Why Live in Catalina Island
Catalina Island's Avalon neighborhood, located on the eastern side of the island, is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor attractions. The popular South and Middle beaches, adjacent to the retail center, are frequented by tourists, while the Green Pleasure Pier offers fishing, boat tours, and leisurely strolls. Descanso Beach Club provides opportunities for kayaking, zip-lining, and relaxing in cabanas by the Pacific Ocean. For a quieter experience, Lovers Cove is ideal for snorkeling and diving. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore numerous trails, including the nearly 40-mile Trans-Catalina Trail, where sightings of the island's bison herd and endemic foxes are common. The Mediterranean climate ensures mild winters and warm summers, perfect for year-round outdoor activities. Avalon features a vibrant shopping district along Crescent Avenue, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, including Luau Larry’s tiki bar and Bluewater Avalon seafood restaurant. The Catalina Museum for Art & History and the Avalon Theatre are notable cultural attractions. Avalon School serves K-12 students and offers specialized courses in hospitality and tourism. Transportation within Avalon is primarily via golf carts and electric shuttles, with ferry services provided by Catalina Express to Long Beach. The area has a low crime risk compared to the national average. Housing options range from close-set single-family homes in central Avalon to condos and bluff-side homes with ocean views, reflecting the neighborhood's appeal as both a residential and vacation destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Catalina Island a good place to live?
Catalina Island is a good place to live. Catalina Island is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Catalina Island is a neighborhood with a crime score of 1, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. Catalina Island has 6 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 37. The average household income is $110,570 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 31.6% of residents. A majority of residents in Catalina Island are renters, with 95.5% of residents renting and 4.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Catalina Island can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Catalina Island neighborhood guide.
Is Catalina Island, CA a safe neighborhood?
Catalina Island, CA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 1 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Catalina Island?
The median home price in Catalina Island is $7,750,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $1,550,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.22%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $38,050 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $2M a year to afford the median home price in Catalina Island. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Catalina Island is $111K.
What are the best public schools in Catalina Island?
The best public schools that serve Catalina Island are:
- Avalon K-12 has a B Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 15:1 and an average review score of 3.8.
What are the most popular zip codes in Catalina Island, Avalon, CA?
The most popular zip code in Catalina Island, Avalon, CA is
90704.
Home Trends in Catalina Island, CA
On average, homes in Catalina Island, Avalon sell after 118 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Catalina Island, Avalon over the last 12 months is $7,500,000, up 262% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$7,500,000
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
1
Median List Price
$7,750,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
262%