Are you considering moving to Coto de Caza, CA? One of the oldest master-planned communities in Orange County, Coto de Caza is also one of the most expensive. The community began as a hunting lodge in 1968, hence the name, Spanish for “hunting preserve.” The original hunting lodge is now the Lodge at Coto de Caza and the community was finished in 2003 with nearly 4,000 homes. Coto de Caza is known as one of the most prestigious master-planned communities in California with unspoiled beauty, security, and great amenities. It’s also famous as the original setting for the Real Housewives of Orange County. Coto de Caza celebrities include Linda Blair from the Exorcist and Rob Bourdon of the band Linkin Park, Here’s what you’re going to love about living in Coto de Caza, Orange County.
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Coto de Caza, CA Population & Demographics
Coto de Caza has a population of 15,760 in nearly 4,000 homes. It’s one of the most affluent areas in Orange County with a median household income of $$227,593. The community is home to many families with almost 28% of residents 17 or younger and 19% of residents in their 60s or older.
Same Day Moving in Coto de Caza
Coto de Caza is far less diverse than most areas of Southern California. The racial and ethnic composition is 77% white, 10% Hispanic, 9% Asian, 1% Black or African American, and 2.5% two or more races. Of the Hispanic population, the most common ancestry groups are Mexican (61%), Central American (15%), South American (11%), and Salvadoran (7%). Among the Asian population, the largest ancestry groups are Chinese (23%), Indian (22%), Filipino (21%), and Vietnamese (11%).
Coto de Caza Climate – What Is the Weather Like in Coto de Caza, CA?
Ahead of moving to Coto de Caza, you’re probably curious about the weather you can expect. Coto de Caza has warm, arid summers with long, cool, and cloudy winters. You’ll usually experience a daytime temperature of as low as 40°F during the winter and 81°F to 95°F during the summer. It doesn’t snow in Coto de Caza, but it does get some rain: about 13” on average per year.
Overall, the Coto de Caza climate is very comfortable with little precipitation, although it does get very hot and dry during the summer.
The best time to visit Coto de Caza is April to May or September to October for the most pleasant weather. July and August are the hottest and most humid months that are best avoided, especially if you’re going to spend plenty of time outdoors.
Coto de Caza Schools
While living in Coto de Caza, you’ll be served by the Capistrano Unified School District. Students in the community attend Wagon Wheel Elementary, Tijeras Creek Elementary, Las Flores Middle School, and Tesoro High School. The public high school is ranked #127 in California and #57 among Los Angeles metro-area high schools. Many students attend private schools including Santa Margarita Catholic High School at the North Gate, St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, and St. John’s Episcopal School.
Because Coto de Caza is completely private and the entire community is gated, all schools are located outside the gates.
Best Neighborhoods in Coto de Caza, CA
Coto de Caza has over 60 individual neighborhoods and subdivisions with townhomes, single-family homes, condos, tract homes, custom homes, and more. The best places to live in Coto de Caza depend on what you’re looking for, from family-friendly amenities to golfing. Here are some of the top Coto de Caza neighborhoods to put on your list.
The Classics – Sought-After Neighborhood in Coto de Caza for Families
The Classics is one of the most popular subdivisions in the community for families with large single-family homes, mountain views, and several pocket parks with playgrounds. There are 90 homes in the neighborhood in the lower south side.
Hillsboro –Coto de Caza Neighborhood with Large Luxury Homes
Hillsboro is one of the largest subdivisions in Coto de Caza with about 121 single-family homes ranging from 3,200 to 4,000 square feet. Also popular with families, this central Coto neighborhood is a great choice if you want plenty of space, great views, and easy access to nearby toll roads and shopping. Click here to see Hillsboro, Coto de Caza homes for sale with an average list price of $1.46 million.
Terraces – Golf Course Community in Coto de Caza with No Mello Roos
One of the biggest challenges of buying a home in Orange County is navigating complicated Mello Roos districts. While many Coto de Caza communities are in a Mello Roos district, the Terraces community is not. This private, gated golf community has a separate HOA with amenities that include a pool and spa plus volleyball and basketball, pristine nature, and horseback trails.
What Is the Cost of Living in Coto de Caza, CA?
Based on our Coto de Caza cost of living calculator, Coto de Caza is 57% more expensive than the national average and 12% more expensive to live in than the average city in California. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. Food costs in Coto de Caza are less affordable than average in the United States.
The biggest factor that makes the community so expensive? Housing costs. TIn September 2024, Coto de Caza home prices were up 18.1% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $1.9M. On average, homes in Coto de Caza sell after 41 days on the market compared to 25 days last year. You can see Coto de Caza, CA homes for sale here to get an idea of what your budget buys in the community.
As a renter, you’ll find the community much for affordable. The average apartment rent in Coto de Caza is $2,142, not much lower than Los Angeles and San Diego. However, 90% of homes are owner-occupied so you won’t find many rental properties.
Food and groceries and healthcare about close to the national average, but transportation and utilities are about 20% higher than average. By comparison, Irvine just 21 miles away has a cost of living 15% lower. While living in Coto de Caza, you’ll pay 14% more in utilities, 20% more for housing, and 8% more for transportation.
Coto de Caza Jobs & Average Salary
How much do you need to earn to live in Coto de Caza, CA? The median household income is $227,593, higher than most communities in Southern California and the OC. Common occupations of people living in Coto de Caza include:
- Management (24% of residents)
- Sales (19.5%)
- Business (10.5%)
- Administrative (10%)
- Education (5.5%)
- Healthcare (4%)
The median income for someone employed full-time is $111,000, but this increases to $160k for management, $186k for legal, and $135k for business occupations. There are many Coto de Caza job opportunities.
Top Things to Do in Coto de Caza, CA
Coto de Caza is located in the Trabuco Canyon and surrounded by pristine wilderness. After moving to Coto de Caza, you’ll enjoy mountain views, sweeping vistas, miles of hiking and horse trails, golf, swimming, and more at the community’s top destinations. You’ll also enjoy convenient shopping in nearby Rancho Santa Margarita like Plaza Antonio, Ross, Pavilions, and Walmart. Here’s what the short 8-mile drive from Coto de Caza, CA to Rancho Santa Margarita, CA looks like.
Here are two fun things to do in Coto de Caza for families, singles, and retirees alike.
Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club
This private health and wellness club is one of the top attractions in Coto de Caza. Enjoy 10 tennis courts, two golf courses, a 13,000-square-foot sports club, an aquatics program and more as a member.
Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club, 25291 Vista Del Verde, Coto De Caza, CA 92679 (949) 858-4100
Coto Valley Country Club
While living in Coto de Caza, you’ll love spending time at the country club with beautiful outdoor space, event space, a fitness center, kids camps, a pool, and waterslides.
Coto Valley Country Club, 23331 Vía Venado, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679 (949) 589-5000
Additional attractions in Coto de Caza, CA:
Great Coto de Caza Restaurants
Ready to explore the best places to eat in Coto de Caza? Most restaurants are in surrounding communities like Rancho Santa Margarita, but you’ll find some options in the Coto area.
- Craftsman. The Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club has two restaurants. Craftsman is the casual lounge and bar with a creative menu and options for family meals. Craftsman, 25291 Vista Del Verde, Coto De Caza, CA 92679 (949) 858-4100
- Tutto Fresco. Enjoy Italian cuisine in a casual, family-friendly environment just outside Coto de Caza. Tutto Fresco, 22332 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 (949) 858-3360
- Wood Ranch. This popular regional chain serves burgers and BBQ with a full-service bar and happy hour specials. Wood Ranch, 22352 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Ma
Living in Coto de Caza Pros & Cons
- Pro: Beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation
- Pro: Excellent schools and amenities for families
- Con: High cost of living
- Con: Dining, shopping, and entertainment are limited in Coto de Caza
Preparing for a big move to Coto de Caza, CA? There’s so much to explore in the Trabuco Valley from equestrian centers and private clubs to gorgeous parks and nature preserves. If you’ve settled on making Coto de Caza your new home, give us a call at SafeWay Moving & Storage to request your free moving quote. We look forward to taking the stress out of moving day!