Brea Community Guide: January 2026

Your Monthly Resource from The Wendy Rawley Team

🎭 January Events and Entertainment

This Brea Community Guide kicks off with an exciting lineup of entertainment, highlighted by world-class comedy at the Brea Improv. The venue hosts an impressive roster of performers throughout the month, including David Spade on January 4, Ms. Pat on January 8, and the highly anticipated Mark Normand shows from January 15 through 17.¹ Comedy fans can also catch Dusty Slay on January 9 and 10, followed by Steve-O’s Crash and Burn Tour on January 23 and 24. The month concludes with Kevin Smith on January 30 and Ashley Gavin from January 31 through February 1.

Located just minutes away, the NAMM Show returns to the Anaheim Convention Center from January 20 through 24, marking both the 125th anniversary of NAMM and 50 years in Anaheim.² This premier music industry event features over 4,400 brands and attracts musicians and industry professionals from around the world. Monster Jam also returns to Angel Stadium on January 17 and 18, and again on January 31 through February 1, offering family-friendly entertainment, with tickets starting at $30.

🏪 Local Business Updates

The Brea dining scene continues to evolve with exciting new additions. Bushfire Kitchen opened its 10th location on November 7 at Brea Marketplace, 765 E. Birch St. The space was formerly occupied by Rubio’s Coastal Grill.³ The fast-casual restaurant offers scratch-made comfort food, including bowls with free-range chicken and grass-fed beef, with prices ranging from $12.75 to $21.50 for entrees.

Chagee Modern Teahouse opened its first Orange County location at Brea Mall in early November, drawing lines out the door with its signature whole-leaf tea lattes including Jasmine Green Milk Tea and Longing Black Milk Tea.⁴ Looking ahead, the Brea Mall dining landscape will expand significantly in 2026 with The Melt bringing its comforting cheese sandwiches in early 2026, followed by the globally acclaimed Din Tai Fung known for its precisely crafted soup dumplings.⁴ Downtown Brea anticipates the December debut of Wagyu Factory at 120 S Brea Blvd, taking over the former Gyu-Kaku location with an innovative all-you-can-eat concept featuring Korean BBQ, Japanese hot pot, and international influences.⁵

📊 Real Estate Market Analysis

Our Brea Community Guide closely tracks real estate trends. The Brea real estate market enters 2026 with strong fundamentals and continued buyer interest. According to December 2025 market data, inventory levels remain tight at 1.4 months’ supply, creating favorable conditions for sellers.⁶ The median days on market for new listings stands at 13 days, with active listings totaling 42 properties. The price per square foot has stabilized at $595, while luxury properties over $1.5 million average 41 days on market.

Zillow reports the average Brea home value is $1,003,867, with properties moving to pending status in about 10 days.⁷ PropertyShark data indicates the Q3 2024 median sale price reached $1.2 million, up 7.7% year-over-year, with a median price per square foot of $591.⁸ For buyers interested in affordable options, three-bedroom inventory under $800,000 represents the most accessible entry point into the Brea market. The Wendy Rawley Team at Circa Properties can provide personalized guidance on navigating this competitive market.

🏗️ Development Projects and Infrastructure

Brea Mall’s multimillion-dollar redevelopment project continues to transform North Orange County’s premier shopping destination. The project features 119,000 square feet of new retail and dining space, including recently announced tenants Zara, Life Time Fitness resort, Din Tai Fung, North Italia, Pacific Catch, Philz Coffee, The Melt, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.⁹ The redevelopment also includes 380 luxury multifamily residences with plaza views and dedicated parking. Phases are opening throughout 2025 and into 2026, with a beautifully manicured outdoor lawn for seasonal gatherings and events.

The Brea 265 master-planned community represents the most significant housing development ever proposed in Brea. This 265-acre project will eventually include 1,100 residential units, including 76 affordable housing units, along with 15 acres of parks and recreation areas and 47.5 acres of open space.¹⁰ The development, located west of Lambert Road and Valencia Avenue, includes the expansion of Brea Sports Park by nearly 65% and new hiking trails connecting to the Tracks at Brea. The Andaluz townhome project at Brea Boulevard and Fir Street by Van Daele Homes will feature 32 three-story modern Spanish townhomes with two or three bedrooms, with a model grand opening anticipated in summer 2026.¹¹

🏛️ City Council and Municipal News

The Brea City Council reorganized at their December 2, 2025 meeting, with Cecilia Hupp now serving as Mayor for 2026 and Marty Simonoff as Mayor Pro Tem.¹² Council members Christine Marick, Blair Stewart, and Steven Vargas complete the five-member governing body. The City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 1 Civic Center Circle.

In significant economic development news, the City Council voted on December 16 to enter a revenue-sharing agreement with developer Dwight Manley to pursue bringing Costco Wholesale to Brea.¹³ The potential Costco would be located at the 34-acre property at 200 and 250 S. Kraemer St., currently the headquarters for Beckman Coulter. The city’s sales tax, at 7.750%, is Brea’s largest revenue source, accounting for approximately 37% of the 2025-27 budget of $77.4 million. Earlier in 2025, City Manager Kristin Griffith was unanimously appointed to her permanent position after serving as interim city manager, bringing over 28 years of municipal oversight experience to the role.

👮 Public Safety Updates

The Brea Fire Department welcomed new leadership in July 2025 with the appointment of Fire Chief Dan Mielke, following the retirement of Fire Chief Mark Terrill after 30 years of service to the community.¹⁴ Chief Mielke brings 21 years of experience with the Brea Fire Department, having risen through the ranks from apprentice firefighter in 2004 to engineer, captain, battalion chief, division chief, and deputy chief. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency Services Management and previously served with Cal Fire.

The Brea Fire Department continues providing 24-hour emergency response to fires, hazardous materials incidents, medical emergencies, and other critical situations. The department operates an active Fire Prevention and Emergency Preparedness Program, including fire inspections, hazardous process permitting, and fire code enforcement. The city’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains residents to be better prepared for disasters. In 2024, Brea maintained 90 full-time law enforcement employees, including 61 officers, ensuring continued public safety throughout the community.¹⁵

🌳 Parks and Recreation

January’s mild weather makes it the perfect time to explore Brea’s extensive park system. Carbon Canyon Regional Park stands as a crown jewel, featuring 131 acres of natural beauty ,including a grove of coastal redwood trees, some nearing 100 feet tall. The 1.1-mile round-trip trail to the redwood grove is flat and suitable for all ages, with parking fees of $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends. This hidden gem brings a slice of Northern California to Orange County.

The Brea Community Guide highlights several other exceptional outdoor spaces throughout the city. Brea Sports Park offers 20 acres of ball fields, walking trails, and picnic areas at 3333 E. Birch Street. Wildcatters Park provides 16 acres of recreation, including baseball and football fields, basketball courts, ADA-accessible playgrounds, and a 0.6-mile perimeter walking trail. The adjacent Wildcatters Dog Park features separate areas for small and large dogs. The Olinda Oil Museum and Trail offers a 1.9-mile hike through an area rich in oil-drilling history, including a working oil well drilled in 1898. The Tracks at Brea offer excellent biking and walking trails that connect neighborhoods throughout the city.

🎓 Schools and Education

The Brea Olinda Unified School District continues its tradition of educational excellence. Olinda Elementary School earned recognition as a 2025 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education, joining 336 schools statewide and 44 in Orange County to receive this prestigious honor. This adds to Olinda’s history of excellence, including previous designation as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2007. The school is known for its robust programs in STEM, robotics, and the arts, including Art Masters, choir, and band.

Brea Olinda High School has been officially recognized as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, underscoring its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all students. The district’s Board of Trustees has directed the district to move forward with primary Measure H-funded projects totaling $142.3 million, including the modernization of Brea Junior High School, the construction of a multipurpose room and kitchen at Falcon Academy, and accessibility improvements at Brea Olinda High School. The district serves approximately 5,811 students across six elementary schools, one junior high, one comprehensive high school, one continuation high school, and one online academy. The district spends $12,013 per student annually.

🤝 Nonprofit Organizations and Community Service

Brea’s nonprofit community offers numerous opportunities for residents to make a difference. Foster Love, based in Brea, is dedicated to transforming how youth navigate the foster care system in America, with assets exceeding $16 million. TASK helps families advocate for disability services and special education, providing essential support as they navigate complex systems. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Brea, Placentia, and Yorba Linda serve youth throughout the region with programs and activities.

The Brea Community Emergency Council (BCEC) partners with Active Christians Today to provide holiday assistance and year-round support to families in need. Canning Hunger provides opportunities for individuals, churches, schools, and businesses to help feed the disadvantaged and working poor in the community. Volunteer opportunities abound throughout Brea, including docent positions at the Brea Museum and Heritage Center, library volunteers at the Brea Library, and CASA of Orange County, which trains community volunteers to serve as mentors for abused and neglected children. The city hosts 245 registered charitable organizations, demonstrating the community’s strong commitment to giving back.

🎨 Arts and Culture

Brea has an extensive public art program that began in 1975 and now includes over 140 artworks throughout the city. This program enhances the visual landscape and creates a unique sense of place that distinguishes Brea from neighboring communities. The City of Brea Art Gallery showcases rotating exhibitions and provides cultural enrichment for residents and visitors alike.

The Brea Museum and Heritage Center preserves the city’s rich history, from its origins in oil production to its evolution into a thriving suburban community. The Olinda Oil Museum and Park offers insights into the area’s petroleum heritage, featuring a working oil well drilled in 1898 and outdoor displays documenting the industry that shaped early Brea. Downtown Brea, at Birch Street and Brea Boulevard, serves as a cultural hub, with restaurants, shops, and gathering spaces that host community events year-round.

🌤️ Weather Outlook

January in Brea typically brings mild, pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities. Southern California’s winter season offers comfortable daytime temperatures averaging in the mid-60s Fahrenheit, with cooler evenings dropping into the mid-40s. While January is part of the rainy season, precipitation is typically modest, providing ample opportunity for hiking, outdoor dining, and exploring the community.

The mild winter weather makes January a perfect time to explore Carbon Canyon Regional Park’s redwood grove, walk the Tracks at Brea, or enjoy the numerous outdoor dining options throughout the city. Residents should take advantage of the comfortable temperatures before summer heat arrives, making this an ideal time to maintain homes and tackle outdoor projects.

📈 Demographics and Community Profile

Brea continues to thrive as a diverse and prosperous community in North Orange County. The city’s 2025 population stands at approximately 47,844, reflecting modest growth since the 2020 census count of 47,325. The median age in Brea is 39.6 years, with a nearly balanced population of 48% female and 52% male residents. The community spans ZIP Codes 92821 and 92823, and portions of 90631.

Brea residents enjoy strong economic prosperity, with a median household income of $124,837 and per capita income of $70,603. The poverty rate is 6.37%, well below state and national averages. The city’s racial composition includes 46.59% White, 26.49% Asian, and 10.12% other races, creating a diverse and inclusive community. Approximately 89.8% of residents are U.S. citizens, and the median property value reached $874,300 in 2023, with a homeownership rate of 60.3%.

💡 Local Tips and Recommendations

Make the most of January in Brea with these insider recommendations. For comedy entertainment, book tickets early for popular Brea Improv shows, especially the Mark Normand performances, which are already almost sold out. The Harry Potter Drag Brunch on January 11 offers a unique entertainment experience. For dining, explore the new Bushfire Kitchen at Brea Marketplace for healthy scratch-made fare, or join the excitement at Chagee Modern Teahouse at Brea Mall.

Take advantage of January’s mild weather to explore Carbon Canyon Regional Park’s redwood grove, an unexpected treasure just minutes from home. The Olinda Oil Museum offers free admission and provides fascinating insight into Brea’s petroleum origins. For families, Wildcatters Park provides excellent playgrounds and sports facilities. New residents should explore the Dine Brea program, which offers special promotions at participating local restaurants. The Brea Community Center hosts recreation classes and activities for all ages throughout the month.

🔮 Looking Ahead

As this Brea Community Guide looks ahead, there is much to anticipate as 2026 unfolds. The Brea Mall redevelopment will continue opening new retail and dining options, including the highly anticipated Din Tai Fung restaurant. The Andaluz townhome project is expected to hold its model grand opening in summer 2026, bringing 32 modern Spanish townhomes to downtown Brea. The Brea 265 master-planned community continues development, with the potential to add 1,100 new homes over the coming years.

The potential arrival of Costco in Brea represents a significant economic development opportunity that could reshape the community’s retail landscape. School district construction projects funded by Measure H will transform educational facilities throughout the district. The City’s ongoing commitment to development, balanced with quality of life, ensures Brea will continue evolving as a premier destination for families and businesses alike.

🏡 Why Brea?

Brea offers an exceptional quality of life that attracts families, professionals, and retirees alike. The city’s name, derived from the Spanish word for tar, reflects its origins as a center of crude oil production. Still, today Brea is known for its excellent schools, beautiful parks, thriving retail destinations, and strong sense of community. The Brea Olinda Unified School District consistently earns accolades, with schools receiving California Distinguished School recognition.

This Brea Community Guide highlights the city’s unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. Carbon Canyon Regional Park’s redwood grove brings Northern California magic to Orange County, while the Brea Mall provides world-class shopping and dining. Downtown Brea offers walkable restaurants and entertainment, anchored by the legendary Brea Improv comedy club.

With a median household income exceeding $124,000 and home values demonstrating stability, Brea represents a sound investment for homeowners. The city’s public art program, extensive trail system, and commitment to community services make it a place residents are proud to call home. For those considering a move to North Orange County, Brea deserves serious consideration.

📞 Connect with The Wendy Rawley Team

We hope this Brea Community Guide has been helpful. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home in Brea, upgrade to a larger property, or sell your current residence, The Wendy Rawley Team at Circa Properties is here to help. With deep expertise in North Orange County real estate and a commitment to personalized service, we guide our clients through every step of the real estate journey.

Ready to make Brea your home?

📞 Call us: (714) 746-6355
📧 Email: wendy@go2wendy.com
🌐 Visit: go2wendy.com/brea

📱 About The Wendy Rawley Team

The Wendy Rawley Team at Circa Properties serves eight cities throughout North Orange County, including Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, Orange, Placentia, and Yorba Linda. Our team combines local market expertise with personalized service to help buyers find their perfect home and sellers achieve optimal results. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients based on trust, communication, and results.

Visit our office at:
18206 Imperial Hwy. Ste 101
Yorba Linda, CA 92886

📚 Sources and Citations

¹ Brea Improv Event Calendar – January 2026 Shows
² Bandsintown – NAMM Show 2026, January 20-24, Anaheim Convention Center
³ Orange County Register – Bushfire Kitchen Opens in Brea, November 14, 2025
⁴ Orange County Register – Mall Dining Guide at Brea Mall, November 21, 2025
⁵ What Now OC – New Concept Coming to Downtown Brea, August 2, 2025
⁶ Ashley Kay Market Report – Brea CA December 2025 Housing Market
⁷ Zillow – Brea CA Housing Market 2025 Home Prices and Trends
⁸ PropertyShark – Brea CA Real Estate Market Q3 2024
⁹ What Now OC – Brea Mall Transformation Continues, March 20, 2025
¹⁰ Hills For Everyone – Brea 265 Project Overview
¹¹ Orange County Register – Daxon: Summertime Construction in Brea, August 21, 2025
¹² City of Brea Official Website – City Council Reorganizes, December 3, 2025
¹³ Orange County Register – Brea Council Approves Agreement to Court Costco, December 17, 2025
¹⁴ PublicCEO – City of Brea Appoints New Fire Chief, July 8, 2025
¹⁵ City-Data – Brea California Profile 2024

Disclaimer: This Brea Community Guide is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. Readers should consult with appropriate licensed professionals for specific guidance. Real estate information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Wendy Rawley, REALTOR® DRE #01898824, Circa Properties.

© 2026 The Wendy Rawley Team at Circa Properties. All rights reserved.

This community guide is provided for informational purposes only.