North Tustin is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Orange County, California, occupying the foothills that rise along the eastern edge of the city of Tustin. With a population of 25,718 at the 2020 census, it functions as a large residential enclave that has deliberately remained outside city incorporation, relying on Orange County for municipal services such as law enforcement. Its location places it minutes from the employment, retail, and dining centers of Tustin, Irvine, Orange, and Santa Ana, yet its hillside setting and low-density development give it a distinctly quieter character than surrounding suburbs. The area's identity is built around its neighborhoods rather than a single downtown. Within North Tustin are the distinct communities of Cowan Heights, Lemon Heights, Panorama Heights, East Tustin, and Red Hill, each known for custom-built homes, larger lots, and streets that in many places were developed without sidewalks or streetlights. This street pattern — more common in an earlier, semi-rural Orange County — contributes to the area's equestrian-friendly, sprawling feel and to its enduring appeal among buyers seeking space and privacy. Housing in North Tustin is notably diverse, ranging from mid-century ranch homes and custom estates to newer hillside builds with sweeping views of Peters Canyon and the surrounding terrain. Because the community was never shaped by a single large tract developer, the streetscape varies from block to block, and many properties sit on generously sized lots with mature trees. Schools are part of the Tustin Unified School District, which serves both the incorporated city of Tustin and unincorporated North Tustin, and the district's elementary, K-8, and high schools anchor family life in the area. Recreation is closely tied to Peters Canyon Regional Park, a popular OC Parks facility that offers graded trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, including the East Ridge View Trail with panoramic views. Commuters use State Route 55 and the 261 and 241 toll roads to reach Interstate 5 and State Route 91, connecting North Tustin to the wider Orange County region.