Honest Pros and Cons of Living in Corona Del Mar, CA

Meaning “crown of the sea” in Spanish, Corona Del Mar is a picture-perfect neighborhood in Newport Beach. Nestled along the Southern California coastline, Corona Del Mar features sandy beaches, rugged clifftops, sparkling tide pools, and quiet secret coves.

Historically used as ranchland, it wasn’t until the 20th century that the area was developed into a seaside town. Its namesake landmark, the Corona Del Mar State Beach Park, often referred to as the “big corona,” is popular with residents and visitors year-round. If you’re interested in calling this stunningly beautiful locale your new home, you’ll want to learn everything you can before making your move. Here, we’ll explore the honest pros and cons of living in Corona Del Mar, CA.

Running along the Pacific coast, the magnificent landscape of Corona Del Mar is nothing short of breathtaking. Thanks to Southern California’s warm and sunny weather, residents can enjoy the beaches year-round, with endless opportunities for exploration. You’ll find sandy stretches lined with rocky cliffs, coastline trails, and hidden coves. You’ll have access to endless water activities, including surfing, boating, kayaking, fishing, and paddle boarding.

Corona Del Mar’s impressive coastal location provides residents with amazing seaside views at every turn, with dramatic sunsets as the sky turns colors every day.

In addition to the beach and all its beauty, Corona Del Mar residents have access to ample outdoor recreation spots. Buck Gully Reserve and Crystal Cove State Park have networks of biking and hiking trails to accommodate different fitness levels. Nature lovers can explore the area’s diverse flora, fauna, and wildlife. The beaches and parks are perfect gathering places for picnics, sports games, and outdoor exercise.

For golf enthusiasts, there are several courses in the area. The Pelican Hill Golf Club features 36 holes of top-notch golf, seaside views, and private lessons from PGA professionals. The ultra-exclusive Newport Beach Country Club is a members-only country club and golf course designed by renowned golf course architect William "Billy" Bell, Jr.

As a gorgeous coastal destination, Corona Del Mar attracts large numbers of tourists and vacationers all year round. In the winter, people from colder climates head south to warmer weather, which gets especially jam-packed during the holidays. Every year, it becomes significantly more crowded in the summer as families come for their vacations.

Even on the weekends, the beaches can get packed with surfers and sunbathers. The tourists and large crowds can create a hectic environment, to the annoyance of residents. They also cause heavy traffic and congested streets, particularly on the Pacific Coast Highway and Interstate 405.

Corona Del Mar real estate is renowned for its upscale neighborhoods, luxury homes, and elegant, sophisticated lifestyle. Properties situated on scenic bluffs have unparalleled vistas of the surrounding landscape. Among its most prestigious neighborhoods are Irvine Terrace, known for its panoramic coastal vistas, and Cameo Shores, situated along oceanfront cliffs. Another top luxury community is Harbor View Hills, which features grand European architecture, as well as Spyglass Hill, which sits on the hillsides overlooking Newport Beach.

While the fantastic neighborhoods of Corona Del Mar feature a range of impressive architectural styles, including Spanish Colonial, Traditional, Mediterranean, and Contemporary, the land and housing are limited. Strict zoning regulations limit new construction. Because of the prestige and desirability of the location, many homeowners choose to hold onto their properties rather than sell them. This further limits the inventory of available homes for sale in Corona Del Mar.

For a perfect day out, Corona Del Mar boasts a collection of high-end stores and restaurants. Fashion Island is a premier shopping destination with luxury brands, designer shops, and gourmet cuisine. The open-air plaza features storefronts selling Dolce and Gabbana, Chanel, Gucci, and Lexus.

For fine dining, Gulfstream is a classic steak and seafood restaurant specializing in elevated American fare. The marine-themed setting is elegant, with white cloth tables, meticulously plated dishes, and innovatively crafted cocktails. A local mainstay, Five Crowns, is an upscale destination for classic cuisine in an English country inn-inspired setting. For a sophisticated supper club atmosphere, Mastro’s Ocean Club serves sumptuous dishes and seafood towers paired with a curated wine list.

Reflective of the upscale lifestyle is the high cost of living. Corona Del Mar real estate consists of luxury homes, large estates, and resort-style condominiums that come with high price tags. The demand for housing in desirable locations often exceeds the inventory of what is available. Home prices are driven even higher as buyers try to outbid each other for prime real estate. Everyday expenses like gas, groceries, and dining out are higher because establishments pay more for commercial space as well.

Full of beach town charms, Corona Del Mar fosters a strong sense of community spirit. Residents are active in events, parades, fundraisers, and art festivals throughout the year, including the Corona Del Mar Scenic 5K, the Christmas Boat Parade, and the Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk. Through engagement and commitment, residents actively work together to maintain a beautiful and welcoming neighborhood.

Corona Del Mar is home to several art galleries, including the SCAPE Gallery and the ODG Galerie, showcasing amazing work by local and regional artists. There are murals, public art installations, and self-guided art walks throughout the city. For live music, The Quiet Woman and Muldoon's Irish Pub are lively restaurants that host shows regularly. The annual Summer Concerts Series on the Green is free and open to the public.

If living in Corona Del Mar sounds like a dream come true and you would like to learn more, contact The Summer Perry Group for exceptional representation and guidance. This trusted team specializes in the luxury housing market and is committed to providing professional services to their valued clients. With a team of licensed real estate brokers and Realtors on your side, you can expect top-tier advice and invaluable resources to help you meet your goals in Corona Del Mar real estate. Get started today!

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