Brea Apartments and Rentals

Brea is one of the oldest communities in Orange County, and was established as a top oil producer before incorporating in 1917 with a population of 752 residents. As oil production declined in the 1940s, new businesses and housing developments began to congregate in the area. Population significantly increased in the 1970s with the construction of the Orange Freeway and Brea Mall, and industrial parks and retail centers flocked to the city as more companies took advantage of its strategic location in Southern California.

Today, Brea is home to 40,377 residents and more than 100,000 people visit the city each day to work, shop or take advantage of its numerous recreation facilities. Brea continues to enjoy a thriving local economy, and Brea apartments for rent are an excellent choice for people who want to take advantage of its employment opportunities and commitment to responsible growth.

Brea is located at the intersection of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties, which provides residents with easy access to airports as well as the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. It's also easy for residents to take advantage of the popular Fullerton Transportation Center featuring Amtrak and Metrolink trains, which provide service to popular destinations and employment centers throughout California.

Recreation is an important part of the Brea community, and the Brea Community Services department offers after school programs, art classes and summer aquatics at the Brea Plunge, one of the oldest municipal swimming pools in Orange County. The pedestrian-friendly downtown district boasts a diverse array of boutiques and gourmet bistros, and the Brea Mall is home to more than 175 specialty shops in a shopping center adorned with Italian tile walkways and vaulted skylights.

More than 60,000 people work in Brea every day, and corporate offices are drawn to the area for its business environment and qualified workforce. Brea's top employers include the Brea Mall, Beckman Coulter, Inc., Mercury Insurance Group, General Supply and Services and the Bank of America. The top three industries are finance, retail and manufacturing, with agriculture maintaining a strong presence in the area with 31 establishments in the city.

Brea students attend schools in the Brea Olinda Unified School District, which operates six elementary schools, one junior high school, one high school and one alternative high school. The district has a reputation for providing quality education, and students consistently rank above the 90th percentile in state and national achievement tests with approximately 80 percent of graduating seniors going on to attend college each year.

Because Brea has a large workforce population, affordable workforce housing is a top priority. Brea's affordable housing program includes more than 600 units throughout the city, and strengthens the local economy by enabling workers to live near their jobs and helping businesses retain and attract skilled employees. A variety of housing options are available in the city, from historic neighborhoods dating back to the 1920s to modern residential developments featuring the latest amenities. According to city-data.com, the median gross rent for Brea apartments was$1,361 in 2009.

The Curtis Theatre has been a significant cultural center in Orange County for almost 30 years, and hosts an annual season of live performances, vocal ensembles and dance companies. Nonprofit arts organizations in the area have the option of renting theater space, and Brea's Youth Theatre Program also makes use of the facility.

The Olinda Museum and Trail is an important part of local history protected by a 12-acre historical park in the Olinda Ranch neighborhood. Points of interest include the original Olinda Oil Well #1, a jackline punk and a records vault. Brea is also home to 15 parks and recreation facilities that offer play areas, athletic courts and hiking trails. The city sponsors numerous community events throughout the year, including the annual summer outdoor concert series, and Brea Fest, a family event featuring food and beverages from local restaurants, live music and art exhibitions.

To find your next rental apartment or house in Brea, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.