With pristine waters and miles of sandy shorelines, Newport Beach CA has been the timeless beachfront destination of aspiring vacation homeowners everywhere. Throw in the cool coastal climate, sweeping ocean views, vibrant local hotspots, and affluent neighborhoods, and you’ve got every covetable perk in abundance.
But before finding out which beach house must-haves, let’s take a closer look at this beautiful Southern California city and everything it has to offer.
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NEWPORT BEACH, CA: A COASTAL PARADISE
Located in the coastal center of Orange County, Newport Beach boasts eight miles of picturesque beaches and boat-filled harbors. Built as a “new port” for a small settlement that arose following the Civil War, the town is now a sun-kissed destination for surfing, swimming, fishing, sailing, and competing in an array of aquatic sports.
With Los Angeles County to the north and San Diego County to the south, Newport Beach consistently attracts new residents in search of seaside properties showcasing the local allure. Spanning 53 square miles with a population of close to 84,000, Newport Beach delivers the very best of affluent seaside living with its hidden beachside gems, world-class shopping and dining, and fabulous homes.
10 MUST-HAVES FOR YOUR DREAM LUXURY COASTAL HOME
The amenities of a Newport Beach house are designed to reflect the city’s spectacular environment, live up to the dwellers’ standards, and showcase architectural genius. It goes without saying that all these add to the property’s appeal and value.
If you’re in the market for a Newport Beach home, check out these 10 beach house essentials for unmatched seaside living:
- Stunning views
Newport Beach is known and loved for its jaw-dropping vistas. The city’s sublime ocean and harbor views are enough to melt away stresses and put residents in a relaxed frame of mind.
Look for a Newport Beach home with balconies and windows that offer sweeping views of the beach or the bay, depending on your preference. Large picture windows also allow plenty of that California sunlight to stream in, brightening up the interior of the home and energizing the space.
Homes with million-dollar views including a sold Mediterranean oasis at Newport Coast are reasons people move here. The home features double French doors that open to a beautiful yard with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.
Inquire about Newport Beach homes for sale with stunning views.
- Direct water access
In Newport Beach, the Pacific Ocean offers both solace and excitement. Whether you plan to move here permanently or are in the market for a vacation home where you and your kids can spend weekends surfing or paddle boarding, owning a home by the shore is a must in this stunning waterfront city.
Living on a property that leads directly to the waters is a definite beach house must-have. You can choose a place by the harbor for easy access to your boat, but you can also opt for a home by the beach like this charmer at West Oceanfront, Newport Beach. Its generously-sized patio has a private gate that will take you to a stretch of sandy shores, extending your backyard to the beach. More property details here.
Inquire about Newport Beach homes for sale with the kind of water access you want.
- Outdoor living spaces
Outdoor living spaces Newport Beach’s sunny days and balmy nights allow residents more time to appreciate their gorgeous coastal town. Outdoor living areas furnished with the coziest sofas and sun loungers have become essential beach house amenities, a boon for homeowners who love to relax while listening to the waves crashing to the shore.
Properties like the Newport Coast home pictured above make the most of the city’s incredible weather. highlight the city’s ideal Mediterranean climate. Its custom backyard includes a spa, bar seating, a fire pit – a perfect place to wind down at the end of the day.
Inquire about Newport Beach homes for sale with amazing outdoor features.
- Exquisite interiors
A well-decorated coastal home in Newport Beach can make you feel like you’re always on vacation. Bright and airy rooms with design elements influenced by the beach’s natural beauty can create a serene aesthetic that will convince you to kick back, relax, and gaze into the marvelous ocean.
When searching for a property in Newport Beach, choose one that incorporates color palettes and materials inspired by the local landscape. Opt for homes with clean lines and classic styles that can give the space a timeless look, like this bayfront residence along Harbor Island Road. These properties make great blank canvases for customization and are guaranteed to look amazing even when mixed with other interior design styles.
Inquire property details for 13 Harbor Island, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
- Spacious gourmet kitchen
Extensive kitchens complete with gourmet stainless steel appliances are absolute beach house must-haves for buyers in Newport Beach. The city may offer highly rated dining options, but having a meal at home while admiring California’s glistening shores is a perk you’ll want to indulge in from time to time.
Aesthetics and functionality are two crucial factors to look at when checking out a beach house’s kitchen. Like this Mid-Century-style stunner in Big Canyon. The gourmet kitchen combines the ease of the iconic architectural style with the additional functionality today’s buyers want. Think state-of-the-art appliances, a dine-in kitchen island, and storage space for days.
Inquire about Newport Beach homes for sale with gourmet kitchens.
- Luxurious bathrooms
Spa-inspired bathrooms add to a Newport Beach home’s oasis-like feel. Spruced up with a rainfall or massage shower head, a designer vanity, and dim lighting, these lush bathrooms can make you feel like you’re at a five-star resort every day.
Or you may opt for the clean, sophisticated luxury of a retreat in a primary bedroom with two baths and dressing areas, as well as a sitting room. This bayfront home, completed in 2021, also has two kitchens (main and catering), a commercial elevator, and a private dock for a yacht in excess of 80 feet. View property details here.
Inquire about Newport Beach homes for sale with top-of-the-line bathrooms.
- Outdoor entertainment spaces
SOLD in NEWPORT BEACH: A 6-bed house with awesome outdoor features including a pool, a grass volleyball court, and all you see above It comes as no surprise that most entertainment and recreation spaces of homes in Newport Beach are located outdoors. These facilities encourage homeowners to make the most of the city’s sunny skies as they build lasting bonds with friends and family.
One of the sold properties in Newport Beach has an outdoor entertainment space that takes the cake. It features an outdoor living area, a wood-burning fireplace, a built-in barbecue, a pool, and a grass volleyball court. It’s the kind of space that begs friends and family over, whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grander celebration.
Inquire about Newport Beach homes for sale with awesome outdoor spaces.
- Fitness and wellness amenities
Oceanfront living is known to promote an active lifestyle. While swimming, surfing, and running are great outdoor activities, Newport Beach homeowners are just as keen on staying fit indoors. Which is why they often have home gyms furnished with their equipment of choice.
If yoga is your fitness jam, then a dedicated area is another beach house must-have. Bonus rooms can make for a great home yoga studio. Or find a home that offers one, like this bright and inviting space in a recently sold home.
- Smart home technology
Enhanced security, better temperature control, and customizable lighting are some of the many perks of finding a coastal home equipped with smart home technology. This innovative system powers keyless entry door locks, thermostats, and Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-ready lights that can simply improve your beachside living experience.
Like this contemporary masterpiece along Goldenrod Avenue in Corona del Mar, your future home in Newport Beach should have built-in speakers, security systems, and other handy features that can make living in a coastal town more comfortable and enjoyable.
Inquire about Newport Beach homes for sale equipped with smart home technology.
- Unparalleled privacy
An average of 6.9 million tourists visit Newport Beach annually. Residents have come to expect the seasonal influx to boost the local economy and fill the beaches and picturesque hotspots like Balboa Island.
Newport Beach residents who value their privacy year-round have chosen to live in the seclusion of gated communities. The quiet luxury of this home behind the gates of Fairway One, a prominent neighborhood at the Big Canyon, is one example. There are many more homes for sale in the gated enclaves of Newport Beach.
Inquire about the Newport Beach gated community that suits you best.
FINDING THE PERFECT BEACH HOMES FOR SALE IN NEWPORT BEACH, CA
Checking out houses for sale in Newport Beach, CA can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Listing your essential beach house amenities will help narrow your search. Look, too, to the area’s housing market to assess the value of the home.
To help you find your coastal home in Newport Beach, here’s what you need to know about its thriving real estate scene.
The Newport Beach, CA housing market
The Newport Beach, CA real estate market remains somewhat competitive in 2023. As of June 2023, the median listing price in the city was at $4.3 million or $1,600 per square foot. This meant a flat year-over-year rate. As of June, Newport Beach was also a seller’s market, with homes spending an average of 57 days on the market before getting sold. View updated stats here.
THE NEIGHBORHOODS OF NEWPORT BEACH
Exquisite is one word to describe many of the houses for sale in Newport Beach, CA. And their character comes to a large extent from the kind of neighborhood they’re in. There are an estimated 109 neighborhoods in Newport Beach, CA. Each boasts homes with architectural styles, as well as features and amenities definitive of the neighborhood and the homeowner’s own preferences.
Whether you like charming beach shacks or modern bungalows, opulent Mediterranean mansions or sleek condos, Newport Beach has the home – and the neighborhood – to suit your taste.
Here are some of the top Newport Beach neighborhoods to search for the ideal seaside retreat.
- Corona del Mar
Pacific Ocean views from a house for sale in Corona del Mar, Newport Beach Nicknamed the “Crown of the Sea,” Corona del Mar sits atop the cliffs of central Newport Beach’s coastline and offers sweeping ocean vistas. Often regarded as its own city, Corona del Mar is home to Fashion Island, a premier shopping center beloved by residents and tourists.
Learn more about Corona del Mar and browse houses for sale in the neighborhood
- Dover Shores
Laidback and family-friendly, Dover Shores is located in Newport Beach’s Back Bay. This neighborhood attracts people who want to live by the city’s preserved wetlands while still being a stone’s throw away from the beach.
Contact Realtor Georgina Jacobson about available houses for sale in Dover Shores
- Newport Coast
Nestled in the southern end of Newport Beach, Newport Coast is where the city’s natural beauty melds with the glamour of the contemporary architecture of homes that line its shores. Some of the most expensive homes in the county were built in Newport Coast, providing an escape from the bustle of the city’s tourist area.
Learn more about Newport Coast and browse houses for sale in the neighborhood
- Newport Harbor
Residents think of Newport Harbor as the “Jewel of Newport Beach” where boating enthusiasts take their yachts for a relaxing cruise. Among the largest recreational harbors in the US, this waterfront neighborhood houses eight mostly residential islands namely Balboa Island, Bay Island, Collins Island, Harbor Island, Lido Isle, Linda Isle, Little Balboa Island, and Newport Island.
Contact Realtor Georgina Jacobson about available houses for sale in Newport Harbor
- Newport Heights
Convenient access to the beach, harbor, schools, and shopping and dining districts make Newport Heights a sought-after neighborhood for families. Most homes in the area were built between 1940 and 1969, giving residents a glimpse of Newport Beach’s rich past.
Contact Realtor Georgina Jacobson about available houses for sale in Newport Heights
- Santa Ana Heights
Many move to Santa Ana Heights for friendlier prices and easy access to some of Orange County’s major roads. Annexed into Newport Beach in two segments in 2002 and 2008, the community is known for having equestrian-type properties with large acreage.
Contact Realtor Georgina Jacobson about available houses for sale in Santa Ana Heights
OWNING VS. INVESTING IN A NEWPORT BEACH LUXURY BEACH HOUSE
Houses for sale in Newport Beach, CA continue to be at a premium due to the city’s resort-like feel and year-round sunny weather. While most house hunters are direct buyers of primary residences and vacation homes, many are also on the hunt for investment properties.
Here are the benefits of owning a house to live in vs. to make a profit on.
Perks of being a homeowner
Being a Newport Beach resident gives you the privilege of its gorgeous location..
Moreover, owning a Newport Beach property can strengthen and diversify your financial portfolio. Niche also ranks Newport Beach as:
- #9 Best Places to Retire in California
- #25 Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in California
- #46 Best Places to Live in California
Perks of being an investor
In general, oceanfront homes are harder to come by because of geographical limits and zoning requirements. Therefore, oceanfront houses are less readily available on the market, which accounts for their higher prices.
The low housing supply may be a disadvantage for buyers, but it presents opportunities for investors, who can:
- Buy high but sell even higher
- Turn the home into a rental, subject to community rules
- Subdivide lots or build additional housing on single-zoned lots based on Senate Bill 9 or the California H.O.M.E. Act
As of June 2023, the average rental rate in the area is $6,500, which is $4,000 more than the national average.
THE SUN, SEA, AND SAND AWAIT IN NEWPORT BEACH, CA
Realtor Georgina Jacobson and her team of outstanding real estate professionals can find you your dream home and neighborhood in the breathtaking paradise that is Newport Beach. With our unparalleled expertise and experience, we can find a luxury property endowed with more than just beach house essentials.
Explore your beach home options in Newport Beach! Call the Georgina Jacobson Group at 949.285.8380 or contact us here to discover the gorgeous houses for sale in Newport Beach, CA.