Closed Sales — Detached
22
↑ +9 vs prior yr (+69.2%)
About Dove Canyon
Dove Canyon is one of South Orange County's most coveted addresses — a private, 24/7 guard-gated community of 1,252 single-family homes nestled in a natural canyon setting in Rancho Santa Margarita. At its heart is the Dove Canyon Country Club, featuring a stunning 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. There are no condominiums or townhomes here — every residence is a detached single-family home, ranging from approximately 1,800 to 4,800 square feet, with a median around 3,000 square feet.
The community was developed between 1990 and 2000, giving it a cohesive architectural character — predominantly Mediterranean and traditional styles — while individual homes have been extensively updated and renovated over the decades. Lots range from approximately 3,800 to 16,500 square feet, with the most expansive lots found on golf course–facing streets and along the community's premier ridgeline estates. Those elevated positions, with views across the canyon and fairways, are the most sought-after addresses in all of Dove Canyon and consistently command the highest prices.
Dove Canyon is organized into 22 distinct tracts and subdivisions, each with its own character and price point. The entry-level tracts offer remarkable value for the gated golf community setting; the premier tracts — Muirfield, Oaks, Fairway Estates, and Southridge Estates — represent some of the finest residential real estate in all of South Orange County. One master HOA governs the entire community at approximately $320 per month, covering security, amenities, and common area maintenance. Individual tracts may carry sub-association fees as well.
Dove Canyon's combination of privacy, security, resort-quality amenities, and convenient access to the 241 Toll Road and the broader Orange County freeway network makes it one of the most sought-after addresses in South Orange County. It is a community where long-term residents develop deep roots — the kind of neighborhood where people move in and rarely want to leave.
Quick Facts
- Total Homes1,252
- Subdivisions22 tracts
- HOA Fee~$320/mo
- Security24/7 Guard Gate
- EntranceDove Canyon Dr
- GolfJack Nicklaus (Private)
- Built1990 – 2000
- Home Sizes1,793–4,762 sf
- Lot Sizes3,800–16,500 sf
- StyleMediterranean / Traditional
- CityRancho Santa Margarita
- ZIP Code92679
- School DistrictsCapistrano Unified & Saddleback Valley Unified
Community Amenities
Jack Nicklaus Golf Course
Private 18-hole championship course. Dove Canyon Country Club membership sold separately.
Junior Olympic Pool & Spa
Community pool and spa included in HOA for all Dove Canyon residents.
Tennis & Pickleball Courts
Four dual-use lighted courts for tennis and pickleball, available to all HOA members.
Sport Courts
Multi-use sport courts for basketball and other recreational activities.
Hiking & Biking Trails
Trails wind through the natural canyon terrain and connect to South OC's broader trail network.
Parks & Playgrounds
Multiple parks and playgrounds are distributed throughout the community.
Location & Commute
Dove Canyon's main entrance is on Dove Canyon Drive, approximately 1 mile from the 241 Toll Road (Foothill Transportation Corridor) on-ramp — one of the best freeway access points in South Orange County.
~1 mi
To 241 Toll Road
Dove Canyon Drive
~20 min
To Irvine
Via 241 Toll Road
~25–30 min
To Dana Point / Laguna Beach
Via 241 / PCH
Market Snapshot
Detached Homes · January – May 2026 compared to January – May 2025
Median Sale Price
$1,748,054
↓ −$151,946 vs prior yr (−8.0%)
Avg Price / Sq Ft
$582
↑ +$24 vs prior yr (+4.3%)
Avg Days on Market
32
↑ +8 days vs prior yr
Avg SP/LP Ratio
98.7%
↑ from 98.2% prior yr
Price Reduction Rate
27.3%
↓ from 38.5% prior yr (fewer reductions)
Market Narrative
Dove Canyon recorded 22 closed detached-home sales between January and May 2026 — up 69% from the same period a year ago — signaling a notably more active market. The median sale price of $1,748,054 is down about 8% year over year, a shift driven more by the mix of homes selling than by any broad decline, as average price per square foot actually rose 4.3% to $582. Homes are moving efficiently at an average of 32 days on market and a 98.7% sale-to-list ratio, and the price-reduction rate fell to 27.3% from 38.5% a year earlier — evidence that well-priced Dove Canyon homes are meeting motivated buyers.
Detailed Statistics
Detached Single-Family Residences — Jan–May 2026 vs. Jan–May 2025
| Metric | Jan–May 2026 | Jan–May 2025 | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed Sales | 22 | 13 | +9 | +69.2% |
| Average Sale Price | $1,862,060 | $1,796,000 | +$66,060 | +3.7% |
| Median Sale Price | $1,748,054 | $1,900,000 | −$151,946 | −8.0% |
| Avg Price Per Sq Ft | $582 | $558 | +$24 | +4.3% |
| Median Price Per Sq Ft | $565 | $535 | +$30 | +5.6% |
| Avg Days on Market | 32 | 24 | +8 | +33.3% |
| Avg SP/LP Ratio | 98.7% | 98.2% | +0.5pp | +0.5% |
| Price Reduction Rate | 27.3% | 38.5% | −11.2pp | Fewer reductions |
Dove Canyon is exclusively detached single-family residences. One condominium record exists in the all-time CRMLS dataset and is excluded from all analysis.
Market Trends
Price, price/sf, days-on-market, and sale-to-list trend lines use a 3-month rolling window ending on each labeled month, smoothing low-volume months for cleaner directional signals. Monthly sales and new listings are raw monthly counts. The annual chart shows total closed sales per calendar year (2026 is year-to-date through May).
Median Sale Price
Median Price Per Sq Ft
Avg Days on Market
Monthly Closed Sales
New Listings Per Month
Sale-to-List Price Ratio
Closed Sales by Year
Price Range Distribution
Trailing 12 months through May 2026 · 53 closed detached sales
$1.27M – $1.56M11 sales21%
$1.56M – $1.85M23 sales43%
$1.85M – $2.14M10 sales19%
$2.14M – $2.42M7 sales13%
$2.42M – $2.71M2 sales4%
Property Segments
Pool Premium · Trailing 12 Months
Pool Homes (26)
$1,895,000
vs
Non-Pool (27)
$1,599,000
Pool homes command a $296,000 premium (+18.5%)
View Premium · Trailing 12 Months
View Homes (51)
$1,740,000
vs
Non-View (2)
$1,430,000
View homes command a $310,000 premium (+21.7%)
Subdivision Breakdown · Trailing 12 Months
| Subdivision | Sales | Median Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights (DSH) | 8 | $1,511,500 |
| Lakeridge (DLR) | 6 | $1,625,000 |
| Summit Crest (DSC) | 6 | $1,740,000 |
| Westcliff (DWC) | 6 | $1,757,500 |
| Fairway Estates (DCFE) | 3 | $1,980,000 |
| Laurels (DLAU) | 3 | $1,712,500 |
| Estates (DCE) | 2 | $2,567,500 |
| Muirfield (DCMF) | 2 | $2,367,500 |
| Fairway Ridge (DFR) | 2 | $2,008,500 |
| Oaks (DOK) | 2 | $1,984,000 |
| Waterford Crest (DWFC) | 2 | $1,573,280 |
Top Producing Agents
Last 11 complete calendar years (2015–2025) · Source: CRMLS · BR = Bullock Russell agent · BR agents receive priority on ties
Top Listing Agents by Year
| Agent | Brokerage | # |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||
| Shawn Faramarzi BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 8 |
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 7 |
| Joseph Rutter | EHM Real Estate, Inc. | 2 |
| 2024 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 13 |
| Sherri Lex | EHM Real Estate, Inc. | 3 |
| Shawn Faramarzi BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 2 |
| 2023 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 8 |
| Suzanne Dwight | Re/Max Real Estate Group | 3 |
| Shawn Faramarzi BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 2 |
| 2022 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 12 |
| Shawn Faramarzi BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 5 |
| Sherri Lex | EHM Real Estate, Inc. | 3 |
| 2021 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 17 |
| Shawn Faramarzi BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 13 |
| Joni Anderson | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | 3 |
| 2020 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 17 |
| Joni Anderson | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | 5 |
| Shawn Faramarzi BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 4 |
| 2019 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 12 |
| Shawn Faramarzi BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 3 |
| Sherri Lex | Coast to Canyon Real Estate | 3 |
| 2018 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 20 |
| Sherri Lex | Coast to Canyon Real Estate | 5 |
| Debra Kovacs | Century 21 Award | 3 |
| 2017 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 21 |
| Kenneth Bowen | Re/Max Real Estate Group | 4 |
| David Pingree | Regency Real Estate Brokers | 3 |
| 2016 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 21 |
| Nancy Murphy | Realty One Group Inc | 3 |
| Suzanne Dwight | Re/Max Real Estate Group | 3 |
| 2015 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 11 |
| Kenneth Bowen | Re/Max Real Estate Group | 3 |
| Sherri Lex | Coast to Canyon Real Estate | 3 |
Top Buyer's Agents by Year
| Agent | Brokerage | # |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||
| Shawn Faramarzi BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 2 |
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 2 |
| Sherry Su | Alink Realty Group | 2 |
| 2024 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 3 |
| Yuru Jiang | Alink Realty Group | 3 |
| Shawn Faramarzi BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 2 |
| 2023 | ||
| Gaylene Rice | First Team Real Estate | 2 |
| Debra Douglass BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 1 |
| Debi Buckley BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 1 |
| 2022 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 4 |
| Shawn Faramarzi BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 3 |
| Debi Buckley BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 2 |
| 2021 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 4 |
| Yuru Jiang BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 3 |
| Steven Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 2 |
| 2020 | ||
| Shawn Faramarzi BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 1 |
| Susan Stoker BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 1 |
| Yuru Jiang BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 1 |
| 2019 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 3 |
| Nancy Murphy | Realty One Group Inc | 2 |
| Daniel Finder BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 1 |
| 2018 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 4 |
| John Russell BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 2 |
| Lilian Muff BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 2 |
| 2017 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 6 |
| Cathy Wiggin BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 3 |
| Thomas McEachern BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 2 |
| 2016 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 3 |
| Shawn Faramarzi BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 1 |
| Yuru Jiang | Realty One Group Inc | 2 |
| 2015 | ||
| Flo Bullock BR | Bullock Russell RE Services | 2 |
| Reza Shirangi | Keller Williams Realty | 2 |
| Erika Schulte | Coldwell Banker Res. Brokerage | 2 |
Data sourced from CRMLS. Rankings reflect MLS-recorded transaction sides only. Agents attributed to current brokerage per most recent transaction in dataset. Placeholder/unidentified MLS IDs excluded.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Dove Canyon?
Bullock Russell has been the #1 listing brokerage in Dove Canyon for over 10 consecutive years. Our agents live in the community and know every street, every tract, and every nuance of this market. Get a complimentary, no-obligation home valuation or buyer consultation today.
Your Dove Canyon Specialists
Bullock Russell has been the #1 listing brokerage in Dove Canyon for over 10 consecutive years, based on CRMLS transaction data. Our team lives in the community, knows it block by block, and brings a depth of local knowledge no outside agent can match.
Agent
Photo
Photo
Flo Bullock
Realtor® · DRE# 01343119
Flo is the most experienced Dove Canyon real estate agent in the market — full stop. With over 20 years selling homes in Dove Canyon, she has an unmatched command of every street, every tract, and every nuance of this community. A Dove Canyon resident herself, Flo is deeply embedded in the neighborhood she serves and has been the #1 listing agent in Dove Canyon every year from 2015 through 2024.
DRE# 01343119 · Bullock Russell Real Estate Services
Agent
Photo
Photo
Shawn Faramarzi
Realtor® · DRE# 01232351
Shawn Faramarzi has been one of Dove Canyon's top producing agents for over a decade. In 2025, he was the #1 listing agent in the entire community. His consistent presence in the top three year after year reflects a commitment to client service and a genuine expertise in Dove Canyon's nuances — which tracts are appreciating fastest, which floor plans command premiums, and how to position a listing to outperform the market in any condition.
DRE# 01232351 · Bullock Russell Real Estate Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you want to know about living in, buying in, and selling in Dove Canyon — answered by the team that knows this community better than anyone.
Community & Lifestyle
Dove Canyon is a private, 24/7 guard-gated residential community of 1,252 single-family homes across 22 subdivisions, located in Rancho Santa Margarita in South Orange County, California (ZIP 92679). At its heart is the Dove Canyon Country Club, featuring an 18-hole private golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Homes were built between 1990 and 2000 and range from approximately 1,800 to 4,800 square feet. There are no condominiums or townhomes — every home in Dove Canyon is a detached single-family residence.
Yes. Dove Canyon is a 24/7 guard-gated community with one main entrance on Dove Canyon Drive. All guests must be cleared by a live guard before entering. This level of security is one of the community's defining features and contributes to its strong property values and resident satisfaction.
Dove Canyon is consistently regarded as one of the most desirable communities in all of South Orange County. It delivers a rare combination: 24/7 private security, a Jack Nicklaus golf course, resort-quality amenities, and an authentically tight-knit neighborhood character. People describe it as a place where you move in and never want to leave — a genuine neighborhood where long-term residents develop lasting connections. It is a community defined by privacy, security, and a strong sense of belonging.
The Dove Canyon master HOA fee is approximately $320 per month. This covers the junior Olympic pool and spa, four dual-use tennis and pickleball courts, sport courts, parks, playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, and community security operations. The Dove Canyon Country Club golf membership is sold separately and is not included in the HOA fee. Some individual tracts may also carry sub-association fees in addition to the master HOA — always confirm with the HOA directly or with your Bullock Russell agent before purchase.
Community amenities included in the HOA: junior Olympic swimming pool and spa, four dual-use tennis and pickleball courts, sport courts, multiple parks and playgrounds, and hiking and biking trails through the natural canyon terrain. The Dove Canyon Country Club — with its private 18-hole Jack Nicklaus course — is also within the community and available to members by separate membership. The combination of HOA amenities and the optional golf club gives Dove Canyon a resort-level lifestyle that few communities can match.
The Dove Canyon Country Club is a private, members-only 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, one of the greatest golfers and course designers in history. The course is set within the community's natural canyon landscape and is a significant part of what makes Dove Canyon unique among South Orange County communities. Golf course–facing homes consistently command premium prices. Membership in the Country Club is purchased separately from the community HOA.
Yes. Dove Canyon has hiking and biking trails that wind through the community's natural canyon setting. These trails also connect to the broader South Orange County trail network, giving residents access to more extensive hiking without leaving the gate. The canyon terrain provides natural beauty and open space that sets Dove Canyon apart from flat, suburban alternatives.
Dove Canyon suits buyers who value privacy, security, and resort-quality amenities. The 24/7 guard-gated setting, Jack Nicklaus golf course, pool and spa, dual-use tennis and pickleball courts, and extensive trails offer a distinctive living environment within South Orange County. Homes range from approximately 1,800 to 4,800 square feet across 22 subdivisions. Its location about 1 mile from the 241 Toll Road provides convenient access throughout Orange County. Contact Bullock Russell at (949) 709-1555 to discuss whether Dove Canyon fits your needs.
Both are guard-gated golf communities in South Orange County with similar price ranges and amenity profiles. Key differences: Coto de Caza is larger (~4,000 homes, two golf courses — one private, one semi-private); Dove Canyon is smaller and more intimate (1,252 homes, one private Jack Nicklaus course). Dove Canyon tends to have a tighter sense of community and slightly more uniform home styles. Coto de Caza has more variety in price points. The right choice depends on your lifestyle priorities — Bullock Russell's agents specialize in both. Call (949) 709-1555 for a side-by-side comparison.
Location & Commute
The 241 Toll Road (Foothill Transportation Corridor) on-ramp is approximately 1 mile from Dove Canyon's main gate on Dove Canyon Drive — one of the closest freeway access points in South Orange County. This makes Dove Canyon significantly more commute-friendly than many other gated communities in the area.
Irvine is approximately 20 minutes from Dove Canyon via the 241 Toll Road. This proximity makes Dove Canyon a convenient option for those who work in or near the Irvine business corridor.
The coast is approximately 25–30 minutes from Dove Canyon. Dana Point Harbor and Laguna Beach are the closest destinations. Salt Creek Beach and Doheny State Beach in Dana Point are popular with Dove Canyon residents for weekend outings.
Dove Canyon is in ZIP code 92679, shared with portions of Rancho Santa Margarita and Trabuco Canyon in South Orange County, California.
Buying & Selling
The median sale price in Dove Canyon for January–May 2026 was $1,748,054, based on 22 closed detached sales — down about 8% from the same period in 2025, though average price per square foot rose 4.3% to $582. Over the trailing 12 months through May 2026, the median was approximately $1,740,000 across 53 sales. Source: CRMLS data compiled by Bullock Russell Real Estate Services.
Dove Canyon home prices range from approximately $1.3M for smaller, non-view entry-level properties to over $2.5M for large golf course–facing estates and ridgeline homes. The median for January–May 2026 was $1,748,054. Price varies significantly by subdivision, lot size, views, pool, and whether the home has golf course frontage. For a precise current value of a specific property, contact Bullock Russell at (949) 709-1555.
In January–May 2026, homes averaged 32 days on market before closing, compared with 24 days in the same period of 2025. Over the trailing 12 months the average was about 45 days. Homes priced accurately relative to current market conditions are selling efficiently; overpriced homes sit longer and require reductions. An experienced Dove Canyon agent is essential to nailing that pricing strategy.
As of mid-2026, Dove Canyon is an active market. Transaction volume for January–May 2026 is up 69% year-over-year (22 sales vs. 13), the price-reduction rate has fallen to 27.3% from 38.5%, and the SP/LP ratio is strong at 98.7% with homes averaging 32 days on market. The median dipped about 8% year-over-year on a different mix of homes, even as price per square foot rose. For buyers: healthy selection and well-priced opportunities. For sellers: accurately priced homes are selling quickly. Call (949) 709-1555 for a current analysis.
Yes. Over the trailing 12 months through May 2026, pool homes had a median sale price of $1,895,000 vs. $1,599,000 for non-pool homes — a premium of $296,000 (18.5%). Given Dove Canyon's warm Southern California climate, a pool is a significant value driver in this market. Source: CRMLS, compiled by Bullock Russell Real Estate Services.
Substantially more. View homes had a trailing 12-month median of $1,740,000 vs. $1,430,000 for non-view homes — a $310,000 premium (21.7%). Golf course–facing and ridgeline homes represent the top tier of the Dove Canyon market. Source: CRMLS, compiled by Bullock Russell Real Estate Services.
Based on trailing 12-month CRMLS data through May 2026 (subdivisions with 2+ sales), the highest median sale prices are in the Estates (DCE) at $2,567,500 and Muirfield (DCMF) at $2,367,500, followed by Fairway Ridge (DFR) at $2,008,500 and Oaks (DOK) at $1,984,000. The most active by volume is Sterling Heights (DSH) with 8 sales at a median of $1,511,500.
Yes. Bullock Russell offers complimentary, no-obligation home valuations for Dove Canyon homeowners. Because Flo Bullock has lived in and sold Dove Canyon for over 20 years, our valuations reflect genuine block-by-block knowledge — not just algorithm estimates. Call (949) 709-1555 or email flo@bullockrussell.com to get started.
About Bullock Russell & Our Agents
Flo Bullock of Bullock Russell Real Estate Services has been the #1 listing agent in Dove Canyon every year from 2015 through 2024, based on CRMLS data. She has been selling in the community for over 20 years and is a Dove Canyon resident. In 2025, Shawn Faramarzi claimed the top listing spot with 8 transactions, with Flo at #2 with 7 — both Bullock Russell agents. Reach the team at (949) 709-1555 or flo@bullockrussell.com.
Bullock Russell Real Estate Services has been the #1 listing brokerage in Dove Canyon for over 10 consecutive years. Our agents — Flo Bullock and Shawn Faramarzi — live in or have deep roots in the community and bring unmatched local knowledge. Call (949) 709-1555, email info@bullockrussell.com, or reach Flo directly at flo@bullockrussell.com.
Bullock Russell Real Estate Services
📞 (949) 709-1555 (main)
✉ info@bullockrussell.com
🌐 bullockrussell.com
Flo Bullock: (949) 285-6234 · flo@bullockrussell.com · DRE# 01343119
Shawn Faramarzi: (949) 292-4462 · shawn@bullockrussell.com · DRE# 01232351
📞 (949) 709-1555 (main)
✉ info@bullockrussell.com
🌐 bullockrussell.com
Flo Bullock: (949) 285-6234 · flo@bullockrussell.com · DRE# 01343119
Shawn Faramarzi: (949) 292-4462 · shawn@bullockrussell.com · DRE# 01232351
Bullock Russell Real Estate Services is a boutique residential brokerage based in South Orange County, California. The firm combines top-team production levels with the personal, relationship-driven service that larger brokerages can't replicate. Bullock Russell has been the #1 listing brokerage in Dove Canyon for over 10 consecutive years and serves communities throughout South OC including Coto de Caza, Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, and San Clemente.
Explore Other South OC Communities
Bullock Russell Real Estate Services is South Orange County's boutique brokerage — combining the production of a top-performing team with the personal attention clients deserve. Our agents don't just work in these communities; they live in them. For Dove Canyon buyers and sellers, that difference is everything. Call, email, or visit our site to connect with the team.