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Peninsula
Point,
which runs from F Street down to the Wedge, is considered
the most desirable area (and the prices reflect that). It
is a neighborhood of year-round owners, with few rentals.
Oceanfront homes are right on the beach, with sand dunes outside
the front door. Some homes expand their front area (with city
lease agreements) out into the sand with gardens. Jetty Park,
featuring the world-famous body-surfing spot, The Wedge, is
in Peninsula Point.
Many people ask about the commute from Peninsula Point, but
this is mainly an issue during the summer, particularly during
the prime beachgoing hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Otherwise,
this is a quiet, spectacular location, with a variety of ocean,
bay and city light views.
West
Newport extends
from the Santa Ana River jetty near the Newport Beach-Huntington
Beach border up to 36th Street. The area features the advantage
of proximity to the Coast Highway—turn off the highway and
you can be home in just a couple minutes, with the surf practically
right at your door. There are more duplexes in this area.
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Balboa
Pier and Balboa: The area
between 13th Street and the end of the Boardwalk at F Street
includes a variety of unique features: You’re close to the
ferry that takes you to Balboa Island, there’s a large recreational
grassy area where bands often play during the summer, and
this is the only place on the entire Peninsula where you can
have a barbecue right on the beach—with plenty of parking
for your guests. There are more vacation properties here,
and the beaches are wider in this part of the peninsula.
Newport Pier: Affectionately
known by residents as “Party Central,” this lively area in
the heart of the Peninsula has the highest concentration of
winter and summer rentals, and is where most people come to
play. (Understandably, there’s a premium for properties with
parking and garage space.) It’s great for people-watching,
and is very convenient to the 55 Freeway. This is also where
you’ll find the least expensive oceanfront property—the same
house will cost less here than on Peninsula Point, for example.
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The
two D’s of bayfront properties are “direction” and “docks”:
which direction does the home face, and does it have a boat
dock?
First,
direction.
There’s always a premium on properties facing west—after all,
who wouldn’t want to watch the sunset? In addition, some of
the most highly valued properties have views of the turning
basin, the large open area of harbor where boats head out
to lower Newport Bay or Lido Channel or Beacon Bay. The turning
basin is the place to be during the Christmastime boat parade:
the parade starts right here.
Properties
on Balboa Island and Little Island
face the smaller turning basin at the confluence of the entrance
channel and Newport Bay. This is a great scenic-view area.
(Speaking of islands, don’t forget another rule of thumb:
the smaller the island, the fewer the homes, the higher the
price.)
Not
all bayfront properties have docks.
On Lido Island, for example, some homes have sandy beaches
but no docks. And not all docks are created equal. There are
large ones and small ones. Some bayfront homes have double-sided
docks, with two properties sharing one dock. Other homes have
no docks, but instead have mooring cans. In other words, if
you’re moving to Newport and bringing a boat, you’ll need
to look for a house with the type of dock you need.
And
if you do have a boat, you’ll also want to consider motoring
times.
Motoring from the end of the channel to the end of the jetty
can take about 45 minutes—if you’re abiding by the 5-knot
rule!
There
are other bayfront homes farther from the main harbor.
The Balboa Coves and Upper Newport Bay areas each require
boating under a bridge, so if you have a sailboat, you have
to be able to step the mast. Upper Newport Bay has some beautiful
city light views, great views of Back Bay, the Upper Bay areas
and the lights of Fashion Island.
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