With a residential population of around 85,000 and rising, it is clear that the Newport Beach real estate market is enjoying many prosperous years. There are many properties available and though the style and size of the homes vary, the quality of the properties on the Newport Beach real estate market is never compromised. The people who make up this beachside community are rightly proud of the safe, secure family atmosphere that they maintain and that is of course one of the main selling points in the world of Newport Beach real estate.

Having a gorgeous, Mediterranean climate and some of the most pristine beaches in the country means that outdoor pursuits play a major part in the lives of many who invest in Newport Beach real estate. From the beach to the golf course, from boating to snorkeling in the pristine waters, Newport Beach is a recreational paradise. With tennis, volleyball, surfing and more, it is no surprise that outdoor enthusiasts continue to buy Newport Beach real estate.

The warm sunshine and the breathtaking ocean views are all part and parcel of why discerning buyers are increasingly interested in securing their home from the array of properties in the Newport Beach real estate market. With a climate that is the envoy of many and a community that enjoys fresh ocean air and some of the most wonderful beaches in California, the interest in Newport Beach real estate just keeps growing.

Newport Beach also offers much in the way of culture, nightlife and the fine amenities and facilities you would expect from in a modern city. Great restaurants, excellent shopping and a number of great little bars to enjoy a cool beverage after a long day on the beach. No wonder people are rushing to secure some Newport Beach real estate.

Kyle Menic is a writer whom specializes in Southern California real estate, which includes Newport Beach real estate and Orange County real estate.

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Newport Harbor is in the lower section of Newport Bay in Newport Beach, California. It is about 4 miles long, running parallel to the Balboa Peninsula and the ocean. The harbor is filled with everything from pedal boats to large ocean vessels. There are over 9000 boats berthed here.

Within Newport Beach Harbor there are 7 islands, mostly filled with lovely houses and flowery porches. The boater can leisurely take a self-guided tour of these homes from the water.

On the other side of PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) the Newport Back Bay and Upper Bay extend well inland.

THE ISLANDS IN NEWPORT BEACH HARBOR

The biggest island is Balboa, accessible by bridge from Jamboree Road and Pacific Coast Highway, or by car ferry from the Balboa Peninsula near the Balboa Fun Zone. This charming little beach community has a scenic walkway that encircles the island, with the picturesque homes on one side and small sandy beaches and boating slips on the waterside. Boutique shops, restaurants, and two stands famous for their balboa bars and frozen bananas (both dipped in chocolate and rolled in the topping of your choice) line Marine Avenue.

The other islands consist of Lido Island, Little Balboa Island, Linda Isle, Collins Island, Harbor Island and Bay Island.

The other major island for visitors is Lido Island. Here you’ll find Lido Marina Village, with shops, art galleries, boutiques and boardwalk cafes.

THE BALBOA FUN ZONE

This historic little area on the peninsula side of the bay offers a small Ferris wheel, carousel, arcade and even bungee jumping. The Balboa Pavilion, which used to be a Big Band showcase is a restored local landmark dating from 1905. Today it houses special events and wedding functions. Catalina boats leave from here daily (less in winter). Call 800-830-7744 or 949-673-5245.

BOATER’S INFORMATION

Whether you are renting a boat or visiting with your own yacht, the following information may be of use. The speed limit within the harbor is 5 m.p.h.. Fuel docks can be found next to both ferry landings on either side of the bay. A boating launch ramp is located at in the Back Bay.

There is a Harbor Department guest anchorage dock near the Harbor Patrol and Coast Guard Base. For marine weather updates, including surf and water reports, call 949-673-3371.

DINING AROUND THE HARBOR

For dining in Newport Beach Harbor, there are several restaurants on Lido Island. More can be found near the ferry landing on the Balboa Peninsula. Balboa Island has restaurants on Marine Ave. (which are not on the water). For waterfront restaurants with outstanding views, check out the area of Pacific Coast Highway that lines the inland side of the harbor. This section is sometimes referred to as Mariner’s Mile.

NEWPORT HARBOR NAUTICAL MUSEUM

Located in the Balboa Marina off of Pacific Coast Highway, the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum is located on a riverboat. It features artwork and exhibits, which pertain to all things maritime. Many of the exhibits are interactive and there is a touch tank. They also have hundreds of ship models to peruse.

The tall ship Lynx docks here and gives tours as well. The museum’s address is 151 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. There is a store and restaurant to enjoy after your visit. Their phone number is 949-673-3377

Description: Newport Beach Harbor. Discover all the scenic pleasures Newport Beach Harbor has to offer, whether from a boat on the water or strolling around Balboa Island or the peninsula.

CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE

Every December, Newport Beach Harbor hosts a Christmas Parade of Lights. This is a great family event. Boaters and homeowners alike go all out in decorating their houses and/or boats. Viewers stroll or sit along the bay front on Balboa Island, enjoying the show of passing lights reflecting off the water.

Special tip: you can grab a hot cocoa or café mocha at the local Starbucks on Marine Avenue to keep your hands and innards warm, as December nights can be quite cool by the bay. For more information, call 949-494-3030.

A vacation in Newport Beach means more than just the beach; you have the Newport Beach Harbor to enjoy as well.

Laura Eggers operates the website http://www.southern-california-beaches-vacation-guide.com, which offers visitors a plethora of information about the different beach areas to help with planning their beach vacation in sunny Southern California.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Eggers

Newport Beach is a small Pacific Coast city nestled between the Balboa peninsula and Balboa Island. About forty miles to the southeast is Hollywood that has big names in entertainment coming for the sunny climate. Located in Orange County, Newport Beach borders Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and Irvine. A short drive away from Anaheim, the city is within 50 miles of Los Angeles. With an estimated 82,400 citizens, the population has grown 17% since the 2000 U.S. Census. The median age of residents at 41.7 years, about five years older than the U.S. average. Children under five make up just 4.6% of the city’s population; 16.8% of the people are 65 and older. Well above the percentage for California is the White Non-Hispanic citizenry that makes up 88% of the population. The percentage of African-Americans living in Newport Beach is less than a half percent. Hispanic residents made up 4.7% of the populous.

Newport Beach is in the top 1% of the country for well-paid single men and women and for its family and household income. The average household in 2005 pulled in $97,428 of annual income, while families were earning $127,698 per year. The national average for family income was $55,832, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Newport Beach easily out earned the nearby communities of Irvine ($85,624) and Laguna Beach ($100,778). At 3%, unemployment was well below the state average, while job growth rose by over 10% from 2000 to 2005. Two communities in Newport Beach are home to some of the wealthiest people in California. Newport Coast and San Joaquin Hills were annexed by the city since 2001. Newport Coast is a master-planned community developed by the Irvine Company and home to many of the wealthy and famous. Heading to Newport Beach for real estate will require a very big wallet. Some of the priciest homes in the country continue to soar in value. The average city home value increased from $708,000 in 2000 to $1.36 million in 2005.

Newport Beach residents have enjoyed an extremely low risk of either personal or property crime. Few college students live in the city, but within 15 miles over 175,000 students are enrolled at various colleges offering an Associate’s degree or higher. Among the institutions for higher education is University of Phoenix-Southern California with 18,075 full-time students, California State University-Fullerton with 22,345, and the University of California-Irvine has 19,533 enrolled. Newport Beach residents come well educated with 58.5% holding a Bachelor’s degree, including 96.7% who graduated from high school. Even 21.4% of residents had a graduate or professional degree.

The climate in Newport Beach includes lots of sunshine and mild to warm weather yearlong. January temperatures average 67 degrees for a high, 44 is the average low. In July, the average high reaches 77 degrees. Precipitation is light, making for just 12.5 inches of rain the annual average. People heading to Newport Beach will find a crowded harbor full of boats, streets busy with shoppers, and over six miles of beaches filled with surfers and swimmers. Over 100 public golf courses can be found within a half-hour drive. Ferries transport pedestrians, cars, and bikes across the harbor channel between Balboa Island and the peninsula. John Wayne Airport in neighboring Santa Ana offers air travel to area residents. The seaside community is about 14 miles southeast of Disneyland.

Over the years, Newport Beach has been home to many of the rich & famous. From the early days of Hollywood, celebrity residents included John Wayne, Shirley Temple, James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn and George Burns. More recently, the list included Michelle Pfeiffer, Bo Derrick, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dennis Rodman, and even former U.S. President Richard Nixon before he moved to San Clemente. Other home owners include Kobe Bryant, Nicolas Cage, Gwen Stefani, and Vanna White.

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With all of the new shipping activities, more investors became interested in the area. By 1905, the Pacific Electric Railroad had connected Newport Beach to Los Angeles. With the advent of the trains, many families began arriving in Newport Beach to camp and enjoy the area. As a result, soon small hotels and cottages were built to keep up with the need for visitor facilities. In 1906, the scattered areas of West Newport, Balboa Island, Lido Isle and the peninsula were incorporated into the city of Newport Beach. Soon parts of Newport Heights and Corona del Mar were annexed and the city increased its boundaries again.

During World War II, Newport Beach became an area for the Navy to build and repair its ships. With the influx of servicemen, the local business continued to prosper. By the end of the war, quite a few of the servicemen and servicewomen liked the area and decided to stay. Unfortunately this triggered a real estate boom and prices increased as a result. With the increased demand for housing, many of the local seasonal rentals changed into homes that were occupied year-round. This somewhat changed the area’s focus from a seasonal destination to a place where people lived year-round.

With the Santa Ana Freeway finished in the 1950s, it was even easier to get to Newport Beach. Housing developments spread quickly and the areas around Newport Beach, including the hills and nearby mesas, soon became homes to thousands. Gradually the focus of the area changed again, away from the fishing industry. Today the area is home to manufacturing, but still owes a lot of its success to its beaches. That is primarily what still attracts visitors today.

Even today, the original reason people wanted to visit Newport Beach, namely the beaches surrounding it, still attract people today. There are national parks and many sites to see in the area. Today the city would be unrecognizable to the early settlers. Newport Beach is a thriving metropolis that continues to grow and attract visitors from around the world to its beaches and sights.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Newport Beach [http://newport-beach-guide.com]

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For more information about the city of Newport Beach, California see http://newportbeach.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Newport Beach, California guides and directories listing information, resources, services, things to do and places to go.

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

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