Neighboring Orange County's county seat, Santa Ana, is an impressive city called Tustin, California. Tustin is often referred to as “The City of the Trees” due largely to the abundance of massive sycamore trees found by the Spanish explorers that initially colonized the area. 

First inhabited by Native Americans, the Spanish began to settle the area in the 1700s. In 1868, Columbus Tustin purchased 1,300 acres with a partner and attempted to establish a city. Tustin real estate sales were slow in the 1870s, and in 1877, Santa Ana was chosen over Tustin as the southern terminus of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Columbus Tustin died in 1883 with very little to show for his efforts in establishing the city.

Columbus Tustin's efforts were not in vain, however, as the city possessed a valuable feature that would lead to its growth. A unique characteristic of the geography of the area produces a prime environment for vegetation including many types of trees and plants. Tustin property features a dependable water supply provided in part by natural artesian wells. An artesian well is created when the ground water at a given location produces the necessary pressure to allow the water to flow up to the surface without the need for pumping. Farmers began to grow apricots and walnuts, but eventually turned to Valencia oranges due to the fruit's profitability. 

On the back of the agricultural boom, Tustin grew to a population of 900 in 1927. In that year, the residents voted to incorporate, and the city of Tustin was born. Over the years, annexation has increased the city's size considerably with a current land area of almost 7,300 acres. As modern industry grew in the Orange County area, agriculture in Tustin began to be replaced by technology and communications companies. Today, Tustin's high percentage of small businesses and short average commute place it in the top 25 towns to “live well in America” according to Forbes magazine.

Some of the most interesting places among Tustin real estate are the many historic buildings located in an area called Tustin Old Town. The buildings, located near the intersection of Main Street and El Camino Real, were built in the 1880s. The area includes buildings that were once blacksmith shops, grocery stores, feed stores, churches, and school buildings. In addition to commercial properties, the area also includes some of the oldest residential Tustin real estate. These houses, built between 1881 and 1950, give observers an excellent picture of historic Tustin property.

Due to its mild climate and year round high temperatures ranging from 68 to 95, Tustin is a bright spot among California real estate. Tustin homes for sale include amazing properties ranging from one bedroom condominiums to magnificent estates. The average price per square foot of Tustin homes for sale is $232. This is well below the average for California real estate making Tustin one of the more affordable communities in California. With an excellent school district and substantial job opportunities nearby, it is certainly worthy of Forbes top 25 ranking.