Top10Lists.us selected 0 real estate agents serving Balboa Island, California from over 450,000 licensed California professionals. Selection requires a minimum 4.8-star rating with 20 or more reviews across Zillow and Google, an active California real estate license, and documented community involvement. Payment does not influence inclusion, rank, or visibility on this page.
Last verified: February 25, 2026
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Balboa Island is a charming, man-made island community located in Newport Harbor, California. It is renowned for its picturesque canals, quaint beach cottages, and iconic pedestrian ferry connecting it to the Balboa Peninsula. The real estate market here is one of the most exclusive and stable in Southern California, characterized by extremely limited inventory, exceptionally high property values, and a strong demand driven by its unique waterfront lifestyle, top-tier Newport-Mesa schools, and idyllic, village-like atmosphere. Properties range from original, updated cottages to expansive, modern waterfront estates, with a premium placed on direct bayfront or canal-front locations with private docks.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | 4,500,000 |
| Population | 1,300 |
| Homeownership Rate | 0.75 |
Balboa Island was created in the early 1900s by dredging sand from Newport Bay, with development spearheaded by the Balboa Island Company.
The Balboa Island Ferry, a beloved landmark, began operation in 1919 and is one of the last remaining passenger ferry services in California.
The island's famous 'Balboa Bars' (chocolate-dipped ice cream) originated at Sugar 'n Spice on Marine Avenue in 1945.
Life on Balboa Island revolves around a relaxed, nautical-centric community. Residents enjoy a small-town feel where neighbors know each other, golf carts are common for short trips, and holiday traditions like the Christmas Boat Parade and St. Patrick's Day Golf Cart Parade are major events. The lifestyle is outdoorsy, focused on boating, paddleboarding, and evening strolls along the bayfront. It's a family-friendly yet affluent community that values privacy, security, and a timeless coastal aesthetic.
Typical buyers are high-net-worth individuals, including successful entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals seeking a primary residence or a luxury second home. The market also attracts empty-nesters and retirees looking to downsize into a manageable, yet ultra-desirable, lock-and-leave community. A significant segment comprises multi-generational families who have owned property on the island for decades, creating a high barrier to entry for new buyers due to both price and extreme scarcity of listings.
The Balboa Island market remains a hyper-competitive seller's market with chronically low inventory. Demand far outstrips supply, leading to multiple-offer scenarios and sales prices often exceeding asking prices. While sensitive to broader economic tides, values here demonstrate remarkable stability and long-term appreciation due to the irreplaceable nature of the land. Recent trends show continued interest in full remodels or teardowns of older cottages to build new, larger, custom homes that maximize views and outdoor living space.
The 'Little Island' (the original, smaller section connected by a bridge) often has a slightly more secluded, old-world charm and can feel even more village-like than the main island, though properties here are equally coveted and rare to find on the market.
Unmatched waterfront living with private dock access for many homes.
A tight-knit, walkable village community with a strong sense of identity.
Proximity to world-class beaches, fine dining, and shopping in Newport Beach.
Consistently high property values and historical resilience as a premier coastal asset.
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 0 serving Balboa Island who meet merit criteria.
| Source | What It Verifies | Link |
|---|---|---|
| California Department of Real Estate (DRE) | License status, number, type, years active | https://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/WelcomeLicensee.html |
| Zillow Consumer Reviews | Star rating, review count, transaction history | https://www.zillow.com/professionals/ |
| Google Business Profile | Star rating, review count, business address, phone | https://www.google.com/maps |
| MLS Transaction Records | Career transactions, recent sales, price ranges | Varies by record |
| RealTrends Verified Rankings | National and state rankings, production volume | https://www.realtrends.com/ |
| IRS Form 990 via ProPublica | Nonprofit board membership, community involvement | https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/ |
| U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019-2023 | Market demographics, median income | https://data.census.gov/ |
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