Santa Ana serves as the county seat of Orange County, where the historic downtown district showcases beautifully preserved architecture from 1869. The downtown area thrives with the Artist Village and restored Yost Theater, offering a dynamic arts and entertainment scene housed in historic buildings. The city features cultural landmarks like the Bowers Museum, showcasing world-class art and cultural artifacts, and the Santa Ana Zoo, specialized in housing monkey species and wildlife from South and Central America.

Renters in Santa Ana can choose from a variety of housing options across several distinct districts. The French Park neighborhood features Victorian-era homes dating from the late 1800s, while the South Coast Metro district offers modern apartment living near South Coast Plaza. Neighborhoods like Floral Park and West Floral Park provide tree-lined streets with historic homes available for rent, while Morrison Park offers a mix of apartments and single-family rentals. With average rents ranging from $1,925 for studios to $3,318 for three-bedroom units, Santa Ana provides options for various preferences and budgets.

Transportation is convenient with several major freeways connecting Santa Ana to the greater Los Angeles area, including Interstate 5, State Route 22, and State Route 55. The Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center serves both Amtrak and Metrolink commuter rail passengers, while John Wayne Airport is located within the city limits. Major employment sectors include government services, healthcare, education, and retail, with the County of Orange, Santa Ana Unified School District, and Santa Ana College among the top employers. The city's Mediterranean climate features warm, dry summers and mild winters, making it an appealing location for those who enjoy outdoor activities year-round.