The Seal Beach housing market epitomizes this Southern California community’s coastal charm and relaxed pace. Known for its large retiree population, Seal Beach offers a housing market that’s as welcoming as its sunny piers and sandy beaches. This report dives into the latest trends shaping the Seal Beach real estate landscape, from the pricing of various property types to the overall market dynamics. Whether you’re a retiree looking for a peaceful seaside home or a buyer drawn to the allure of a beach town, this analysis will provide the insights needed to navigate Seal Beach’s market with confidence.
Table of Contents
Seal Beach Housing Market Data
1. Median Home Price
This section analyzes Seal Beach, California’s housing market, 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 stock cooperatives and condos. Additionally, it compares Seal 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 Seal Beach.
- Current Sales Prices of Seal Beach Homes
In Seal Beach, the real estate market presents a unique landscape with stock cooperatives as the primary housing type, significantly influencing the overall median sales price of $360,000. Single-family homes are priced substantially higher, with a median of $1,450,000, while stock cooperatives, which constitute the majority of listings, are more modestly priced at $330,000. Condominiums also offer a mid-range option at $562,500. This pricing structure caters particularly to the city’s large retiree community, offering diverse living options within a serene coastal environment.
| Property Type | Seal Beach Median Home Sales Price |
| All Properties | $360,000 |
| – Single-Family Home | $1,450,000 |
| – Stock Cooperative | $330,000 |
| – Condominium | $562,500 |
All data is from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service, INC. InfoSparks © 2024 ShowingTime.
Note: Stock Cooperatives comprise approximately 75% of all active listings in Seal Beach
and are the main driver of overall median property sales prices.
- Seal Beach Home Sales Prices Over Time
The median home sales price in Seal Beach has maintained a consistent level, closely mirroring the stability of Orange County’s overall market, albeit well below the county average. The pricing for various property types in Seal Beach shows single-family homes retaining the highest values, while condominiums and stock cooperatives exhibit steadiness in price. This pattern suggests a stable demand across all housing options in Seal Beach, which is notable for its significant retiree population, offering a range of price points suitable for different buyer preferences within a tranquil coastal setting.
- Current Home Sales Prices – Seal Beach vs. Other Orange County Cities
Seal Beach stands out as the most affordable city in Orange County’s real estate market, largely due to the prevalence of lower-cost retiree housing options. Its median home sales price is positioned at the lower end of the spectrum, comparable to Laguna Woods, another community known for its significant retiree population. This affordability in Seal Beach offers an accessible housing market for those seeking the benefits of living within Orange County without the premium price tag often found in the region’s more upscale cities.
2. Supply and Demand – Seal Beach Housing Market
This section provides a comprehensive look at the supply and demand dynamics within Seal Beach’s housing market. It outlines the total housing stock, active listings, recent sales, current inventory level, and how quickly homes sell. 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 Seal Beach’s real estate activities.
- Key Housing Market Indicators – Seal Beach
Seal Beach maintains a steady real estate market with approximately 83 homes listed monthly and an average of 39 sales. This coastal city exhibits a moderate inventory level of 2.1 months and homes selling at a reasonably brisk pace of 17 days on average. These figures suggest an active but balanced market where retirees and other buyers can find opportunities within a less hectic selling environment compared to larger markets.
| Total Homes in Seal Beach | ~14,600 |
| Active Home Listings | 83 |
| Homes Sold | 39 |
| Inventory – Months Supply | 2.1 |
| Days on Market | 17 |
Total Homes in Seal 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 Seal 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. This is also known as the absorption rate.
Days on Market: The average number of days between listing a home in Seal Beach and accepting an offer in a given month.
- Seal Beach Active Listings vs. Homes Sold Over Time
In Seal Beach, the graph demonstrates a stabilization in active home listings over the past year, after a period of decline. The sales of homes have also reached a plateau, mirroring the trend in listings and pointing towards a balanced market. This steady state of affairs, with a consistent number of homes being sold in relation to those listed, suggests that Seal Beach’s housing market has found a sustainable pace.
- Current Days on Market – Seal Beach vs. Other Orange County Cities
Homes in Seal Beach tend to remain on the market longer than in many other Orange County cities, yet they still sell relatively 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 you better visualize this, 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 Seal 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.
- Seal Beach Home Size and Value
Seal Beach’s housing market is characterized by a median home size of approximately 905 square feet, which is among the most compact in Orange County, reflecting the city’s appeal to retirees looking for smaller, more manageable living spaces. At $398 per square foot, the value of property space in Seal Beach is economical compared to the county average, further underlining the city’s affordability. Despite the smaller home sizes, Seal Beach presents an attractive market for those seeking to downsize or enter the housing market without the premium price tag of larger homes in the area.
| Median Home Size | ~905 ft2 |
| Price per Square Foot | $398 |
All data is from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service, INC. InfoSparks © 2024 ShowingTime.
Seal Beach Residents Data
1. Population
Exploring the dynamics of Seal 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 Seal Beach in relation to other parts of Orange County.
- Seal Beach Population Statistics
Seal Beach has a modest population of around 24,071 and one of the lowest population densities in Orange County, with only 2,135 residents per square mile, indicating a comfortably populated coastal community.
| Population | 24,071 |
| Population Density (Residents per square mile) | 2,135 |
- Population Density – Seal Beach vs. Other Orange County Cities
Seal Beach, highlighted with the lightest blue shade on the map, indicates a low population density relative to all other Orange County cities. This suggests that Seal Beach offers its residents a less crowded living environment within the bustling county.
2. Employment Industries and Median Income
Exploring Seal Beach’s economic landscape reveals the key employment sectors underpinning the local job market and the median household income, which reflect the community’s overall financial health. A deeper understanding of these factors helps frame Seal Beach’s economic position within the wider context of Orange County.
- Seal Beach Industries and Employment Breakdown
Seal Beach’s employment landscape is anchored by sectors essential to its community dynamics, especially given its large retiree population. Health Care & Social Assistance is a leading employment sector highlighting the city’s health and wellness services investment. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services also contribute significantly to local employment, reflecting a workforce engaged in specialized areas. Retail Trade rounds out the top sectors, emphasizing the importance of consumer-oriented businesses to the local economy. Together, these sectors form a diverse economic base in Seal Beach, catering to the needs and leveraging its residents’ expertise.
- Seal Beach Median Household Income and Employment Rate
Seal Beach’s median household income is modest compared to the broader spectrum of Orange County, aligning closely with Laguna Woods, another city with a significant retiree community. At $75,507, it suggests a lifestyle sustained by retirement benefits and savings rather than solely by employment income, as reflected in the employment rate of 41%. This positions Seal Beach as an economically balanced locale within the county, where the cost of living may be supported by factors other than current employment.
| Median Household Income | $75,507 |
| Employment Rate | 41.0% |
(ages 16 and over) that is employed, excluding those not seeking employment, such as retirees and students.
Source: US Census Bureau
3. Seal Beach City Attractions
Seal Beach, California, is a quaint coastal community known for its welcoming small-town charm and beautiful environments. Here are some of the central attractions:
- Seal Beach Pier: One of the longest wooden piers in California, perfect for a leisurely walk with striking ocean views.
- Main Street: The heart of Seal Beach with unique shops, restaurants, and cafes that exude a laid-back beach town vibe.
- Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge: A sanctuary for birds and wildlife, offering guided tours for nature lovers and environmentalists.
- Eisenhower Park: A beachfront park providing a lovely spot for picnics and outdoor concerts right by the pier.
- Seal Beach Municipal Pier Playground: A family-friendly area with a play structure for children, located near the pier.
- Red Car Museum: A small museum dedicated to the Pacific Electric Railway, featuring a restored red car from the iconic line.
- Seal Beach Tennis Center: A community hub for tennis enthusiasts with well-maintained courts and a pro shop.
- Old Ranch Country Club: A private golf course known for its pristine conditions and beautiful clubhouse.
- Bay Theatre: This recently restored iconic vintage movie theater is treasured by locals for its historical significance.
- Alamitos Bay: Bordering Seal Beach, offering water activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, and sailing in a picturesque setting.
Seal Beach’s blend of recreation, relaxation, and conservation areas makes it a gem along the California coast.
Conclusion
The Seal Beach housing market presents an inviting option for those seeking the quintessential laid-back California lifestyle at a more approachable price point. With its predominant stock cooperative housing and a median sales price that’s attractive to retirees and budget-conscious buyers alike, Seal Beach stands out for its affordability within the upscale Orange County real estate scene. The market here benefits from stable demand and offers a unique blend of small-town appeal and coastal serenity. As we have seen, despite its modest size, Seal Beach’s real estate market competes with a vibrancy reflecting its community spirit, making it a prime location for potential homeowners and investors alike.
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