Willard - Santa Ana, CA Area Guide

Santa Ana was a land covered with tall yellow mustard when William H. Spurgeon rode through the area on horseback in October 1869. After climbing a sycamore tree to survey the land, Spurgeon fell in love with the region and bought 74.2 acres from Jacob Ross, Sr. for $595. From there, the city of Santa Ana emerged.

Spurgeon built his town with 10 lots spread over 24 blocks and named it Santa Ana. The town boasted a general store that brought families from nearby regions, and in 1870, Spurgeon became a postmaster. When Santa Ana was incorporated on June 1, 1886, William Spurgeon served as the city's first mayor.

Voted "The Best Museum in Orange County" by Orange County Register readers, Bowers Museum of Cultural Art has served as a gateway to fine arts and culture since 1936. Each December, Bowers hosts the Las Posadas Mexican Christmas program.

Good eating defines Willard. Around Main Street, you have a choice of over a dozen restaurants, from popular fast-food to sit-down dining. Whether your tastes lean toward hefty burgers or quick Chinese take-out, Willard aims to please.

Start your morning with a fantastic breakfast at Pop's Cafe. Found on East 9th Street, Pop's stands out as a neighborhood favorite for down-home cooking. Described as a "local hit," this restaurant packs in hungry crowds. Try the deep-fried French toast with a side of Irish potatoes for a change. People also rave about the omelets.

No visit to Willard is complete without a trip to Classic Tacos food truck. This neighborhood staple serves freshly made "gourmet street food" from its spot on North Main Street. Local students applaud Classic Tacos' friendly customer service. Even more, street-eaters love the spicy salsas that complement the meals. Order a chicken soft taco or al pastor, and fire it up with some habanero salsa.

To grab a beer in a laid-back environment, head to Native Son Alehouse on East 4th Street. Locals stop in for the vast selection of craft beers served by staffer who know their stuff. If you need a snack, order the chicken sandwich and Brussels sprout chips, then wash them down with a Liefmans Goudenband. Watch the latest game on TV, or take in the Santa Ana scenery from one of Native Son's patio seats.

The Willard neighborhood sits just west of Interstate 5. Drivers also have close access to State Routes 57 and 22. The city of Santa Ana charges for parking on several streets, and parking spaces can be limited. Locals take advantage of Uber ride-sharing services by using the app. Taxis are available by reservation.

John Wayne Airport makes air transportation less stressful for Willard locals. Travelers can reach the airport by heading 9 miles south to Airport Way in Santa Ana.

To make use of public transportation, residents have Orange County Transit Authority buses and Metrolink trains. Metrolink and Amtrak travel through the Santa Ana station on East Santa Ana Boulevard, allowing commuters access to other Southern California counties.

Orange County holds a proud title of catering to cyclists. With over 1,000 miles of bikeways from Santa Ana to San Juan Capistrano, the city makes commuting safe for bike riders. Pedestrians also benefit from plentiful sidewalks throughout Willard.

For the best in relaxation, locals visit Carl Thornton Park on West Segerstrom Avenue. Not too large, this park draws residents who want a nice place to chill for a while. People on their lunch break grab a seat under a willow tree and gaze at the lake. Put on your running shoes, and jog the trail for an invigorating workout. Carl Thornton Park remains an ideal location for summer visits by providing plenty of shade trees for picnicking. Families may gladly bring children and leashed pets.

To stay close to home, Willard residents head to Morrison Park. Located on North Westwood Avenue, Morrison boasts no bells or whistles and simply provides a place to sit back on the lawn. Lay a blanket down, and listen to the birds sing for a day of leisure. The park provides no restrooms, but visitors may enjoy free street parking.

In lieu of annual events, take advantage of year-round access to both public parks.

Residents of Willard benefit from lower housing costs. Compared to nearby Anaheim, real estate runs 17 percent less. A one-bedroom averages $967 in Willard, whereas Anaheim residents pay $1,237 for comparable quarters. Locals enjoy an 9 percent lower cost of living in Willard.

Public transportation remains reasonable. You can ride an Orange County Transit Authority bus to the city center for $2 base fare and a Metrolink train to L.A. County for $9 on average. Drivers pay close to 24 percent above the national average for gas.

Expect to pay about $4 for a beer at a local pub.

Willard residents have multiple choices for shopping. For groceries, Big Saver Foods and Smart & Final lie along West 17th Street. You also find budget choices at Food 4 Less and Northgate Market on 1st and 4th Streets. To pick up farm-fresh goods, locals head to the Downtown Santa Ana Farmers Market on Thursdays. From 4 to 8 p.m., market vendors sell everything from produce to wine, and skilled chefs provide food demos on healthy cooking.

The neighborhood holds no boutiques, so to hit big-name clothing stores, locals flock to The Outlets at Orange, nestled on City Boulevard West. With over 120 outlet and budget stores, this outdoor mall supplies it all. Those with expensive tastes scour through Neiman Marcus Last Call, found adjacent to Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. Both luxury stores sell the hottest runway trends at deep discounts. Treat yourself to a pair of Stuart Weitzman booties or a Tahari caftan.