Newport Beach

Renowned globally as a high-end seaside community, Newport Beach epitomizes luxury living with its cliffside mansions, stunning coastline, and famous piers. It's a sought-after filming location for Hollywood hits like "The O.C." and "Arrested Development." The city spans a diverse area with various communities and price points, but the common thread is a lifestyle centered around world-class beaches, hiking trails, and designer shopping, whether in suburban neighborhoods or beachfront estates.

 

With over 10 miles of coastline, Newport Beach offers a plethora of ocean activities for everyone. Thrill-seekers flock to the Wedge off Balboa Peninsula, a legendary surfing and body surfing spot known for its 30-foot-high swells. While summer restrictions may apply to board surfing due to crowding, the waves promise an exhilarating experience. For more relaxed beachgoers, Balboa Peninsula is ideal for a day on the sand, and Newport Pier is a favorite fishing spot. Those preferring the hills can head southeast to Crystal Cove State Park, featuring more than 18 miles of trails across 2,400 acres of preserved wilderness.

 

Home options and prices in Newport Beach vary by community. Along the coast, properties range from small bungalows priced at $1.3 million to $38 million modern estates. These include sleek beachfront homes on Balboa Peninsula, classic cedar-shake houses near Balboa Island's coastal shopping, Mission Revival, and an influx of new construction homes on Lido Isle. Next to Lido Isle is Lido Peninsula Resort on Lido Park Drive. A private manufactured home community of beach cottages on leased land with its own private beach and amenities, surrounded by three sides of the waters of Newport Bay and Marina. Ranging from $400,000 to $1.5 million with a monthly land lease fee ranging from approx. $2,400-$6,000. Another manufactured home community of all ages is called Bayside Village located in the heart of Newport Beach’s Back Bay. The “Village” fronts a 220 slip marina located adjacent to Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina. Prices also range from $400,000 to $1.5 million.

 

The most extravagant cliffside estates are found on the beaches of Corona Del Mar and the hills of Crystal Cove, with properties ranging from midsize beach homes starting at $5 million to magnificent haciendas overlooking the Pacific for $50 million. A new construction project in Crystal Cove with a completion date in 2025, is priced at $89 million.

 

Each area of Newport Beach boasts its own dining and shopping spots, but a few designer hubs stand out. Fashion Island, a large open-air mall, offers trendy retail, restaurants, and high-end grocery stores. South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa attracts visitors seeking the latest in high fashion. Balboa Peninsula features vibrant seaside dining, including celebrity favorites like Nobu. And for a touch of local humor, don't forget the banana stand on Balboa Island.

 

Newport Beach's Corona Del Mar High gained fame as the inspiration for "The Harbor School" in "The O.C." The school is part of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, which Niche rates an A overall. The city is also home to exceptional private schools, such as Sage Hill School, ranked No. 12 among California's best private high schools by Niche.

 

The Newport Beach Public Library's Cultural Arts Division supports a rotating program of art exhibits at local galleries and outdoor displays, enhancing the area's natural beauty. They host public concerts every summer at Civic Center Park, and the annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition showcases hundreds of works from local artists. The scenic Pacific Coast Highway runs through Newport Beach, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. For faster commutes, residents use the 405 for a 44-mile drive to LA, which typically takes about an hour but can double during rush hour. The closest airport is John Wayne Airport in the city's northwest corner, while Los Angeles International Airport is 43 miles away for international flights.

 

While floods are rare, homeowners close to the water may need flood insurance. The increasing risk of wildfires means many homes require wildfire insurance. Drought is a persistent issue, and residents are encouraged to follow water conservation regulations.

 

Newport Beach's property crime rates are slightly lower than the California average. Incidents are more common in high-traffic, tourist areas, while residential neighborhoods like Corona Del Mar experience minimal crime.