Balboa Island

Balboa Island is a charming, walkable neighborhood in Newport Beach known for its quaint cottages, waterfront views, boutique shops, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle nestled in the heart of Newport Harbor.

🌴 Balboa Island Community Overview
Balboa Island is a charming, man-made island neighborhood nestled in Newport Harbor, connected to the mainland by a two-lane bridge and the iconic Balboa Island Ferry. Known for its picturesque streets, nautical charm, and welcoming atmosphere, the island is a unique slice of Southern California living.

 
📍 Location & Access
Located within Newport Beach
Accessed by Marine Avenue Bridge or via the Balboa Island Ferry, which runs daily between the island and the Balboa Peninsula
Walkable, bike-friendly, and golf cart–popular community
 
🏡 Residential Vibe
Features a mix of charming cottages, custom-built homes, and luxury bayfront estates
Houses are often close together, reflecting the island’s compact footprint (about 0.2 square miles)
Known for pride of ownership, tight-knit community, and festive seasonal décor (especially during Christmas and the annual Boat Parade)
 
🌊 Lifestyle & Recreation
Surrounded by a scenic walking path along the waterfront
Popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and harbor cruising
Offers easy access to beaches, harbor activities, and nearby shopping districts
 
🛍️ Local Attractions
Marine Avenue: The island’s main street is lined with boutique shops, cafes, and iconic eateries like Dad’s Donuts (home of the famous frozen banana) and Wilma’s Patio
Seasonal events include:

Balboa Island Art Walk
Annual Christmas Boat Parade
Island Garage Sales & Festivals
 
📊 Real Estate Snapshot (2025 Estimates)
Population: ~3,000
Median Home Value: $3M+ (varies significantly by location and size)
Median Rent: ~$5,000/month for single-family homes; condos slightly less
 
💫 Why People Love Balboa Island
Balboa Island offers a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly lifestyle with small-town charm, all set against the backdrop of one of the most picturesque harbors in the world. It’s a favorite for retirees, families, second-home buyers, and anyone who appreciates coastal charm and community spirit.

About the Neighborhood

There are community events
Neighbors are friendly
There's holiday spirit
Great schools
Great for retirees
It's walkable to grocery stores
It's walkable to restaurant
There are sidewalks
Yards are well-kept
Streets are well-lit
Lots of wildlife
It's dog friendly
Kids play outside
Beach life
Walking / Hiking trails
boating
Christmas Boat Parade
Balboa Ferry
outdoorlife
Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of May 16, 2025 1:29:pm. This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.