Orange County Single Story Homes
Single story homes in Orange County have been in high demand due to shifting demographics. In addition, a high percentage of new construction housing in Orange County since the 1980's are 2 or more stories. Please feel free to browse single story houses throughout Orange County and contact us with any questions and/or to view any homes of interest.
Single Story Homes for Sale in Orange County, CA
The real estate experts at The Aaronson Group will be happy to provide you with further information or assistance regarding Orange County single story real estate and available single story homes for sale. Fill out the form below or connect with us now to get started.
Single Story Homes for Sale in Orange County, CA
Single story homes are among the most sought-after property types in Orange County — prized for their accessibility, open floor plan living, and effortless indoor-outdoor flow. Whether you're downsizing, planning ahead for aging in place, or simply prefer the convenience of one-level living, The Aaronson Group helps buyers find the right home across OC's most desirable communities.
Top OC Cities for Single Story Homes
Dana Point
Dana Point's blufftop communities and established coastal neighborhoods include some of OC's finest single story inventory. Look for ranch-style homes in Monarch Bay Terrace, Thunderbird West, Dana Knolls, and Niguel Shores Custom — many with ocean or canyon views. Price range: $900K–$5M.
San Clemente
San Clemente's hillside tracts offer single story homes with sweeping coastal views at more attainable price points than Laguna Beach or Newport. Standout communities include Highland Light Village, Sea Pointe Estates, and Ocean Hills. Price range: $800K–$4M.
Laguna Niguel
Laguna Niguel has among the highest concentrations of single story inventory in South OC. Master-planned communities like Beacon Hill, Rolling Hills, and El Niguel Country Club offer well-built ranches, often with canyon or hillside views. Price range: $700K–$3M.
Newport Beach
Single story homes are rare in Newport Beach but highly coveted. Newport Heights, Balboa Peninsula flats, and select Corona del Mar pockets offer one-level properties with oversized lots. Expect strong competition and premium pricing. Price range: $2M–$10M+.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach's terrain makes true single story ocean view homes exceptionally rare and valuable. When they appear, they draw immediate attention from buyers who've been waiting years. Price range: $2M–$15M+.
Single Story Home Comparison by City
| City | Availability | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dana Point | Moderate | $900K–$5M | Ocean/canyon view ranches |
| San Clemente | Moderate | $800K–$4M | Hillside coastal tracts |
| Laguna Niguel | Good | $700K–$3M | Master-planned, aging in place |
| Newport Beach | Limited | $2M–$10M+ | Flat-lot estates, luxury |
| Laguna Beach | Very Limited | $2M–$15M+ | Rare ocean view, investment |
Orange County Single Story Home Market Overview
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Active Listings | 300+ single story homes across OC |
| Average Price | ~$1.8M |
| Average Price/Sqft | ~$750 |
| Average Days on Market | 45 DOM |
| Demand Level | High — especially from downsizers and 55+ buyers |
| Data Source | CRMLS, April 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions: Single Story Homes in Orange County
Why do buyers prefer single story homes in Orange County?
Single story homes are prized for accessibility, open floor plan layouts, and ease of living. They're popular with downsizers, buyers with mobility considerations, and families who prefer no stairs. Many OC single story homes also feature larger lots and seamless indoor-outdoor flow suited to the coastal lifestyle.
Are single story homes harder to find in coastal OC cities?
Yes. Single story homes are relatively scarce in coastal Orange County. Many coastal communities favor two-story construction to maximize square footage on smaller lots. Single story inventory in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach is especially limited, creating a meaningful price premium.
What price premium do single story homes command in OC?
Single story homes in OC typically command a 5–15% premium over comparable two-story homes. In coastal markets like Dana Point and Newport Beach, the premium can be higher due to scarcity. Buyers should expect strong competition for well-priced single story listings.
Which OC cities have the most single story home inventory?
Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and Dana Point generally offer the most single story inventory in Orange County. These cities include master-planned communities where single story models were built in volume during the 1970s–1990s. Coastal cities like Laguna Beach and Newport Beach have significantly less supply.
Are single story homes good for aging in place in Orange County?
Absolutely. Single story homes eliminate stair-related safety risks and are easier to modify for accessibility needs. Many OC buyers in the 55+ demographic specifically target single story homes in gated communities with low-maintenance landscaping and proximity to medical facilities.
Do single story homes sell faster than two-story homes in OC?
Generally yes. Due to limited supply and strong demand from downsizers and accessibility-focused buyers, single story homes in OC tend to sell quickly — often with multiple offers. In hot coastal markets, well-priced single story properties can sell within days of listing.
What are the best single story neighborhoods in Dana Point?
Top single story communities in Dana Point include Monarch Bay Terrace, Thunderbird West, Dana Knolls, and sections of Niguel Shores. These neighborhoods offer ranch-style layouts, generous lots, and in many cases ocean or canyon views. Prices range from $900K to $5M.
Can I find single story ocean view homes in Orange County?
Yes, though the combination of single story and ocean views is one of the most scarce property types in OC. Best options are in Dana Point blufftop communities, San Clemente (Highland Light Village, Sea Pointe Estates), and select pockets of Laguna Beach and Newport Coast.
Do single story OC homes typically have larger lots?
Often yes. Single story homes spread square footage horizontally, requiring a larger footprint. In Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo, single story homes frequently sit on 6,000–10,000 sq ft lots. Coastal single story properties can command premium lot sizes with larger yards and outdoor entertaining areas.
How do I search specifically for single story homes on the MLS in Orange County?
On CRMLS, you can filter by "Stories: 1" to find single story homes. However, data entry inconsistencies mean some single story homes are mis-entered. Working with The Aaronson Group ensures you see all single story inventory, including off-market options. Call 949-388-5194 to get started.
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