Newport Beach, California is often thought of as a popular tourist destination for Utah and Arizona locals, but there is more to this town than Fourth of July parties and a busy boardwalk. Newport Beach is considered to be one of the gems of southern California, especially for those who live here year around. From perfect temperatures, gorgeous sunsets, and the beach that truly lives at your front door, here are 17 reasons why you should consider moving to Newport Beach.
1. A Healthier And Happier Beachfront Lifestyle
This is the first thing that attracts visitors to Newport Beach, and one of the main factors as to why people choose to move here is because they crave the beachfront lifestyle. This lively coastal community has a population of nearly 87,000 residents in 2020, and many locals that spent their childhood years will leave Newport for a time and then choose to move back home because they can’t get enough of the beachfront living. What makes them so happy here?
Well, living a walk away from the beach means that there is truly always something to do! And daily activities or plans can help combat depression. For those with families, you can have an idea that your children will be running towards the beach and ocean waves with their friends versus battling virtual pals with a gaming tablet. In fact, studies have shown that people who live closer to the coast or beachfront have better health. This could be due to living near water means the unintentional exercise of walking, swimming, surfing, or running. For whatever reason, the ocean lifestyle can make others happier, and there are few other places that do it like Newport Beach, California.
2. Nearby Shopping Centers
California is the center of social media trends, pop stars, influencers, and the picturesque American lifestyle. Because of this, Newport Beach subsequently has some of the best shopping in the west of the United States! Here are some of the best places to go shopping in or near Newport Beach.
Fashion Island
Right in the heart of Newport Beach just away from the coast is the famous Fashion Island. Full of luxury and your favorite shops, Fashion Island has something for everyone. Whether it be a family dinner, shopping for the Prom, or even if you just need a refreshed wardrobe, Fashion Island has your back.
Downtown Huntington Beach
Okay, this may not be right in Newport Beach, but Huntington is just next door, approximately 6 miles away and an 8-minute drive hypothetically, or a 10 to 15-minute drive when giving grace for possible traffic. Downton Huntington has plenty of surf shops, such as Volcom, Hurley, and Billabong, There are also local vendors and over 50 dining options.
Newport Beach Boutiques
Scattered strategically throughout Newport Beach are plenty of local surf shops and boutiques. These are located right next to the boardwalks where you are sure to find your new favorite store. Stores include local places such as Luna Boutique, Stevie Sister, ivy & pine boutique, Common Thread, and many more.
3. Quality And Uplifting Schooling Options
Although Newport Beach is a city that comes from an abundance of money and inheritance (because after all, it is California), there is quite a laid-back culture here. Locals report that when their children are in high school, their classmates may come from money and nice cars, but they wear beach and surfer clothes just like anyone else. One Newport Beach local reported that the kids that go to the same high school he did, do not look much different than his own graduating class. At the end of the day, these are just high school kids going to school and surfing on the weekends.
Public schooling in Newport Beach sits comfortably at the national United States average. For schooling with higher ratings, there are in fact more private schools than there are public schools in Newport Beach. In fact, there are 3 public schools serving nearly 900 students in Newport Beach, California, and 9 private schools serving close to 2,100 students. Parents have options for their children’s education, giving another good reason to make the move to Newport Beach.
4. Fantastic Weather All Year
Newport Beach has nearly picture perfect weather throughout the entire year. In fact, Newport Beach can be a little cooler than the rest of the scortching southern west of the United States. This gives you and the locals their own sanctuary during the hot summer months and ever-increasing temperatures.
We created a table for the average Newport Beach temperatures below, which sit in the low 70s. Keep in mind that in the summer there are often days that can hit up to the mid-80s. August is the hottest average month in Newport Beach, and the misty beach mornings tend to be much chillier than what the day actually entails temperature-wise.
| Month | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
| Hottest Average | 64.4°F (18°C) | 63.3°F (17.4°C) | 64.8°F (18.2°C) | 66.6°F (19.2°C) | 67.6°F (19.8°C) | 70.7°F (21.5°C) | 75°F (23.9°C | 76.6°F (24.8°C | 76.1°F (24.5°C) | 73°F (22.8°C) | 68.5°F (20.3°C) | 53.1°F (11.7°C) |
| Fahrenheit Range | 53.6 to 64.4 | 52.3 to 63.3 | 52.4 to 64.8 | 54.9 to 66.6 | 56.8 to 67.6 | 58.6 to 70.7 | 63.5 to 75 | 64.9 to 76.6 | 64.2 to 76.1 | 62.1 to 73 | 57.9 to 68.5 | 53.1 to 62.4 |
| Celcius Range | 12 to 18 | 11.3 to 17.4 | 11.9 to 18.2 | 12.7 to 19.2 | 13.8 to 19.8 | 14.8 to 21.5 | 17.5 to 23.9 | 18.3 to 24.8 | 17.9 to 24.5 | 16.7 to 22.8 | 14.4 to 20.3 | 11.7 to 16.9 |
Newport Beach, California Average Annual Weather
5. Plenty of Local Businesses
Putting the local boutiques that I mentioned before aside, there are still plenty of local businesses from residents that have been here for years! One local favorite is Seaside Donuts and Bakery. They not only have delicious donuts, but they have great coffee and tea options! The local police officers love this place and the workers are extremely friendly. This is one of the many businesses you will find on the boardwalk.
6. A Friendly Transient Community
Newport Beach is known as a transient community, meaning that many residents have Newport Beach as their vacation or summer home, and live in other places the rest of the year. Because many people are simply coming and going as they please, neighbors that are here all year are used to newcomers and then saying goodbye. Many can assume because there is so much population traffic that there is not a sense of community in Newport Beach, but that is truly not the case here.
Everyone is truly so friendly and kind here and they are okay with new families moving in, such as yourself! You won’t be excluded from others simply because of where you are from or where are you going.
7. Suburban And Urban Feel
Newport Beach offers a kind of living that is hard to find elsewhere. It has a healthy mix of easy beachfront living that is quite suburban, as well as all of your favorite urban amenities such as plenty of shopping, quality grocery stores, and a somewhat fast-paced lifestyle. Newport can offer some tranquility and quiet for those who seek it, and a sociable, fast-paced atmosphere for those who prefer that. The truth to take away here is that Newport Beach can be a quiet suburban neighborhood with beach views or a playful and joyful city lifestyle. There is something here for everyone!
8. Community Events All Year
Newport Beach residents know how to have a good time! There are events that go on year around, such as the Newport Beach Jazz Festival, the International Film festival, the west coast Yacht and Boat Show, and the Christmas Boat Parade. There are also cultural opportunities, such as Broadway plays, musicals, ballets, operas, and of course, the Orange County Performing Arts Center.
9. Fourth of July Festivities
Speaking of community festivities, the Fourth of July is the most popular time to visit Newport Beach. Why is this? Either families will rent out beach houses with their little ones for a great beach vacation or high school graduates will join together on a beachfront rental for a true fourth of July rager. To give some perspective, the population grows by 20,000 people during the summer and can have a range of 20,000 to 100,000 daily tourists.
People love coming to visit Newport Beach, and because of this, some fantastic fourth of July holidays can be spent here! There are incredible firework shows put on by the city that you can watch on the beach with your loved ones.
10. Easy Access to Popular California Destinations
When you think of southern California, attractions come to mind such as Disneyland, Catalina Island, and Los Angeles. While Newport is not directly next door to each of these famous attractions, Newport Beach has some easy access to the highway. Plus, Newport Beach has some pretty nearby awesome weekend vacations!! I mean, Disneyland is only half an hour away!
11. Great Nightlife
As I mentioned before, plenty of college-aged students will take a road trip to Newport Beach as well as plenty of other California locals for a fun weekend. Don’t let the sound of tourists scare you off! When visitor levels are low and the scene is calmer, there is still some pretty great nightlife, such as bars, restaurants, and of course, the beach! Newport Beach has a very lively energy to it.
12. Housing Investments
It’s no secret that Newport Beach, California is extremely expensive. In fact, it is the most expensive place to buy a home in the United States! And it is no surprise. On August 31, 2022, the median home value in Newport Beach was a whopping $3,267,510. Due to 2022’s inflation, home values have skyrocketed 17.6% compared to the previous year. In the 2010s however, home values in Newport sat at about 2 million dollars. If you have a great deal for a home in Newport Beach or inherited a home, this could be a great investment opportunity.
13. Surfing
If you have ever wanted to learn how to surf and you are planning on moving to Newport Beach, then you are in luck! The ocean is right at your doorstep! Surfing is a big part of California’s culture and there are plenty of surf shops to buy boards and even swim guards. If you are interested in surfing, Newport Beach may be a great option for you!
14. A Popular Place To Retire
If you are looking at Newport Beach as a place to retire, you are in the right place. The beachfront, restaurants, and shopping, are enough to persuade some families to live here. However, this is a retirement dream! Newport Beac has plenty of luxury senior living communities, and if you get in contact with a realtor, you can even find quiet communities to move to. There, you can have a perfect beachfront sanctuary where your grandkids can come visit!
15. Beachfront Entertainment
In Newport Beach, there is plenty of beachfront entertainment, such as places for a bonfire, whale and dolphin watching, crab hunting, and collecting sea shells. For the simple-minded child or someone looking for a way to spend time on the beach, Newport Beach is a great option to research!
16. Harbor Area
Newport Beach has the largest recreational harbor on the west coast, such as cruises or stand-up paddleboarding. There are plenty of resorts, cottages, or rental properties to choose from for visitors and plenty of locals come here for a fun weekend adventure. This harbor was formed in the early 1900s and started booming. Today, it has approximately 9,000 boats and is a popular place for personal sailing, fishing, and other water activities.
17. Quality Healthcare
Newport Beach is the host of one of the best regional hospitals in the area known as the Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. It was named one of the best by the U.S. News. This is great for those who may be concerned about their or their loved ones health, as well as those who have children.
Isabelle Justice 