Apartments for Rent in Brea, CA (417 Rentals)

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area surrounding Brea, California was inhabited by Native Americans. The first European settlers to arrive in the area came as part of the Spanish Expedition, arriving in 1769. There was a small village settled in the local area, and lots of Americans began to move into the local region during the Gold Rush of the mid-19th century. After the Spanish left, the area was owned by the Mexicans. The area surrounding Brea was ceded to the United States after the United States defeated Mexico in the Mexican-American War, which ended in 1848. Then, the area continued to grow, particularly after it was incorporated into greater Orange County. The opening of the nearby freeway in the middle of the 20th century, along with the growth of the greater Los Angeles area during the Golden Age of Hollywood, contributed to the growth of Brea as well.