Huntington Beach’s real estate market captures the essence of its coastal allure, presenting a landscape that’s as vibrant and diverse as the waves lapping its famous shores. This blog post dives into the depths of this market, offering a comprehensive snapshot of home prices, trends, and the overarching dynamics at play. From the steady rise in median home prices to the swift sales pace, this exploration serves as a navigational chart for prospective buyers and investors sailing through the Huntington Beach housing market.
Table of Contents
Huntington Beach Housing Market Data
1. Median Home Price
This section analyzes Huntington Beach, California’s housing market by detailing current home prices and breaking them down by property type. It outlines the general trend of higher pricing for single-family homes compared to townhouses and condos. Additionally, it compares Huntington Beach’s home prices with those in other Orange County cities, allowing for a broader understanding of its market position. The data will equip prospective buyers with valuable insights for making informed purchasing decisions in Huntington Beach.
- Current Sales Prices of Huntington Beach Homes
Huntington Beach’s housing market features a median sales price of $1,200,000 across all property types. Single-family homes have a median sales price of $1,356,500, townhouses at $960,000, and condominiums at $700,000, offering a spectrum of options for diverse budgets.
| Property Type | Huntington Beach Median Home Sales Price |
| All Properties | $1,200,000 |
| – Single-Family Home | $1,356,500 |
| – Townhouse | $960,000 |
| – Condominium | $700,000 |
All data is from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service, INC. InfoSparks © 2024 ShowingTime.
- Huntington Beach Home Sales Prices Over Time
Over time, the median home sales price in Huntington Beach has consistently risen, outperforming the average in Orange County. The increase is most notable for single-family homes, which have grown substantially, underscoring strong market demand. Conversely, condominiums and townhouses have shown steadier and more modest price increases.
- Current Home Sales Prices – Huntington Beach vs. Other Orange County Cities
Huntington Beach stands out in the Orange County real estate market. Its median home sales price surpasses nearly two-thirds of all other cities in the region, underscoring its status as a highly sought-after and premium residential location.
2. Supply and Demand – Huntington Beach Housing Market
This section comprehensively examines the supply and demand dynamics within Huntington Beach’s housing market. It outlines the total housing stock, active listings, recent sales, current inventory level, and how quickly homes are selling. A snapshot of these indicators helps illustrate the market’s fluidity and efficiency, providing prospective buyers with a clearer understanding of the pace and health of Huntington Beach’s real estate activities.
- Key Housing Market Indicators – Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach’s real estate scene is very active, with an average of 248 active listings and 123 monthly transactions closing recently. The 2.0 months of inventory indicate homes here are selling rapidly, averaging just 12 days on the market.
| Total Homes in Huntington Beach | ~82,700 |
| Active Home Listings | 248 |
| Homes Sold | 123 |
| Inventory – Months Supply | 2.0 |
| Days on Market | 12 |
Total Homes in Huntington Beach: This refers to the approximate number of residential properties within the city.
Active Home Listings: The number of homes currently listed for sale in Huntington Beach.
Homes Sold: A count of the actual sales that have closed in a given month. Calculations are based on sold data.
Inventory – Months Supply: The inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly Pending Sales from the last 12 months. Also known as absorption rate.
Days on Market: The average number of days between listing a property in Huntington Beach and accepting an offer in a given month.
- Huntington Beach Active Listings vs. Homes Sold Over Time
Active listings and closed sales in Huntington Beach have remained elevated over time, indicating a desirable housing market. The gap between these two metrics, as depicted in the graph, suggests that while more properties are available than purchased, the market is balanced. It indicates that while buyers have various options, they are being absorbed at a steady rate, preventing an excess buildup of unsold homes. This balance hints at a healthy market where supply slightly outpaces demand, but not to a degree that causes significant concern for oversupply or downward pressure on prices.
- Current Days on Market – Huntington Beach vs. Other Orange County Cities
Homes in Huntington Beach tend to remain on the market slightly longer than in many other Orange County cities, yet they still sell swiftly, showcasing the city’s robust real estate demand within a competitive national context.
3. Property Taxes
Property taxes in California are determined by a combination of state law and county-specific regulations. Under Proposition 13, enacted in 1978, the base tax rate for properties is fixed at 1% of the assessed value. This assessed value is initially pegged to the purchase price and can only increase by a maximum of 2% annually, safeguarding homeowners from steep tax hikes when property values escalate quickly.
Orange County follows this state framework but also applies additional levies that can vary significantly between locations within the county. These can include voter-approved debt rates for city and district improvements, and direct assessments for community services like flood control and street lighting. Also, properties in areas with Mello-Roos districts may incur additional taxes for community facilities.
To help better understand, consider the property tax bill example below. It breaks down the individual components that constitute the total tax obligation. Notably, while the General Tax Levy remains constant at 1%, the aggregate of additional charges, such as special district assessments, significantly affects the overall tax bill. These variations emphasize the importance of due diligence in comprehending the full scope of property taxes when assessing the cost of homeownership in different parts of Orange County.
4. Median Home Size
This section examines the median home size and price per square foot in Huntington Beach, essential indicators for assessing property value and space. These metrics aid prospective buyers in comparing market value and understanding what their budget can secure in terms of home size, especially in relation to other areas in Orange County.
- Huntington Beach Home Size and Value
Homes in Huntington Beach tend to have a median size in the middle of the pack compared to other cities in Orange County, with properties typically sold at around 1,710 square feet. Additionally, Huntington Beach sees a higher price per square foot, at $702.
| Median Home Size | ~1,710 ft2 |
| Price per Square Foot | $702 |
All data is from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service, INC. InfoSparks © 2024 ShowingTime.
Huntington Beach Residents Data
1. Population
Exploring the dynamics of Huntington Beach’s population and its density offers a glimpse into the city’s living conditions and community structure. Population density, which measures the number of residents per square mile, sheds light on how closely people live together and can indicate the balance between urban development and available living space. Understanding this helps explain how population concentration impacts the social fabric, infrastructure, and lifestyle of residents in Huntington Beach in relation to other parts of Orange County.
- Huntington Beach Population Statistics
Huntington Beach has a population of around 190,210 and a higher density of 7,044 residents per square mile, indicating a more populated coastal community.
| Population | 190,210 |
| Population Density (Residents per square mile) | 7,044 |
- Population Density – Huntington Beach vs. Other Orange County Cities
Huntington Beach, with its darker shade on the map, indicates a moderate population density compared to most other Orange County cities. This density aligns with a bustling suburban atmosphere that balances community interaction with personal space, a characteristic of a sought-after coastal city.
2. Employment Industries and Median Income
Exploring the economic landscape of Huntington Beach reveals the key employment sectors underpinning the local job market and the median household income, reflecting the community’s overall financial health. A deeper understanding of these factors helps frame Huntington Beach’s economic position within the wider context of Orange County.
- Huntington Beach Industries and Employment Breakdown
In Huntington Beach, the employment landscape is diverse with the Health Care & Social Assistance sector leading the way, constituting 12.5% of the workforce. This is closely followed by the Manufacturing (11%), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (10.1%), and Retail Trade (10%) sectors. The prominence of these sectors underscores a workforce deeply engaged in specialized services, health care, and consumer goods. Finance & Insurance, Accommodation & Food Services, and other sectors such as Construction and Wholesale Trade also contribute notably to the job market, painting a picture of a dynamic and multifaceted economy.
- Huntington Beach Median Household Income and Employment Rate
Huntington Beach exhibits a median household income that places it within the mid-range among Orange County cities, reflecting a stable economic standing. The median income level of $111,122 showcases the city’s moderate yet substantial economic health in contrast to its neighbors. Despite this, the employment rate stands at 63.10%, suggesting a robust workforce that contributes to the city’s median income level. This balance of income and employment underscores Huntington Beach as a city with a solid economic foundation, offering a middle-ground for potential residents seeking a blend of affordability and prosperity within the dynamic fabric of Orange County.
| Median Household Income | $111,122 |
| Employment Rate | 63.10% |
(ages 16 and over) that is employed, excluding those not seeking employment, such as retirees and students.
Source: US Census Bureau
3. Huntington Beach City Attractions
Huntington Beach, California, affectionately known as “Surf City USA,” is a coastal paradise famous for its vibrant surf culture, expansive beaches, and lively community. Here are some of the primary attractions:
- Huntington Beach Pier: A landmark pier offering breathtaking ocean views, fishing spots, and dining establishments, perfect for enjoying the quintessential California sunset.
- Main Street & Pacific City: The heart of downtown Huntington Beach, bustling with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, embodying the city’s surf culture.
- Huntington State Beach: A popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing, known for its fire pits and excellent surf breaks.
- Bolsa Chica State Beach: Offers ample opportunities for surfing, kite surfing, fishing, and bird watching at the adjacent ecological reserve.
- Huntington Dog Beach: A paradise for dogs and their owners, allowing pets to roam freely and enjoy the surf.
- Surfing Walk of Fame & Surfers’ Hall of Fame: Honoring surfing legends and their contributions to the sport, located at Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway.
- Shipley Nature Center: An oasis of natural habitat within Huntington Central Park, featuring trails and educational exhibits about local flora and fauna.
- Bella Terra: An outdoor shopping and entertainment complex that offers a wide range of retail stores, dining options, and a cinema.
- Huntington Beach Art Center: Showcases the works of local and regional artists through a variety of exhibitions and cultural events.
- Pacific Coast Highway: Iconic route offering scenic drives along the coastline, connecting Huntington Beach with other coastal gems.
Huntington Beach captures the essence of the Southern California lifestyle, with its endless summers, excellent surf, and community spirit.
Conclusion
Huntington Beach stands as a beacon in the Orange County real estate scene, distinguished by its robust market activity and desirable living conditions. The data and insights provided illuminate the path for those looking to anchor in this dynamic community, whether for the surf-ready lifestyle or the investment opportunities it offers. Huntington Beach is positioned as a thriving, economically balanced locale with its mid-range median household income and varied employment sectors. With its quick turnover and high demand, the housing market reflects a city that’s not just riding the wave but creating its own.
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