FOCUS : A HAVEN TO COME HOME TO
Cowan Heights, northeast of Tustin and south of Orange, is an unincorporated community, much of it a rustic panoply of undulating hills broken only by winding roads, horse trails and gracious homes. Longtime residents of the Heights speak almost reverently of the “rural feeling” of the community, where for years horse ranches proliferated and neighborhoods adopted street names such as Equestrian Drive, Bridle Path Way and Painted Pony Lane.
The community was named for oilman and real estate developer Walter Cowan, who purchased an 800-acre cattle, citrus and walnut ranch there in 1942. Cowan eventually sold large sections of the land to developers who went on to plan and build many of the homes there now.
Today, Cowan Heights continues to attract young, affluent families in search of a hilltop haven. And driving the lovely, curving lanes of the area, it’s easy to see why. New homes built in a myriad of architectural styles-- including neo-Tudor, Spanish and Cape Cod--stand aloofly back from the road, offering the motorist only a glimpse of back yard swimming pools and tennis courts. Prices in Cowan Heights vary widely, but in the upper range, estates with the requisite 4 acres, European-style kitchen and spa-like bathrooms can command in excess of $3 million. Views of downtown Los Angeles, Catalina Island or Mt. Wilson are included in the price.
Residential development has taken away some of the country feeling once enjoyed by families such as the Cowans. But folks here remain fiercely protective of the easy, outdoor life style their community inspires. Efforts to introduce commercial zones have been rebuffed, and plans to substantially reduce lot sizes have met with protest. There are still no sidewalks in Cowan Heights and street lights made their debut only seven years ago--to mixed reviews from bemused locals.
Statistics: National Planning Data Corp.
NEIGHBORHOOD PROFILE: COWAN HEIGHTS Population Population: (1987 est.) 10,393 1980-88 change: +39% Median Age: 39.9 By sex and age: MALES Median age: 38.5 years FEMALES Median age: 40.5 years Racial/ethnic mix: White (non-Hispanic), 91%; Hispanic, 4%; Black, less than 1%; Other, 5% Income Per capita $37,467 Median Household $120,096 Average Household $129,879 Household Distribution: Less than $25,000: 5% $25,000-49,999: 10% $50,000-74,999: 13% More than $75,000: 72%
