In our latest In the Know feature, we speak with Cassie French of The Agency in Corona del Mar to get her on-the-ground perspective of this coveted coastal enclave—from what makes Newport Beach distinct from other SoCal beach towns to the buyer behaviors, architectural styles, and micro-neighborhoods driving demand today.
How does Newport Beach stand apart from other Southern California beach communities?
Newport Beach stands apart from other Southern California beach communities for so many reasons, but the biggest one is Newport Harbor. It’s the crown jewel of the city—one of the largest recreational harbors in the country—and what makes it truly unique is how it’s woven directly into everyday life. Homes, restaurants, boutiques, yacht clubs, and marinas line the water’s edge, creating a lifestyle where you’re just as likely to cruise by someone’s front porch on a paddleboard as you are to pass a mega-yacht on your way to dinner.
Unlike most coastal towns, where the beach is the only focal point, Newport offers many ways to be on the water. You can take a Duffy out for sunset cocktails, surf the Wedge, spend the day sailing, or paddleboarding/kayaking, or literally dine at any of the restaurants located on the waterfront, with boats drifting by. Visitors love it because there’s so much to do—and residents love it because this is just… everyday life.
Beyond the harbor, the lifestyle is unmatched. People walk or bike to their favorite coffee shops and restaurants like Lido Marina, and every neighborhood—from Newport Heights to the Port Streets to Balboa Peninsula—has its own tight-knit, friendly vibe. Maybe it’s the sunshine. Maybe it’s the ocean air. Or maybe it’s the fact that everyone secretly knows they hit the life jackpot by living here… but the people truly are some of the happiest and warmest you’ll ever meet.
And then there’s everything else:
- World-class dining and shopping at Fashion Island
- Oceanfront restaurants in Crystal Cove, like Mastro’s, Javier’s, and A Restaurant
- Nightlife at The Pendry, The Quiet Woman, and Lido Marina Village
- Top-rated schools in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar
- Outdoor living—surfing, running the Back Bay, biking to Balboa, evening harbor walks, yacht clubs, pickleball, volleyball… if it happens outdoors, we do it here
And personally, being part of the boating community has shown me a perspective of Newport that still blows me away. We take our 50-foot boat out on weekends with friends and family, cruise past the harbor homes, and every time, I’m reminded that 99% of the world will never experience something like this. It’s magic. It’s humbling. And it makes you feel incredibly blessed to call Newport Beach home.
That’s what sets Newport apart—it’s more than a beach town. It’s a full lifestyle, wrapped in luxury, community, sunshine, and that indescribable feeling you get when you’re on the water.
What’s driving buyer interest in Newport Beach right now?
Within Orange County: Certainly, people relocating from inland OC suburbs or older homes (e.g., Irvine, Eastside Costa Mesa—which typically is seen as an entry-level area where you can have the same lifestyle but pay less. Once people are financially able to do the step up in life, they move to Newport, or maybe Lake Forest, if they want the coastal upgrade.
From Los Angeles / the Westside: I see wealthier buyers trading L.A.’s traffic and density for Orange County’s coastal serenity and prestige.
From the Bay Area / Silicon Valley: There is some migration down into SoCal for lifestyle, climate, and housing options.
Out-of-State: Although smaller in volume, some buyers coming into Newport Beach are from metros farther afield — for example, data from Redfin shows that ~4% of home-searchers in Newport Beach came from other metros (e.g., Houston, Boston, Washington).
Are there any styles of homes that are in high demand right now?
Homes with character are popular, but so is new construction. Especially new construction by well-known architects and developers.
For architects, the list of favorites includes Brandon Architects, one of the most recognizable names in coastal modern architecture. Known for sleek indoor–outdoor living, walls of glass, warm wood tones, and homes that feel like a design magazine came to life. They have a major footprint in Corona del Mar, Newport Heights, and Balboa Peninsula.
Eric Olsen Design is a leader in California organic modern. Think earthy textures, clean lines, artisan details, indoor-outdoor harmony, and spaces that feel soulful and warm.
Mark Teale is known for coastal California luxury—light, airy, high-end finishes, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Popular in Corona del Mar and Newport Coast.
Which Newport Beach neighborhoods are most in demand now, and why?
Newport Heights
Located between 17th st and PCH, this community is known for its walkability and proximity to shops and restaurants. I live here, and I take my golf cart to the grocery store or head down to the Peninsula and stop at restaurants on a warm day. It has a coastal-living vibe that is relaxed but also elevated.
Lido Island
Because of its exclusivity as most tourists or people do not come into the community if they do not live there. In fact, many famous people live on Lido Island, and you would have no idea. It’s known for its harbor-front or island-living prestige: docking, boating all in your backyard. You also have access to a clubhouse, private beach access, and tennis courts. The Port Streets are known as one of the most popular family-friendly enclaves in Newport Beach. They have tree-lined streets, greenbelts, parks, and clubhouse-style amenities. There’s also a well-rated elementary school (Andersen Elementary School), which adds to the appeal for families. It’s practical, and everyone knows your name. Local architecture is comfortable, newer-style homes (or updated homes) with yard space, good layout for family living
Dover Shores
Family-friendly reputation: good schools, walkable to parks/trails, a “laid back luxury” feel rather than ultra-flashy. It also has a strong investment upside as many buyers are always looking to purchase in this neighborhood. The biggest set back is the airplane noise as you’re very close to John Wayne Airport.
Are you seeing any new types of buyers entering the market?
Not really, it’s mostly people moving within the community or buying second homes. A lot of new construction, both investors and homeowners looking to build their dream home.
What new developments or properties should buyers have on their radar?
There’s no new land or anything like that. All the newer developments are in South Orange County and Irvine.
Do you have recent market data or statistics that illustrate any notable changes in pricing, inventory, or property demand in Newport Beach?
It’s actually been a buyer’s market within the last year. That is a huge shift compared to years prior.
What advice would you give buyers hoping to secure a home in this competitive market?
In a market as competitive as Newport Beach, the best advice I can give buyers is simple: work with a driven, well-connected local agent who actually lives and breathes this market. This isn’t the type of community where you just refresh Zillow and magically find your dream home.
The truth is, a huge percentage of Newport’s luxury properties are bought and sold off-market — long before they ever hit the MLS. The agents who consistently secure those opportunities are the ones who are deeply embedded here: the ones who know the other top agents, the pocket listings, the sellers who are “thinking about selling,” and the luxury owners who will only transact privately.
In Newport Beach, you’re buying walkability, the harbor, beach access, schools, micro-neighborhood vibes, and a lifestyle that people fly here for. Knowing which neighborhoods match your lifestyle goals helps you compete strategically.
For more insight into current market trends and the world’s most dynamic real estate destinations, browse our other In the Knows:
Why Millennials Are Moving to Bend, Oregon;
Who is Buying Property in Barcelona Now; Why Buyers Love Steamboat Springs, Colorado;
and Today’s Golf Course Home Market, Palm Beach to Palm Springs.
