Surf City USA: The Best Places to Live in Huntington Beach, California
When it comes to choosing the best place to live in Huntington Beach or another city, you have many choices in Southern California.
With its nickname “Surf City USA,” world-renowned beaches, and a quality of life that’s hard to match, it’s no wonder this city along the Pacific Coast Highway is a popular spot for those seeking a slice of coastal paradise.
Huntington Beach is a Slice of Southern California Bliss
Huntington Beach is located just a short drive from the bustling cities of Costa Mesa, Long Beach, and even Los Angeles.
Its excellent location along the beautiful Southern California coastline offers residents easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, including Huntington State Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, and Sunset Beach.

The Best Neighborhoods in Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is an incredibly diverse city, and its various neighborhoods each have their own unique charm. Here’s a closer look at some of the best neighborhoods to consider calling home:
1. Downtown Huntington Beach is awesome if you love the energy and vibe of cities. Main Street is like the heartbeat, with cool restaurants, shops, live music, and the iconic pier, and living here means fully embracing the true Surf City USA culture.
2. If you dream of living right on the water, check out Huntington Harbour Homes. This gorgeous neighborhood has homes with private docks for direct access to the peaceful Bolsa Chica Wetlands. It’s perfect if you enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, etc.
3. Pacific City mixes urban sophistication with a beachside chill. With stylish apartments, fancy boutiques, and great dining, it’s great for young professionals who want a trendy coastal lifestyle.
4. Families should consider the Huntington Central Park area. The park is huge and has playgrounds, a nature center, and lots of space for quality family time. It’s super kid-friendly and safe.
Review the complete list of Huntington Beach neighborhoods with the number of real estate listings per area today.
List of Huntington Beach Neighborhoods to Compare
This is a cool chart to compare the best places to live in Huntington Beach, CA.
| Huntington Beach Neighborhoods | Area | Zip Code | # of Listings | Property Types | Gated or Not? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadmoor Townhomes | Northwest Huntington Beach | 92649 | Townhomes | Yes | |
| Seagate | Northwest Huntington Beach | 92649 | Townhomes | No | |
| Portofino Cove | Northwest Huntington Beach | 92649 | [showcaseidx shortcode encountered an error] | Condos | Yes |
| Gilbert Island | Northwest Huntington Beach | 92649 | Homes | No | |
| Davenport Island | Northwest Huntington Beach | 92649 | Homes | No | |
| Coral Cay | Northwest Huntington Beach | 92649 | Homes | Yes | |
| Christiana Bay Condos | Northwest Huntington Beach | 92649 | Condos | No | |
| Huntington Harbour | Northwest Huntington Beach | 92649 | Homes | No | |
| Sea Harbor Condos | Northwest Huntington Beach | 92649 | Condos | No | |
| Brightwater Homes | Northwest Huntington Beach | 92649 | Homes | No | |
| SummerLane | Northwest Huntington Beach | 92649 | Homes | No | |
| Faire Marin | Northwest Huntington Beach | 92649 | Homes | Yes | |
| Weatherly Bay Condos | Northwest Huntington Beach | 92649 | Condos | No | |
| Admiralty Island | Northwest Huntington Beach | 92649 | Homes | No | |
| SeaCliff Estates 1 | West Huntington Beach | 92648 | Homes | Yes | |
| SeaCliff Estates 2 | West Huntington Beach | 92648 | Homes | Yes | |
| Surfcrest | West Huntington Beach | 92648 | Townhomes | Yes | |
| Sea Colony | West Huntington Beach | 92648 | Homes | Yes | |
| SeaCliff Club Series | West Huntington Beach | 92648 | Townhomes | Yes | |
| Peninsula Park Homes | West Huntington Beach | 92648 | Homes | Yes | |
| Ocean Colony | West Huntington Beach | 92648 | Homes | Yes | |
| Cabo Del Mar Condos | West Huntington Beach | 92648 | Condos | Yes | |
| Beachwalk Townhomes | West Huntington Beach | 92648 | Townhomes | No | |
| Pacific Shores Condos | South Huntington Beach | 92647 | Condos | Yes | |
| Huntington Landmark 55+ Community | South Huntington Beach | 92647 | Condos / Townhomes | Yes | |
| Huntington Continental Condos | South Huntington Beach | 92647 | Condos | No | |
| Glen Mar Homes | South Huntington Beach | 92647 | Homes | No | |
| Beach & Sandpiper | South Huntington Beach | 92647 | Homes | No | |
| Seabridge Condos & Villas | South Huntington Beach | 92647 | Condos | Yes |
Insights into Huntington Beach, CA
Now, let’s get down to some practical details:
Cost of Living: Although Huntington Beach offers a great quality of life, it’s worth mentioning that the cost of living is higher than the national average.
Huntington Beach Real Estate: The real estate scene in Huntington Beach is hotly competitive, spanning beachside dwellings to relatively budget-friendly options further inland.
The average selling price of a single family home in Huntington Beach is $1,568,428, and condos are selling for $772,497. Review all homes for sale in Huntington Beach today.
Education: A network of public schools caters to educational needs within Huntington Beach as part of the Huntington Beach City School District and the Huntington Beach Union High School District. It’s also home to excellent private institutions.
Employment: Known for its economic strength and financial security, Huntington Beach boasts a diverse job market.
Quality of Life: Preserving its scenic coastline and natural wonders is clearly important to this city as evidenced by measures taken like safeguarding endangered species and creating spaces like Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.
Community and Entertainment: Huntington Beach offers an array of entertainment options, from beach volleyball and surf lessons to live music events. The city is famous for its annual U.S. Open of Surfing, drawing visitors from across the globe.
There are multiple healthcare facilities in and around Huntington Beach, ensuring that residents have access to quality medical care.
Huntington Beach truly is a gem along the West Coast of the United States. Its sandy beaches, sunny skies, and abundant outdoor activities make it an excellent place to live.
Whether you’re a young professional, a family with kids, or a retiree seeking a serene coastal retreat, there’s a perfect spot for you in this beautiful city. Explore the neighborhoods, consider your budget, and you’ll soon find your dream home in Surf City USA.
Frequently Asked Questions to Review Before Moving to Huntington Beach
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What is the best area to live in Huntington Beach?
Huntington Beach offers a variety of desirable neighborhoods, each with its own unique appeal. Popular areas include the lively Downtown Huntington Beach for its proximity to the pier and shops, the luxurious and peaceful Huntington Harbour for its waterfront lifestyle, and the family-friendly, nature-oriented Bolsa Chica. Seacliff and Goldenwest are also highly regarded for their upscale living and strong community feel, respectively. For more details on these, review all Huntington Beach neighborhoods today.
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What is the Walk Score for Huntington Beach areas?
WalkScore is an online tool that gives each neighborhood a number between 0 and 100. I have a walk score integrated into each of the Huntington Beach homes or Huntington Beach condos for sale on my website, www.RedWagonTeam.com. You can see the walk score for driving, biking, or walking in the property details of every property for sale.
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Which is nicer, Newport Beach or Huntington Beach?
Read our blog post about Huntington Beach vs Newport Beach to gain insights into both cities.
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Is Huntington Beach a good place to live?
Huntington Beach is a good place to live, especially if you’re looking for a vibrant, coastal lifestyle. Known as “Surf City USA,” it’s a city defined by its beautiful beaches, laid-back culture, and a wealth of outdoor activities. However, it’s essential to consider both the upsides and the downsides before deciding if it’s the right fit for you.
Additional Information about the best places to live in Huntington Beach
If you’re considering a move to Huntington Beach, you’ve chosen a great place to call home in the heart of Orange County.
Huntington Beach State Park is a prime example of the natural beauty that surrounds the city. It includes the iconic Huntington Beach Pier.
This park offers a stunning interpretive center, the Shipley Nature Center, and miles of the Huntington Beach Bike Trail. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy the serenity of the area
For families, the city boasts some of the best elementary schools in Orange County. Independent analysis consistently ranks Huntington Beach schools among the top, providing a quality education for the younger members of the community.
During the summer months, Huntington Beach truly comes alive with live entertainment and a vibrant social scene. The iconic Huntington Beach Pier is a focal point for residents and tourists alike, offering some of the best things to do in the area.
In summary, Huntington Beach, with its beautiful beaches, top attractions, and excellent schools, is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Orange County. With a variety of housing options, a friendly community, and a lively atmosphere, it’s no wonder that so many people choose to call this city home.
Explore the best places to live in Huntington Beach, Lifestyles for Housing
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