In our latest In the Know feature, we speak to Cassie French by The Agency in Corona del Mar to get her hands-on perspective of this coveted coastal enclave – from what sets Newport Beach apart from other SoCal beach cities to the buyer behavior, architectural styles and micro-neighborhoods that drive demand today.
How does Newport Beach differ from other beach communities in Southern California?
Newport Beach stands out from other Southern California beach communities for so many reasons, but the biggest is Newport Harbor. It is the crown jewel of the city – one of the largest leisure ports in the country – and what makes it truly unique is the way it is directly interwoven with everyday life. Homes, restaurants, boutiques, yacht clubs and marinas line the waterfront, creating a lifestyle where you’re as likely to cruise past someone’s porch on a paddleboard as a megayacht on its way to dinner.
Unlike most coastal towns, where the beach is the only focal point, Newport offers a lot of ways to be on the water. You can grab a Duffy for sunset cocktails, surf the Wedge, spend the day sailing, paddle boarding/kayaking, or literally dine at one of the restaurants on the waterfront as boats float by. Visitors love it because there is so much to do, and residents love it because this is just… everyday life.
Away from the harbour, the lifestyle is second to none. People walk or bike to their favorite coffee shops and restaurants, like Lido Marina, and each neighborhood – from Newport Heights to Port Streets to Balboa Peninsula – has its own close-knit, friendly atmosphere. Maybe it’s the sunshine. Maybe it’s the ocean air. Or maybe it’s the fact that everyone secretly knows they’ve hit the jackpot by living here… but the people really are some of the happiest and warmest you’ll ever meet.
And then there’s everything else:
- World-class dining and shopping bee Fashion Island
- Oceanfront restaurants in Crystal Cove, such as Mastros, Javier’sAnd A restaurant
- Nightlife bee The Pendry, The silent womanAnd Lido Marina village
- Schools with the highest rating in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar
- Living outside-surfing, running the Back Bay, biking to Balboa, evening walks on the harbor, yacht clubs, pickleball, volleyball… if it happens outside, we do it here
And personally, being part of the boating community has shown me a perspective on Newport that continues to amaze me. We go out with friends and family on the weekend in our 15 meter long boat, sail past the harbor houses and every time I am reminded that 99% of the world will never experience something like this. It’s magic. It’s humiliating. And you feel incredibly blessed to be able to call Newport Beach your home.
That’s what sets Newport apart: it’s more than a seaside resort. It’s a complete lifestyle, wrapped in luxury, community, sunshine and that indescribable feeling you get when you’re on the water.
What’s driving buyer interest in Newport Beach right now?
Within Orange County: Sure, people moving from inland OC suburbs or older homes (e.g. Irvine, Eastside Costa Mesa – which is generally seen as an entry-level area where you can have the same lifestyle but pay less. Once people are financially able to take the step up in life, they move to Newport, or maybe Lake Forest, if they want the coastal upgrade.
From Los Angeles/the Westside: I see wealthier buyers trading the traffic and density of LA for the quiet and prestige of the coast of Orange County.
From the Bay Area/Silicon Valley: There is some migration to SoCal for lifestyle, climate and housing options.
Out of state: Although the volume is smaller, some buyers coming to Newport Beach come from metro areas further away. For example, Redfin data shows that ~4% of home seekers in Newport Beach came from other metro areas (e.g. Houston, Boston, Washington).
Are there homes that are currently in high demand?
Homes with character are popular, but also new construction. Mainly new construction by well-known architects and developers.
For architects, the favorites list includes: Brandon Architects, one of the most recognizable names in modern coastal architecture. Known for the sleek indoor and outdoor living, the glass walls, the warm wood tones and the houses that feel as if a design magazine has come to life. They have a large footprint in Corona del Mar, Newport Heights and Balboa Peninsula.
Eric Olsen design is a leader in organic modern California. Think of earthy textures, clean lines, artisanal details, harmony between indoors and outdoors and spaces that feel soulful and warm.
Mark Teale is known for the luxury of coastal California: light, airy, high-end finishes and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Popular in Corona del Mar and Nieuwpoort coast.
Which Newport Beach neighborhoods are most in demand right now, and why?
Newport Heights
Located between 17th Street and PCH, this community is known for its walkability and proximity to shopping and restaurants. I live here and I take my golf cart to the grocery store or go to the peninsula on a hot day and stop at restaurants. It has an atmosphere of coastal living that is relaxed but also elevated.
Lido Island
Because of its exclusivity, as most tourists or people don’t come into the community if they don’t live there. In fact, many famous people live on Lido Island, and you would have no idea about it. It is known for its prestige at the harbor or on the island: mooring and sailing all in your backyard. You also have access to a clubhouse, private beach access and tennis courts. The Port Streets are known as one of the most popular family-friendly enclaves in Newport Beach. They have tree-lined streets, green spaces, parks and clubhouse-style amenities. There is also a top-rated elementary school (Andersen Elementary School), which increases the appeal for families. It’s practical and everyone knows your name. Local architecture consists of comfortable newer style houses (or renovated houses) with garden space and a good layout for family living
Dover coasts
Family-friendly reputation: good schools, walking distance to parks/trails, a ‘relaxed luxury’ feel rather than ultra-flashy. It also has a strong investment advantage as many buyers always want to buy in this area. The biggest setback is the airplane noise since you are very close to John Wayne Airport.
Do you see new types of buyers entering the market?
Not really, it’s mainly people who move within the community or buy a second home. Lots of new construction, both investors and homeowners who want to build their dream home.
What new developments or properties should buyers have on their radar?
There is no new country or anything like that. All of the newer developments are in South Orange County and Irvine.
Do you have any recent market data or statistics that illustrate notable changes in prices, inventory or demand for Newport Beach real estate?
It has essentially been a buyer’s market for the past year. That’s a huge shift compared to years before.
What advice would you give to buyers looking to secure a home in this competitive market?
In a market as competitive as Newport Beach, the best advice I can give buyers is simple: work with a driven, well-connected local agent who truly lives and breathes this market. This isn’t the kind of community where you just brush up on Zillow and magically find your dream home.
The truth is, a large percentage of Newport’s luxury properties are bought and sold off-market – long before they ever reached the MLS. The agents who consistently secure these opportunities are the ones who are deeply entrenched here: the ones who know the other top agents, the pocket listings, the sellers who are “considering selling,” and the luxury owners who only transact privately.
In Newport Beach you buy walkability, the harbor, beach access, schools, a micro-neighborhood atmosphere and a lifestyle that people fly here for. Knowing which neighborhoods fit your lifestyle goals can help you compete strategically.
For more insight into current market trends and the world’s most dynamic real estate destinations, browse our other In the Knows:
Why millennials are moving to Bend, Oregon;
Who is buying property in Barcelona now?; Why Buyers Love Steamboat Springs, Colorado;
And The current home market for golf courses, from Palm Beach to Palm Springs.
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