Like many places in California, Orange County is blessed with year-round sunshine, perfect for going on a hike or spending the day at the beach. The region is also known for having some of California’s best master-planned communities (MPCs), and it’s often referred to as a place where master-planned communities reign.

One of the Orange County’s best-selling MPCs is the community of Baker Ranch, which is situated in the sprawling city of Lake Forest, California. Last year, Baker Ranch ranked 12th among the nation’s top-selling MPCs, selling approximately 318 homes.

For those who are interested in learning more about what it’s like to live at Baker Ranch, here’s a detailed guide for the city and the master-planned community. 

The City of Lake Forest

Before delving into Baker Ranch, it’s important to get a sense of what the City of Lake Forest is like. It’s about an hour away from both Los Angeles and San Diego, so it’s ideal for those who want to be close to both metropolitans without being in the center of all the action.

However, don’t be fooled into thinking its small-town atmosphere equals small-town living. Despite having a close-knit community, Lake Forest still offers residents the convenience of living in a city.

Lake Forest is also known for its two impressive man-made lakes, both of which are surrounded by condominiums and custom homes. Filled with lush landscaping, groves of eucalyptus trees, over 30 parks, and plenty of luxury condominiums and estates, Lake Forest is ideal for those looking to settle down in a friendly, scenic, and laid-back environment.

Baker Ranch

Located near the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, Baker Ranch was developed by two American homebuilders, Shea Homes and Toll Brothers. First built in 2014, the Baker Ranch development is still fairly new in the region. The community was named after the Baker family, who previously owned parts of the city, per The Orange County Register.

Baker Ranch spans approximately 690 acres, with 230 acres dedicated to commercial, cultural, and professional services. According to city documents, Baker Ranch features townhomes, single-family homes, and multiple-family residences. This MPC contains a total of 18 neighborhoods, most of which are sold out.

Baker Ranch was also developed for homebuyers who prefer living near outdoor recreation, natural settings, resort-like amenities, distinguished schools, and daily conveniences in the Orange County area. 

Homes and Prices

Even though many neighborhoods within Baker Ranch are sold out, potential buyers can find available homes in three neighborhoods, which include The Rowe, The Landing, and Bristol. These neighborhoods feature single-family homes, townhomes, and multiple-family dwellings, and most residences are equipped with garages, front yards, and fencing. 

While the Rowe neighborhood features 1,453- to 1,695-square-foot townhomes with prices starting in the high $600s, The Landing and Bristol neighborhoods feature 1,692 to 2,017-square-foot estates with prices starting in the low $800s. Since these communities were recently built over the past five years, nearly all the residences are contemporary-style, new construction luxury homes. 

Recreation and Amenities

If being close to the Santa Ana mountains isn’t enough, residents in Baker Ranch also have easy access to several community parks, sports fields, ball courts, and playgrounds. The community also features a clubhouse, which offers residents resort-style amenities such as pools, community rooms, kitchens, outdoor space, and a neighborhood recreation center—all of which are less than a five-minute walk from residential areas in Baker Ranch.

A recent addition to the community includes the Baker Ranch Center, which offers residents more retail and restaurant options.

Schools

Although Baker Ranch has some impressive resort-style amenities, the community also offers families with children the opportunity to enroll in top schools located in the reputable Saddleback Valley Unified School District, one of California’s top school districts. Also located within Baker Ranch is The Goddard School, a private school offering a fun learning experience through an innovative curriculum for children ages six weeks to six years old.

What It’s Like Living in Baker Ranch

Many residents at Baker Ranch enjoy being close to good schools as well as having easy access to the 5 freeway. Many homeowners also enjoy being exempt from paying the Mello-Roos tax fee, which is a common property tax fee in the California area. 

However, Baker Ranch’s main draw for many homebuyers is its prime location in Lake Forest, its attractive new construction homes, its superb amenities, and its peaceful vibe. All in all, Baker Ranch offers residents the benefits of living near the big city while offering the quaintness of a suburb.