The Aspens Fairhaven is a garden-style apartment community at 1201 Fairhaven Ave in Santa Ana, in the Cabrillo Park area of ZIP code 92705. It’s a one- and two-bedroom community aimed at renters who want a landscaped, resort-style setting close to the freeways. It sits in the northeast part of the city, near Orange and Tustin.
Recent listing snapshots show one-bedroom, one-bath units of roughly 740 to 850 square feet starting around $2,340 a month. They also show two-bedroom units of roughly 964 to 1,001 square feet starting around $2,850. Overall, aggregators have listed one- and two-bedroom units from about $2,450, spanning 758 to 1,001 square feet.
The main thing to settle before you apply is the pet policy. Several listing sites describe the community as cat-friendly rather than generally pet-friendly, while many neighboring complexes advertise broader pet policies. Dog owners should confirm directly before touring.
Quick snapshot
| Detail | What public listings show |
|---|---|
| Address | 1201 Fairhaven Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705 |
| Neighborhood | Cabrillo Park, northeast Santa Ana |
| Unit types | 1-bedroom/1-bath; 2-bedroom/1.5–2-bath |
| Size range | Roughly 740–1,001 sq ft across unit types |
| Recent asking rents | About $2,340+ (1BR) and $2,850+ (2BR), varies by date and unit |
| Pets | Listings indicate cats welcome; confirm dog policy |
| Promotions | Zumper has shown move-in specials of up to one month free on select units |
Treat the prices as a snapshot. Apartment pricing in Orange County moves with unit availability, lease length, and move-in date, and the same floor plan can be listed at very different rents a few weeks apart.
What the community offers
Third-party listings agree on the general character of the property. Zumper’s description highlights a resort-style pool, easy freeway access, and a peaceful, tranquil setting. A separate Zumper listing says the area offers easy freeway access and proximity to Chapman University and Downtown Orange. The same page says residents praise the lush landscaping, meandering streams with wildlife, and resort-like atmosphere.
One older directory page lists a longer set of features:
- A fitness center
- Tennis and basketball courts
- Controlled-access gating
- Private balconies
- Air conditioning
- Additional storage
- Included gas, basic cable, and internet
That page also shows no resident reviews and notes it is not currently accepting inquiries. Its pricing is far below current asking rents, so the data is clearly stale. Treat that amenity list as a set of questions to ask, not as confirmed facts. The included-utilities claim matters most. If gas, internet, and cable are truly bundled into rent, that changes the math against a cheaper complex that bills them separately.
One more caution on the numbers. Zumper’s 9.6-out-of-10 rating for the property is the site’s own scoring, built partly from listing data and not from a standardized inspection. Read it as a summary of what residents and the listing emphasize. It isn’t an independent quality audit.
How the rent compares with nearby options
Fairhaven Avenue has several competing communities within a short distance. Recent listing snapshots put the neighbors roughly like this:
| Community | Unit type | Asking rent seen in listings |
|---|---|---|
| The Aspens Fairhaven (1201 Fairhaven Ave) | 1BR / 2BR | From about $2,340 / $2,850 |
| The Arbors Santa Ana (1200 Fairhaven Ave) | 1BR / 2BR | Roughly $2,088 and $2,995 in one snapshot, with a $1,000-off promotion |
| 1300 Fairhaven Ave | 1BR / 2BR | Roughly $2,157 and $2,699 |
| Lake Dianne (750 N Parkcenter Dr) | 1BR / 2BR | Roughly $2,404 and $3,225 |
| Horizon (2414 N Tustin Ave) | 1BR / 2BR | Roughly $2,399 and $2,769 |
Two takeaways. First, The Aspens Fairhaven isn’t the cheapest option on its own street. Its direct neighbors have often listed lower base rents, sometimes with concessions. Second, the more useful comparison is net effective rent. Add up the real monthly cost after any free-rent period, then add utilities, parking, pet fees, and trash or pest charges. A $2,450 apartment that includes internet and gas can cost the same or less than a $2,300 one that doesn’t.
Square footage deserves a look as well. Some one-bedroom floor plans in this part of Santa Ana run only about 700–750 square feet, while the Aspens listings show larger one-bedroom options. If you work from home, the extra space can matter more than a $100 monthly difference.
Who it suits, and who might look elsewhere
It’s a reasonable fit for:
- Commuters who want quick freeway access without paying Irvine or Newport Beach prices
- Students, faculty, and staff around Chapman University, Santa Ana College, or nearby hospitals
- Renters who value a quiet, landscaped setting more than a walkable downtown
- Cat owners
It may not be the best fit for:
- Dog owners, unless the leasing office confirms a policy that works for you
- Car-free renters. Listings describe this part of Santa Ana as car-oriented, and Orange County transit coverage is thinner than in older urban cores
- Renters on a tight budget who can accept an older building and fewer amenities. Nearby complexes sometimes price lower
California and Santa Ana rules that affect your lease
Santa Ana has its own local rent stabilization ordinance, which makes it worth understanding the rules before you sign.
Local rent stabilization. Santa Ana’s ordinance limits increases to the lower of 3 percent per year or 80 percent of the 12-month CPI change. The city is clear that the rent cap applies only to buildings built on or before February 1, 1995, and not every older unit is covered. We could not confirm the construction year of The Aspens Fairhaven from public sources, so ask the leasing office directly whether your unit falls under the city ordinance. The city’s official overview is a good place to check: Santa Ana Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance.
State rent cap. If a unit isn’t covered by the local ordinance, the statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) generally applies instead, as long as the building meets its requirements. It allows larger annual increases than Santa Ana’s local cap, and the exact ceiling changes yearly with inflation.
Just cause eviction. Under the city ordinance, an owner can’t terminate a tenancy after 30 days without a stated just cause. This is one of the more valuable protections for long-term tenants, though it isn’t a reason to skip reading your lease.
Security deposits. California generally limits security deposits to one month’s rent for most leases signed since mid-2024, with narrow exceptions for some small landlords. If a quote seems higher, ask why.
Questions to ask before signing
A tour will show you the pool and the landscaping. These questions cover what a tour usually doesn’t:
- What is the all-in monthly cost? Ask for base rent plus every recurring fee, including utilities, parking, trash, pest control, and pet rent.
- Which utilities are really included? Get it in writing, since older directory pages claim gas, cable, and internet are bundled.
- How long does the move-in special last, and how is it applied? A free month on a 12-month lease isn’t the same as a free month spread over the term.
- What is the renewal increase history? Ask what typical increases have been at renewal for the last two years.
- Which units get afternoon sun? In Santa Ana’s hot summers, west-facing units and upper floors can run warm, and air conditioning only helps if it’s working well.
- Where is parking assigned, and is guest parking available? Garden-style communities vary a lot on this.
- Is the unit covered by Santa Ana’s rent stabilization ordinance? This affects your protection from large increases.
- What is the dog policy, including breed and weight limits? Ask even if listings say “cats welcome,” because policies on exceptions and service or emotional-support animals can differ from the general rule.
Common mistakes renters make with listings like this
Trusting the advertised price. Listings often show a “starting at” rent for the cheapest unit on the cheapest lease term. The unit you actually want can cost noticeably more.
Comparing buildings by rent alone. A $150 monthly difference disappears quickly once you add parking fees, internet, or a pet deposit.
Skipping the street-level check. Visit at rush hour and again on a weekend evening. A property that’s “peaceful” at 11 a.m. can sound different near a freeway on-ramp at 5:30 p.m.
Ignoring review patterns. Resident reviews on one site can be sparse or outdated. Look for repeated comments about maintenance response times, noise, and how the office handles deposit returns, and discount any single glowing or angry review.
How to weigh this against nearby options
We haven’t toured the property, so here is the reasoning to use. If the included-utilities claim holds up and you have a cat or no pet, The Aspens Fairhaven can be competitive despite slightly higher base rent, especially if you want a more landscaped, quieter setting. If you have a dog, or if you’re simply minimizing rent, the neighboring communities on Fairhaven Avenue and Parkcenter Drive deserve equal time. Price all of them on a net monthly basis and tour at least two.
Comparing rental communities elsewhere? See our guides to Willow Brook Court in Brookfield, WI, houses for rent in Greensboro, NC and our house inspection checklist.
FAQ
Where is The Aspens Fairhaven located?
It is at 1201 Fairhaven Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705, in the Cabrillo Park area of northeast Santa Ana, near the borders of Orange and Tustin.
How much does it cost to rent there?
Recent listings have shown one-bedrooms starting around $2,340 and two-bedrooms around $2,850, though asking rents change often and depend on the unit and lease term. Confirm current rates with the leasing office.
Does The Aspens Fairhaven allow dogs?
Several listing sites describe it as cat-friendly rather than pet-friendly in general. Ask the leasing office to confirm the current rules for dogs and other animals before applying.
Are utilities included in the rent?
One older directory page lists gas, basic cable, and internet as included. Because that page is outdated, confirm in writing what’s covered before you rely on it.
Is The Aspens Fairhaven covered by Santa Ana rent control?
The city’s ordinance applies only to buildings built on or before February 1, 1995, and not every older unit qualifies. We couldn’t confirm this property’s status from public sources, so ask the landlord or contact the city’s Rent Stabilization Division.
Is The Aspens Fairhaven near freeways and shopping?
Listing descriptions emphasize easy freeway access and proximity to Chapman University and Downtown Orange. Check actual drive times from your workplace at your usual commute hour.
How much is the security deposit?
California generally caps deposits at one month’s rent for most leases, with limited exceptions. Ask for the exact amount and what it’s based on before you pay anything.
Are there move-in specials?
Zumper has shown specials of up to one month free on select units. These change often and vary by unit, so get the terms in writing.
Sources & references
- City of Santa Ana: Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance
- City of Santa Ana: allowable rent increase notices and ordinance announcements
- Redfin: Cabrillo Park apartments for rent (asking rents, pet policy and neighboring communities)
- Point2Homes: Park Santiago–Fairhaven apartments for rent (rent ranges, unit sizes and rent specials)
- Zumper: Santa Ana listings for The Aspens Fairhaven (rating, amenities and move-in specials)