Newport Heights

 

 

Newport Heights is an upscale neighborhood located within the boundaries of the city of Newport Beach. Its borders are generally recognized as the area encompassed by 16th Street (to the North), Dover Drive (to the East), Pacific Coast Highway (to the South), and Newport Blvd/55 Freeway (to the West).

 

As its name implies, Newport Heights sits high atop a cliff above PCH and is known for its incredible ocean vistas as well as its view of the popular “Mariners Mile” stretch of highway that it directly overlooks.

 

Residents on the Eastern side of the neighborhood have views of not only the ocean, but the beautiful and serene Newport Back Bay Preserve as well.

 

Homes in this territory span from prestigious luxury customs to high-end, yet affordable condos. Properties here are known for their elegance and are considered by most as the ultimate in luxurious oceanic lifestyle.

 

 

Living in Newport Heights offers a nautical lifestyle that includes some of the best surfing waves anywhere in the Pacific, boating of all kinds for all tastes, and the fishing is – well, just make sure you bring a rod big enough to reel in the typical catch of the day.

 

Finding a perfect home to suit your needs and budget in this area can be a bit of a challenge. The neighborhood is one of the smaller ones in Newport Beach, meaning that inventory is limited, but taking time to evaluate the costs and benefits of undertaking a move to such a rich and lavish locale should be your first order of business when considering an investment in coastal real estate of this type.

 

 

The good news is, there are very few problems with Newport Heights homes. For those looking for the beach lifestyle, this area suits most of your needs. It’s far enough away from the shore that you won’t have to endure the beach crowds, issues with parking, or problems associated with renters and college students. It’s close enough though that you’re only a few minutes’ drive from either Newport Beach or The Wedge (for avid surfers).

 

On the other hand, you won’t be living right on the beach. That’s fine for some, but those who absolutely need a beachfront residence will have to look in other areas. In that case, the Balboa Peninsula or Corona Del Mar might be more your speed. Newport Heights is positioned as more of a suburb off the main areas along the shoreline in the city of Newport Beach.

 

Being one of the more central and accessible neighborhoods in Newport Beach, residents of this area have easy access to all of the amenities that much of the coastal residents of the city enjoy in neighboring Newport Harbor, Balboa Island, and on the Balboa Peninsula. It’s adjacent to the 55 freeway as well as PCH, so commuters will have no problem finding a quick and easy route to-and-from work each day.

 

 

As mentioned above, this is a high-end, exclusive neighborhood with ocean views. That means you’ll have to have some funds available to buy in this part of town. While it will cost slightly less to live in this neighborhood as compared to those resting on the coastline, be prepared to shell out nearly as much to live this close to the water.

 

Currently, condos start in the low $600K range. That will get you 2 beds and 2 baths with approximately 1,200 square feet. The good news is, as with many of the luxury homes on the hill, many of these condos have balconies with amazing views of both the harbor and the ocean.

 

Larger, custom homes and/or manors will run homebuyers anywhere from the mid $1M range for 2 beds, 3 baths and 1,600 square feet to well beyond the $6M mark for properties with 5 beds, 7 baths, and 8,000 square feet situated on spacious lots with tons of yard space and spectacular views.

 

These current estimates shouldn’t scare you away though. There is a wide array of affordable real estate right now in Newport Heights that is priced all along the $600K to $6M spectrum, with the majority listed at less than $2M.

 

 

As with all of the neighborhoods in this part of the county, the answer is yes, then double-yes. As mentioned previously, Newport Heights residents are moments away from all of the amenities that those on the coast and in the harbor enjoy.

 

It’s a short drive from both Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza, as well as the myriad of shopping available in Costa Mesa and the South Coast Metro area. Coastal towns in Newport Beach also have the distinction of being at the heart of some the best boutique shopping in all of Orange County. Down here, you’ll find unique galleries, high-end clothing, world-class spas and salons, as well as some of the finest specialty stores the west coast has to offer.

 

Dining along this stretch of PCH is also second to none. Restaurants like Pizzeria Mozza, Garlic Jo’s, The Winery, and Billy’s at the Beach aren’t only local favorites, but some of the most highly regarded restaurants and eateries in all of Orange County – with great views of the harbor too!

 

Residents are also right across the 55 freeway from Hoag Memorial Hospital which provides world class care among a multitude of medical and surgical specialties and is ranked as one of the top 20 hospitals in California by U.S. News and World Report.

 

 

Keeping in mind the fair to steep investment that it takes to get into a property on a prime piece of Newport Beach such as this, affordability needs to be an initial consideration that can make that decision for you.

 

However, if this spot is in your price range, it would definitely be worth your while to put this neighborhood on the short list of places to visit the next weekend you have time to peruse properties down by the shore.

 

Its awe-inspiring views are unmatched anywhere in the county. This really is the place for those who enjoy sitting out on the patio or balcony to enjoy the daily sunset. It’s relatively quiet and not very crowded. You can move around easily and get to where you need to go without the hassle of traffic or having to take long, roundabout journeys to get to the freeway.

 

The beach with all of its marine activities is a stone’s throw to the south. Shopping, dining, and entertainment are some of the best anywhere to be found and are right at your fingertips.

 

For the money and for its magnificent location, you’d likely never regret a move to a neighborhood as impressive and lovely as Newport Heights.