July 2026
A county-by-county look at price per square foot, days on market, and where negotiating leverage currently sits for buyers.
Coastal Los Angeles, Orange County and Santa Barbara continue to command premium pricing with limited inventory, which keeps competition high for well-presented homes. Inland Empire markets — Riverside and San Bernardino counties — offer meaningfully more square footage per dollar, and buyers there often find sellers willing to negotiate credits, repairs and rate buydowns.
The right answer depends on your commute, your school priorities, and how long you plan to hold. Buyers planning to stay seven years or longer typically benefit from stretching toward the coast; buyers prioritizing space and payment comfort usually do better inland.