Center Street
A compact downtown stretch of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and community gathering space near the historic center.
Explore Center Street ↗
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Anaheim neighborhood guide
The Colony
The Colony
Historic District
Anaheim's original center brings historic homes, local restaurants, parks, museums, and community events together within a part of the city that still feels connected to its beginning.
BoundariesNorth, South, East, and West StreetsSee the City guide ↗
EstablishedOriginal colony in 1857Historic district adopted in 1997
Known forHistoric houses and central AnaheimMore than 1,000 qualified structures
Close toPacking District · Center Street · Pearson Park · MuzeoFind local events →
Living in the Colony
This is where Anaheim still feels connected to its beginning.
The district follows the boundaries of the original German colony founded in 1857. North, South, East, and West Streets make the edges unusually easy to understand, while the four Colony monuments mark its principal entrances.
Life here feels different from the resort district or the newer development around the stadiums. Older residential streets sit close to the Packing District, Center Street Promenade, Pearson Park, Muzeo, breweries, restaurants, and regular downtown events.
“The Colony is one of the few places where you can see Anaheim's history, grab dinner, and still feel like you're in a real neighborhood.”Mike Betts · Lifelong Anaheim resident
Homes and architecture
Older homes bring character and a different kind of homework.
What kinds of homes are in the Colony?
The district includes early bungalows, Craftsman homes, Victorian and Spanish-influenced architecture, postwar houses, townhomes, condos, and newer infill. Age, condition, lot size, and historic status can vary from one block to the next.
Is every older house historically designated?
No. The district contains more than 1,000 qualified structures, but an older address is not automatically a designated historic property or a Mills Act property. Buyers should confirm the status of a specific home with the City of Anaheim.
What should a buyer inspect carefully?
With an older home, pay close attention to the foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical system, sewer line, past additions, permits, and previous renovations. A specialized inspection can be especially useful when original materials or historic requirements are involved.
How does the Mills Act work?
Qualified historic properties may be eligible for a Mills Act contract that can reduce property taxes in exchange for preservation and maintenance obligations. Approval is not automatic, and an existing contract stays with the property after a sale. Review the specific contract and maintenance plan before buying.
Around the neighborhood
Historic Anaheim is close enough to explore one stop at a time.
The Colony puts homes, local businesses, culture, and pieces of Anaheim's citrus history within the same part of town. These official resources are the best place to confirm current details before heading out.
MUZEO
A museum and cultural center bringing art, local heritage, and changing exhibitions into the heart of downtown Anaheim.
Visit MUZEO ↗Packing District
The restored citrus Packing House anchors a collection of food, drinks, gathering spaces, and historic buildings.
Plan your stop ↗Historic preservation
The City's Mills Act resources explain how qualifying historic properties may receive tax relief in exchange for preservation commitments.
Read the City guide ↗Day to day
Downtown convenience without losing the neighborhood story.
The Colony works well for people who value historic architecture and want restaurants, community events, parks, and cultural stops nearby. Its central location also provides access to the rest of Anaheim and neighboring Orange County cities.
The tradeoff is that older streets and homes don't behave like a new planned community. Parking, traffic, property condition, noise, and nearby land uses can change noticeably by location. Visit at different times and look beyond the house itself before deciding whether a particular block fits.
Find the right fit
Considering a home in the Colony?
I can help you compare the house, its historic status, the surrounding block, and the practical details that make an older Anaheim neighborhood feel right for everyday life.
Historic classifications, property requirements, and Mills Act participation are specific to each property and can change. Confirm details with the City of Anaheim's Colony guide and Mills Act program.