$4,758,952Average Value$2,161Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
One of the only island communities in Los Angeles
This island is offshore, Orange County luxury. “When someone says Balboa Island, I think prestige,” says Josh Post, who sails in the area. He’s a local YouTuber and a retired lawyer for the U.S. Navy. “It’s so small and exclusive, and it’s only about 100 yards from the mainland. The beauty of living here is that you can walk a few blocks, and you’re at the beach.” Public beaches and private docks line its perimeter, and the surrounding harbors are full of boats. That’s because about 3,000 outdoorsy people call this island home, and many others rent for vacation. About 7 million tourists come to the area every year, drawn by the beaches and the Marine Avenue downtown district. Balboa Island has roughly a quarter square mile of land mass, though, so this street and others can get crowded. It also has one of the highest population densities in the country — higher than New York or Los Angeles overall. Multistory homes, tropical foliage and car-lined curbs all cram together in this harborside community.
Keeping boats in Beacon and Newport bays, public shoreline
Boating is one of the most common pastimes here. In addition to the island’s private docks, Balboa Yacht Basin, Newport Beach Yacht Club and other clubs are just north across Beacon Bay. On the south side, Newport Bay is larger and holds even more boats. This bay eventually spits out into the Pacific Ocean for deep-sea fishing and diving. For those who don’t have a boat, Balboa Island is ringed by sand, and all beaches are public. They’re only wide enough for a few people, and dogs are only allowed in the mornings and evenings. Still, swimming and fishing are permitted. Other popular spots are a ferry ride south on Balboa Peninsula. This area has both the Balboa Pier and Newport Beach Pier, in addition to the much-wider Newport Beach. Many tourists come here for the Balboa Fun Zone, a carnival district with Ferris wheels and funnel cake.
The tight-knit community on Balboa Island makes it more than just a destination.
Balboa Island’s walkable streets are ideal for soaking in the coastal charm.
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Beach cottages and contemporaries on Balboa Island
Homes on Balboa Island have the quintessential beach vibe: multiple stories, abundant windows, large patios and bright colors. They’re also close together with minimal yards, considering the size of the island. Despite these similarities, some properties are cottages built in the 1920s, while others are contemporaries from the 2020s. Renovations and square footage can influence price, but the main driver is water proximity. Single-family homes start at $3.4 million but can reach $10.6 million on the waterfront. Duplexes are between $3.1 million and $4.9 million. All these prices may seem high, but the median sale price on the island is less than neighboring Balboa Peninsula Point and Bayside.
Balboa Island offers beautiful contemporary homes right on the waterfront.
Balboa Island offers beautiful multi-level craftsman homes perfect for modern living.
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Quaint downtown on Marine Avenue
Marine Avenue is not just the island’s commercial center, filled with walkable shops and restaurants. It’s also the site of a heated — well, frozen — rivalry. Dad’s and Sugar 'n Spice both started in the 1940s and claim to have the original frozen banana, a sweet treat topped with chocolate, nuts or other toppings. These walk-up restaurants are a hot topic among locals who might favor one or the other. Tourists often come to try the signature banana, too, and walk the district overall. “In the summer, roughly 80% of the people on that street are tourists,” Post says. “But the people that live there know each other since everything is really small.” Clothing boutiques such as Crush Clothing and Isabelle’s Cabinet are nearby, and the Irvine Ranch Market is a local grocer on the district’s south side. Balboa Island Museum is also here with exhibits about yacht clubs, sailing and Newport’s own John Wayne. Several other businesses are toward the ferry, on the island’s west side. About a mile north into mainland Newport Beach, Fashion Island is an outdoor mall with nearly 200 retailers.
Marine Avenue on Balboa Island is a treasure trove of charming shops and eateries.
Balboa Island residents can head to nearby Marine Avenue for a variety of restaurants.
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Balboa Island Community Garage Sale and other events
The Balboa Island Community Garage Sale happens in April, with about 70 sellers in 2024. Concert in the Park is a recurring summer series in Balboa Island Park, a small green space on the island’s west side. While Newport Beach’s Fireworks Extravaganza isn’t directly on the island, it’s about a mile north at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. The city hosts many other events throughout the year.
Balboa Pier provides the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or fishing adventure.
Newport Beach is the go-to spot for diverse shopping and dining experiences.
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All As for schools in mainland Newport Beach
Balboa Island doesn’t have any schools, so students have to travel to the mainland. Lincoln Elementary is only about 2 miles east, though, and it gets an A from Niche. Corona Del Mar Middle and High School is about 2 miles north of the island and scores another A. Students at the high school level can apply to Peer Assistance and Leadership, or PALs. This is a mentorship program that pairs freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors together for community service and other events.
Lincoln Elementary School has dozens of effective and excellent teachers and staff.
Considered a National Blue Ribbon School, Corona Del Mar High School is an excellent choice.
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Ferry to Balboa Peninsula, tourist traffic
At less than a quarter square mile, Balboa Island is highly walkable. Most streets have sidewalks, and a walking path goes around the shoreline. Biking is also popular, especially on side streets such as North and South Bay Front. This is a small island, though, and most people commute to mainland Newport Beach for work. The island’s south side has a ferry that goes to Balboa Peninsula and its Fun Zone; the north side has a bridge along Marine Avenue that leads to the Pacific Coast Highway. This two-lane bridge is the most common entry point, and it often backs up with traffic. Summertime tourists can increase these backups and decrease on-street parking opportunities.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Balboa Island
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Balboa Island Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Balboa Island, Newport Beach sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Balboa Island, Newport Beach over the last 12 months is $4,037,500, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION on this amazing Balboa Island Waterfront Opportunity on the Bay and Boardwalk with its own Private Dock! This treasured family home at the "Quiet End" of Balboa Island presents a rare 35-foot-wide Bayfront lot, including 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a possible 4th bedroom on the first floor. From both inside and outside the home, there are unparalleled water views at any time of
Exceptional Showcase Yale Cottage on Peaceful and Serene Little Balboa Island. Built by Leon Yale, the preeminent builder of the 30’s and 40’s, this home proudly bears his imprint and all the charm of yesteryear. Just down the block from the South Bayfront, this lovingly maintained cottage features 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, and a sleeping loft. Approaching the home through the Dutch door, the great
New Co-Ownership Opportunity: Own one-eighth of this turnkey home, professionally managed by Pacaso. Breezy days await you at Balboa Promenade, a beautifully designed, charming home perched along Balboa Island's main walking route. Step out on your patio for epic people-watching and enjoy an easy 1.5-mile loop around the canal, or take a Duffy for a ride out and see the iconic surf spot, The
Wonderful Balboa Island Mid-Century Cottage in the 100 block of Onyx, one block to the Village Center, on a quiet one-way street steps from the South Bayfront. The first level showcases a living room with brick fireplace, kitchen and dining areas opening to a side patio, and a rare first floor bedroom with adjacent bath. The second level showcases a huge primary bedroom suite with fireplace and a
Experience the charm of Balboa Island in this fabulous 5 bedroom 4 bathroom home, perfect for seasonal family gatherings. This unique offering includes two separate homes, providing ample space for large families. Located on the quaint Little Island you're just a short stroll from local shops and delightful restaurants. Enjoy the best of Balboa Island with convenience, comfort, and warm, inviting
This 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom two-story is a stunning Balboa Island property with a waterfront patio, private sitting dock, enclosed interior patio with brand new Coleman gas grill and smoker to enhance your al fresco dining experiences. The newly remodeled chef’s kitchen boasts marble counter tops, a subzero refrigerator, Viking, Wolf microwave, gas top stove and oven, Bosch dishwasher. The home
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