Buena Park Local Insider

Welcome to the Center of the Southland. Where Korean BBQ meets boysenberry pie, and America’s first theme park shares streets with Orange County’s newest Koreatown. Buena Park sits at the crossroads of the 5 and 91 freeways, offering big-city diversity with suburban comfort—all while being 20 minutes from both Disneyland and the beach.

Key Facts:

• City Established: 1953 (Founded 1887)
• Population: 82,829
• Median Age: 37.4
• Median Household Income: $108,187
• Nickname: Center of the Southland
• Claim to Fame: Home to America’s first theme park (Knott’s Berry Farm)
• Fun Fact: No racial majority—one of California’s most diverse cities

Demographics:

• 42.5% Hispanic/Latino
• 31.7% Asian
• 20.5% White (non-Hispanic)

Sources: City of Buena Park and Data USA 

“We moved here from east LA 3 years ago it’s way better in BP. No sirens or helicopters every 15 minutes. Quiet neighborhood, no parties until 3am bumping loud music.” – Reddit user on r/orangecounty.

Buena Park City Highlights

• Safety Score: 70.3/100 – Ranking near the middle of California cities using weighted metrics for crash severity, DUI risk, and vulnerable road users. Bicycle safety is strong, but pedestrian safety, especially for seniors, is a critical concern.
• Pedestrian & Traffic Risks – Senior pedestrian safety ranks 9th worst in the state, with general pedestrian collisions also concerning. Key intersections like Beach & Orangethorpe, Artesia & Valley View, and Valley View & Palma Vista see repeated accidents.
• Family-Friendly & Fun – Home to Knott’s Berry Farm, Medieval Times, Pirates Dinner Adventure, and regional parks. Seasonal events like Knott’s Scary Farm, Silverado Days, and summer concerts create local traditions.
• Prime Location – Sitting at the junction of I-5 and SR-91, Buena Park offers 20-minute access to Disneyland, Orange County beaches, and LA, plus proximity to major shopping, restaurants, and theme parks.
• Culinary Hotspot – Buena Park delivers authentic Korean BBQ, tacos, and boysenberry treats. Beach Boulevard’s Koreatown draws diners from across SoCal, while Tacos Maggie, Porto’s Bakery, and local taco trucks are perennial favorites.

History & The Birth of Theme Parks

Before the freeways and K-pop, Buena Park was ranchland. Part of the massive 46,806-acre Rancho Los Coyotes Spanish land grant from 1783, the area transformed when Chicago grocer James A. Whitaker bought 690 acres in 1885 and founded the city in 1887.

The name? Most likely from an artesian well with parklike grounds called “Plaza Buena”—Spanish meets English in true California fashion.

The Knott’s Berry Farm Story:

In 1920, Walter and Cordelia Knott drove their Model T Ford to Buena Park to farm berries. By the Great Depression, they were serving 65-cent fried chicken dinners that drew lines around the block. Walter built Ghost Town in 1940 to entertain waiting guests—and accidentally invented the American theme park, beating Disneyland by 15 years.

Today’s boysenberry everything? Walter rescued six dying hybrid plants in 1932 and went on to create an empire.

Modern Cultural Transformation:

Fast forward to 2023: Buena Park officially designated Beach Boulevard from Rosecrans to Orangethorpe as Koreatown. With 1,000+ Korean businesses, CGV Cinemas, and authentic restaurants that draw diners from across SoCal, the transformation is complete.

“I would say probably in the past 10 years is when we saw a big boom in the number of Korean businesses, so that’s also brought the city a lot of tax revenue.” – Joyce Ahn, Buena Park Councilmember

Top Things to Do in Buena Park

Knott’s Berry Farm

America’s first theme park still delivers with roller coasters, boysenberry everything, and Mrs. Knott’s original chicken dinners. October’s Knott’s Scary Farm creates “gridlock-like traffic” according to locals—plan accordingly.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Yes, the place from The Cable Guy. Watch knights joust while eating with your hands. Surprisingly fun, especially with kids.

Pirates Dinner Adventure

Interactive dinner theater on an actual ship replica. The Bachelor filmed here—make of that what you will.

The Source OC

Korean-focused outdoor mall with CGV Cinemas (Korean films with subtitles), shops, and restaurants. This anchored the Koreatown transformation.

Ralph B. Clark Regional Park

When you need nature, this park delivers with trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Note: Some locals avoid parks without city events due to transient concerns.

Seasonal Highlights:

• Knott’s Scary Farm (October): Major regional draw, but creates heavy traffic
• Silverado Days Festival: Annual community celebration
• Summer Concert Series: Free outdoor concerts

“I can hear the chu chu train at knott’s chu chuing all day lol” – Local resident near La Palma & Magnolia

Best Food in Buena Park

Buena Park’s food scene punches way above its weight class, especially for Korean and Mexican cuisine.

Korean Food (The Real Deal)

1. Dine Korean Restaurant

“90% of the customers are Korean immigrants” – that’s how you know it’s authentic. Come for the ginseng chicken soup (samgyetang), stay for the spicy marinated pork.

Why locals go: Authentic flavors and traditional recipes that keep you coming back.

2. Arisu Gil Gamasot

Traditional Korean cauldron cooking. Their seolleongtang (bone broth) simmers for 16 hours daily. Open 9 AM-10 PM.

Why locals go: Deep, rich flavors from slow-cooked recipes you can’t get anywhere else in Buena Park.

@borderlinecook

📍Arisu Gil Gahmasot in Buena Park, CA #korean #koreanfood #kfood #traditional #new

♬ Luxury and fun big band jazz(1324443) – Ponetto

3. Gangnam Station

New Korean BBQ spot with “perfectly marinated cuts” that locals are raving about.

Why locals go: Modern Korean BBQ experience with quality meats and a lively, social dining atmosphere.

Mexican Food & Taco Trucks

4. Tacos Maggie

2025 Taste of Buena Park winner. Tijuana-style street tacos that draw 30-minute waits at 11 PM on Sundays.

Why locals go: Crispy, authentic tripas tacos that keep people returning week after week.

“The best tripas tacos I’ve ever had they make it so crispy I had to come back a week later cuz I couldn’t get the flavor out of my head.” – Yelp reviewer.

Other Trucks:

• Taco Diaz (NE corner Knott/Orangethorpe): “This has been my go to for years”
• Random trucks on Chapman and Raymond: “Bunch of people just cooking on the street”

Must-Try Spots

5. Porto’s Bakery

Cuban bakery phenomenon. Go weekday mornings to avoid lines. Their cheese rolls and potato balls are legendary.

Why locals go: Iconic Cuban pastries and baked goods that locals line up for every morning.

6. Portillo’s

Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef. “Get it dipped in gravy” say locals. Jay Leno reportedly makes special trips here.

Why locals go: Classic Chicago flavors with a generous, hearty menu perfect for casual meals.

Life in Buena Park

Buena Park is a tale of two cities, and locals are refreshingly honest about it:

North/Northwest (near Cypress/La Palma): “I live closer to cypress and it’s nice. Quiet and good schools.”

Southeast (near Anaheim/Beach & Artesia): “The only ‘bad’ neighborhood in Buena Park is off of Beach & Artesia. Specifically Kingman street, Franklin street, & the numbered streets like 8th, 9th, & 10th.”

Cost of Living Snapshot

• Median home price: $907,500
• Average rent: $2,550/month (all bedrooms)
• 1-bedroom: $2,114/month
• 2-bedroom: $2,495/month

To afford average rent, you’ll need about $76,500/year income. It’s cheaper than coastal OC but still California prices.

Source: City of Buena Park

The Korean Influence

Since 2017’s CGV Cinemas opening, Buena Park has transformed into Orange County’s second Koreatown. Beach Boulevard from Rosecrans to Orangethorpe officially earned the designation in October 2023.

What this means: Authentic Korean BBQ, karaoke bars, bakeries, and H Mart runs. Plus, economic growth is revitalizing the area.

What Locals Actually Complain About

• Beach Boulevard traffic (“intentionally timed to stop at every block”)
• Knott’s Scary Farm October traffic (“gridlock-like”)
• Parks with transient issues (“I don’t like taking my kids to the parks here unless there’s a city event”)
• School ratings (3-6 out of 10 on GreatSchools)
• Car break-ins (1 in 159 chance of vehicle theft)

City Services & Essentials

Buena Park City Hall
6650 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
Phone: (714) 562-3500
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.

Buena Park Sheriff’s Station
7370 La Palma Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620
Phone: (714) 562-3900
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays.

Buena Park Post Office
8300 La Palma Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620
Phone: (714) 523-8220
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Saturday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Closed Sundays.

Buena Park Public Library
7150 La Palma Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620
Phone: (714) 826-4100
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Friday – Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed Sundays.

Getting Around Buena Park

The Freeway Situation

Location is everything: At the junction of I-5 and SR-91, you can reach anywhere in SoCal. But with great access comes great traffic.

• SR-91: One local called it “the worst freeway I’ve ever driven on”
• I-5 North after work: “Going north on the 5 after work is pain”
• Commute to Irvine: 45 minutes to an hour in morning traffic

Beach Boulevard Blues

Beach Boulevard is Buena Park’s main artery and biggest headache.

Avoid:

• Weekday evenings 5-7 PM
• October weekend evenings (Knott’s Scary Farm)
• Porto’s Bakery vicinity during peak times

Public Transit Reality

Let’s be real: You need a car. The average household has 2 vehicles. The nearest Metrolink is in Fullerton. OCTA buses exist, but aren’t practical for most.

Safety & Traffic Hotspots

At DK Law, we see the aftermath of accidents at these intersections. Here’s what locals know:

Dangerous Intersections to Watch

• Beach Boulevard & Orangethorpe Avenue
• Artesia Boulevard & Valley View Street
• Valley View Street & Palma Vista Avenue
• Beach Boulevard (entire corridor)
• El Espejo Road & Rosecrans Avenue

Freeway Danger Zones

• SR-91 at Beach Boulevard On-Ramp
• SR-91 at Knott Avenue
• I-5 Near Beach Boulevard Off-Ramp

Time Patterns That Matter

Our research shows clear accident patterns:

• 1-4 AM: Highest risk for fatal accidents (DUI, fatigue factors)
• 5-7 PM weekdays: Peak congestion accidents on Beach Boulevard
• October weekend evenings: Knott’s Scary Farm traffic creates hazardous conditions
• Late night/early morning: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable

Crime Reality

Being transparent: Property crime is 49% higher than the national average, driven mainly by vehicle theft. Violent crime is actually 33% lower than the national average.

Specific concerns:

• Vehicle theft crisis (632 per 100,000 people—that’s 1 in 159 chance)
• Package theft peaks around 5 AM
• Southeast areas near the Anaheim border (Kingman, Franklin, numbered streets)
• Beach & Artesia vicinity (East Side Buena Park)

The statistical reality:

• Overall chance of becoming a crime victim: 1 in 32
• Property crime victimization: 1 in 35
• Violent crime victimization: 1 in 352

52% of residents feel safe walking at night—but that means 48% don’t. Know your neighborhood.

Healthcare & Emergency Services in Buena Park

Hospitals (Within 10 Minutes)

La Palma Intercommunity Hospital
7901 Walter Street, La Palma, CA 90623
Phone: (714) 670-7400

• 2.6 miles away
• Patient Safety Excellence Awards (2023-2025)

West Anaheim Medical Center
3033 W Orange Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92804
Phone: (714) 827-3000

• 2.7 miles away
• ER wait time: 7 minutes
• Text ‘ER Now’ to (714) 497-2233 for FastTrack

Urgent Care

Marque Urgent Care
8970 Knott Avenue, Buena Park, CA 90620
Phone: (949) 670-9222

• Open daily 8 AM – 6 PM

Why Locals Choose Buena Park

Residents stay for good reasons:

• The Location: “While it can be crowded and finding parking may be challenging, the value of the location for the cost is tough to surpass!”
• The Diversity: Where else can you get authentic Korean BBQ, Tijuana-style tacos, and boysenberry pie within a mile?
• The Value: Cheaper than coastal OC, more amenities than Cypress or La Palma, safer than parts of Anaheim.
• The Food: Seriously, the food scene is incredible for a suburb.
• The Access: 20 minutes to beaches, Disneyland, downtown LA, or mountains. True “Center of the Southland.”

But locals will tell you: safety matters. The city has its share of risky intersections and occasional crime concerns, so staying informed is key.

When Accidents Happen: DK Law’s Role

At DK Law, we know Buena Park’s streets. We’ve helped families after accidents at Beach & Orangethorpe, slip-and-falls at theme parks, and workplace injuries throughout the city.

We handle cases involving:

• Car Accidents at high-risk intersections like Beach Boulevard & Orangethorpe
• Pedestrian Accidents on dangerous corridors like Artesia Boulevard
• Theme Park Injuries at Knott’s, Medieval Times, and Pirates Dinner Adventure
• Slip & Falls at The Source OC, Porto’s, and local businesses
• Workplace Injuries involving area employers

Why Buena Park Families Choose DK Law:

• We speak your language (English, Spanish, Korean, and more).
• No upfront costs—you only pay if we win
• We know these streets, these intersections, these dangers
• Maximum compensation while you focus on recovery

Call us today for a free case review. We’ll meet you at your home, the hospital, or our office.

Because in Buena Park’s diverse community, everyone deserves an advocate who understands both the city and its people.