Overview
Brea is a city located in Orange County. Located between the buzzing city of Los Angeles and the coastal Huntington Beach, active adults can appreciate convenient access to both cities, while enjoying all of the shopping and entertainment options that Brea has to offer.
Climate & Geography
The climate of many cities in Southern California is sought after by many, and Brea is no exception. The city receives well above the average number of sunny days per year, and less rainfall than average. Due to the Mediterranean climate, Brea residents enjoy warm to mild weather year round, with winter lows in the high 40s and summer highs in the high 80s.
Brea is situated in a mountainous part of California. The forested Carbon Canyon Regional Park is located on the city’s east side.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Active adults of Brea enjoy going hiking or fishing at Carbon Canyon Regional Park. The park is home to the only grove of redwood trees in all of Orange County. Nearby Chino Hills State Park offers scenic views of the area’s foothills.
When residents aren’t exploring the outdoor areas that the region has to offer, many can be found enjoying one of the shops or restaurants in the city. Brea Mall offers plenty of options for shopping and dining to locals. Other popular destinations include the Brea Museum and Heritage Center and the City of Brea Art Gallery.
Those looking to explore city life can head to Los Angeles, while retirees hoping to catch some sun can check out Huntington State Beach. Both locations are under an hour away from Brea.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in Brea is above the state and national averages, which is mainly due to the high cost of housing.
Sales tax in Brea is a bit above average, at 7.75 percent, and Social Security benefits aren’t taxed. Income tax in the Golden State can range from 1 percent to 13.30 percent.
Health Care
The Los Angeles Area scores high on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 41 communities in the United States.
The Brea area offers an abundance of hospitals within close proximity to the city. Nearby hospitals include Whittier Hospital Medical Center, La Palma Intercommunity Hospital, and Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Hospital. UCLA Hospital, ranked the No. 1 hospital in California by U.S. News, and nationally ranked in 14 specialties and high performing in eight procedures/conditions, is just over an hour away from Brea in Los Angeles.