Students:
500
Colleges
Name:
Saddleback College
City:
Mission Viejo
State:
CA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
18,000
Name:
Irvine Valley College
City:
Irvine
State:
CA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
13,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major medical centers like Saddleback Medical Center and Mission Hospital, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people and over 92% health insurance coverage, healthcare quality is strong in the area. The community benefits from reliable medical infrastructure and nearby facilities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Saddleback Medical Center
Address:
24451 Health Center Dr, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Phone:
(949) 837-4500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mission Hospital
Address:
27700 Medical Center Rd, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone:
(949) 364-1400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portola Hills, CA?
The local housing market is robust, with a median home price of $1,100,000 and owner-occupancy at 77%. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, reflecting strong demand and investment stability. Rental vacancies remain low, making it a competitive market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$1,100,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Portola Hills residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Laguna Hills. The local DMV provides standard vehicle registration, licensing, and other motorist services, with accessible hours and online resources. Its convenient location ensures residents can easily manage their transportation needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
23535 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.