Affordable Mid-Century Houses in Southern California

Yes they do exist, although affordable is relative to the rest of SoCal of course...

Fullerton Groves

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Fullerton Groves offers one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets for fans of mid-century modern architecture: beautifully designed homes with great bones, at prices that remain surprisingly affordable. For anyone looking to buy a mid-century modern home in Los Angeles, Orange County, or SoCal, Fullerton Groves is a hidden gem worth exploring.

The Location

The neighborhood is located in Fullerton (obviously) which is 30 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles by car, and has a train connection there too. It's 10 minutes from Disney, and 10 minutes from Anaheim. But perhaps best of all, the neighborhood is walking distance from the vibrant historic downtown Fullerton.

Affordable Mid-Century Modern Homes in Orange County

The Fullerton Groves Forever Houses, designed in the 1950s by architects A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons, share the same architectural DNA as the iconic Eichler homes, though built by Pardee-Phillips. The homes feature clean lines, post-and-beam construction, and walls of glass that celebrate seamless indoor-outdoor living.

If you are interested in or considering other iconic mid-century modern neighborhoods such as the Eichler homes by Joseph Eichler in Orange, Palo Alto, and the San Fernando Valley, the Alexander Construction Company homes in Palm Springs, the Cliff May Ranchos in Long Beach, or the Balboa Highlands in Granada Hills designed by A. Quincy Jones, then be sure to check out Fullerton Groves as an option. Offering similar architectural pedigree and mid-century charm, in a great location, Fullerton Groves provides an accessible entry point into Southern California's rich architectural history.

In a nutshell: Why Fullerton Groves should be on your list if you love MCM:

Affordable Mid-Century Modern Homes

Fullerton Groves delivers great value for those seeking authentic mid-century modern homes without the sky-high price tags seen for other MCM homes in most SoCal markets.

Fixer-Uppers with Great Bones

Most homes retain original features like clerestory windows, vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and floor-to-ceiling glass, offering a perfect foundation for thoughtful renovations.

Friendly Community Feel

With its tree-lined streets, quiet charm, and close-knit neighbors, Fullerton Groves is a great friendly neighborhood.

Lots of MCM fans in the neighborhood

You'll be in great company if you’re a mid-century fan. There is a great group of friends who love these homes and who are always happy to welcome new neighbors to the group and meet to hang out.

Prime Orange County Location

The neighborhood sits minutes from downtown Fullerton, shopping, dining, parks, and top-rated schools, blending mid-century charm with modern convenience.

Outdoor Living

These homes embrace the Southern California lifestyle, with expansive yards, patios, and mature citrus trees enhancing the connection between indoors and outdoors.

An Accessible Alternative to an Eichler

For buyers seeking Eichler-style homes in Southern California without the premium price, Fullerton Groves offers a compelling alternative. Designed by the same architects, these homes capture the aesthetic and ethos of mid-century design at a fraction of the cost.

Your Opportunity to Own Mid-Century Magic

As demand for mid-century modern homes grows, Fullerton Groves remains one of the few places where affordability, original architecture, and lifestyle meet. Whether you’re searching for your first home, a restoration project, or a timeless retreat, Fullerton Groves Forever Houses offer a rare chance to own a piece of California’s golden design era.