Section Image

Central Newport Beach

Central Newport Beach

$4,150,065 Average Value
$314 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Beach vibes, luxury lifestyle on Balboa Peninsula

When people think of a California beach town, they probably think of Central Newport Beach. This downtown is famous for its Newport Pier, surf shops and swimsuit-accepting restaurants. “You’re on a permanent vacation here,” says Ellen Berry, a Realtor with First Team Real Estate and the Berry Best Real Estate Team. She works in the area and visits its commercial district often. “It’s endless with the amount of outdoor and entertainment options, and it’s so easy to walk around.” Walking near the pier on the neighborhood’s west side, McFadden Square has landmarks like the Centennial Legacy Project sphere and the Ben Carlson statue. Tourists can fill the square and the rest of the beachfront, especially in summer, but locals mostly live outside of this district. Upscale homes stretch east along the peninsula, facing Newport Bay or the Pacific Ocean. “You have a lot of short-term residents here, and maybe this is their second, third or fourth home,” Berry says. “They pop in and out, but neighbors still know each other and go out on the boat.”
In Central Newport Beach, Newport Bay homes often come with docks with boats or yachts.
In Central Newport Beach, Newport Bay homes often come with docks with boats or yachts.
People enjoy the radiant sunsets on the beach at Central Newport Beach.
People enjoy the radiant sunsets on the beach at Central Newport Beach.
1/2

Enjoying the water: Newport Beach and Newport Harbor

With roughly 10 miles of white sand, Newport Beach is the reason most people come here. Tourists can pack this beach in summer, but locals have more room in the off season. Sand volleyball, surfing and basketball are just a few of the outdoor options here, and the Newport Pier is a popular fishing spot. Marina Park is on the neighborhood’s north side too. This 10-acre green space has a fitness circuit and a nautical-themed playground with a lighthouse slide. It also has views of the largest recreational harbor on the West Coast, Newport Harbor. Sailboats, yachts and other vessels usually fill the bay, and private docks line the nearby shore. The American Legion Yacht Club and Newport Harbor Yacht Club are the closest clubs to the neighborhood, but others are scattered around the bay.
You can see various birds feeding on the beach in Central Newport Beach.
You can see various birds feeding on the beach in Central Newport Beach.
Surfers line up in the ocean hoping to catch the perfect wave in Central Newport Beach.
Surfers line up in the ocean hoping to catch the perfect wave in Central Newport Beach.
1/2

Lively restaurants and shops in downtown Newport Beach

Downtown Newport Beach is a walkable district of restaurants and shops, clustered around Newport Pier. The Blue Beet, Blackie’s by the Sea and other bars have been here since the 1950s or earlier, as their crowded, portrait-filled walls suggest. “They’re not just for nightlife,” Berry says. “These places pop off all day with tourists and locals, and it can be hard to find a table.” The Crab Cooker is just as old, a bright-red building with a shark hanging from the ceiling. They’re known for their seafood market and paper plates. Surf shops are closest to the beach, but a Pavilions supermarket is about a half mile up the peninsula. In this northern area, West Marine has nautical supplies, and Lido Marina Village has upscale boutiques. Balboa Fun Zone has carnival rides and fair food on the peninsula's eastern side.
Dory Deli on the Newport Peninsula is a popular oceanfront restaurant with American-style food.
Dory Deli on the Newport Peninsula is a popular oceanfront restaurant with American-style food.
Several bars and restaurants lined up in Central Newport Beach have views of the ocean.
Several bars and restaurants lined up in Central Newport Beach have views of the ocean.
1/2

A seaside tradition: Dory Fishing Fleet & Market

Though waterside shops have come and gone over the years, one institution remains a constant. Dory Fishing Fleet & Market has been around since 1891, when a Portuguese fisherman decided to sell his catch on the beach. He used a pointed, high-walled boat called a dory, which can be pushed off the sand and directly onto the water. Other fishermen soon joined him, and they all used these traditional dorys. While motors have been attached since then, these boats are still in use today. The fleet is the last remaining beachside fishing cooperative of its kind in the United States. It’s grown to around 15 fishermen, and many of them are fathers and sons. The market is open from Wednesday through Sunday, and the catch depends on the day. It’s probably best to arrive in the early morning, around 6:00; lines can get long, and fish might sell out.
The Dory Fishing Fleet & Market in Central Newport Beach has fresh seafood early mornings.
The Dory Fishing Fleet & Market in Central Newport Beach has fresh seafood early mornings.
The Newport Beach Certified Farmers Market has fresh produce and other vendors to shop.
The Newport Beach Certified Farmers Market has fresh produce and other vendors to shop.
1/2

Yachting events in Central Newport Beach, others around the city

Visible from Marina Park, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights has been brightening the harbor since the early 1900s. People decorate their yachts with everything from inflatable penguins to LED volcanos and drive them around the bay for all to see. In Lido Marina Village, the Newport Beach International Boat Show is another event in April that features over 200 vessels and gets over 20,000 visitors. Newport Beach’s Fireworks Extravaganza isn’t on the peninsula, but only a couple of miles north, it’s visible from the shore.
Homes in Central Newport Beach aren't too far from the water, and many have docks and boats.
Homes in Central Newport Beach aren't too far from the water, and many have docks and boats.
Central Newport Beach has or is near several yacht clubs for those who own boats.
Central Newport Beach has or is near several yacht clubs for those who own boats.
1/2

Luxury properties with Newport Bay, Pacific Ocean views

Homes in Central Newport Beach make the most of the location. Painted in light colors, these properties often have patios or second-story verandas to view the water, and their abundant windows let in the sunlight. Homes on the northern shore have views of Newport Bay, and each one has a private dock. In the south, homes face the Pacific, and they’re closer to Newport Beach. Single-family properties start at $2.2 million on the peninsula’s interior but can reach $12.1 million on the waterfront. Duplexes are in the bottom half of this range, between $2.2 million and $6 million. Some condos are on the neighborhood’s eastern and western ends, and they’re between $1.6 million and $5.2 million.
In Central Newport Beach, homes lined up along the beach are prized for their ocean views.
In Central Newport Beach, homes lined up along the beach are prized for their ocean views.
Bay Island is a secluded area in Central Newport Beach where boats are the main access.
Bay Island is a secluded area in Central Newport Beach where boats are the main access.
1/2

All As for Newport-Mesa Unified Schools

Newport Elementary is central in the neighborhood and scores an A from Niche. About 3 miles north onto the mainland, Ensign Intermediate and Newport Harbor High both get As as well. The high school’s BRIDGES club meets weekly to improve human relations on campus and encourage different perspectives.
Newport Beach Elementary welcomes young learners in Newport Beach, CA.
Newport Beach Elementary welcomes young learners in Newport Beach, CA.
The courses at Newport Harbor High School challenge students to learn and grow.
The courses at Newport Harbor High School challenge students to learn and grow.
1/2

Path next to Newport Beach, parking and traffic difficulties

Central Newport Beach is less than a square mile. It’s highly walkable and bikeable, and a paved path follows the beach for almost the entire length of the peninsula. However, most people have a car to access the mainland and other parts of Los Angeles. Balboa Boulevard is the main thoroughfare across the peninsula, and it can clog with tourist traffic in the summer. Parking is also difficult around this time, but a public lot is right next to Newport Pier. An alternative to driving, the Balboa Peninsula Trolley operates along Balboa Boulevard. It’s free and runs on weekends from June to September.
Matt Medl
Written By
Matt Medl
Ling Ge
Photography Contributed By
Ling Ge

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Keven Stirdivant, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

John Wayne/Orange County

14 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Central Newport Beach US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Central Newport Beach Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$530,000
Median Sale Price
$475,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$475,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$1,060,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
85
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
38%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$314

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
708
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1938
Months of Supply
0.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,798
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,492
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,402
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
978
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,613

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Keven Stirdivant, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
3,879
Median Age
44
Population under 18
14.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.4%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$195,659
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$199,348

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
100%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
52.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.8%
% Population in Labor Force
64.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
9''
Average Winter Low Temperature
50°F
Average Summer High Temperature
72°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

68 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

63 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

25 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Central Newport Beach neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Central Newport Beach