Why Live in Balboa Island
Balboa Island in Newport Beach is a compact, walkable neighborhood known for its boating culture and beach access. The island features private docks and is near the Balboa Yacht Basin and Newport Beach Yacht Club. Newport Bay, to the south, offers opportunities for deep-sea fishing and diving. Public beaches encircle the island, allowing for swimming and fishing, though they are narrow and have specific hours for dogs. A ferry ride south leads to Balboa Peninsula, home to the Balboa Pier, Newport Beach Pier, and the Balboa Fun Zone, a popular carnival area. Marine Avenue, the island’s commercial hub, is lined with shops, restaurants, and the famous frozen banana stands, Dad’s and Sugar 'n Spice. The Balboa Island Museum and local boutiques add to the charm. Events like the Balboa Island Community Garage Sale and Concert in the Park bring residents together. While there are no schools on the island, Lincoln Elementary and Corona Del Mar Middle and High School, both highly rated, are about 2 miles away on the mainland. The island's homes, ranging from 1920s cottages to modern builds, feature multiple stories, large patios, and bright colors, reflecting a quintessential beach vibe. Despite the high property prices, the median sale price is lower than neighboring areas. The island is accessible via a ferry to Balboa Peninsula or a bridge to the Pacific Coast Highway, though traffic can be heavy, especially in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Balboa Island a good place to live?
Balboa Island is a good place to live. Balboa Island is considered fairly walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Balboa Island has 1 park for recreational activities. It has a median age of 60. The average household income is $180,624 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 66.1% of residents. A majority of residents in Balboa Island are home owners, with 48.4% of residents renting and 51.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Balboa Island can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Balboa Island neighborhood guide.
Is Balboa Island, CA a safe neighborhood?
Balboa Island, CA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 3 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Balboa Island?
The median home price in Balboa Island is $4,445,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $889,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.77%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $23,110 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $990K a year to afford the median home price in Balboa Island. The average household income in Balboa Island is $181K.
What are the best public schools in Balboa Island?
The best public schools that serve Balboa Island are:
What are the best private schools in Balboa Island?
The best private schools that serve Balboa Island are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Balboa Island, Newport Beach, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Balboa Island, Newport Beach, CA?
Home Trends in Balboa Island, CA
On average, homes in Balboa Island, Newport Beach sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Balboa Island, Newport Beach over the last 12 months is $4,437,500, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$4,437,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$3,800,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$5,225,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$2,265
Number of Homes for Sale
15
Last 12 months Home Sales
65
Median List Price
$4,445,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
0%