All About Newport Beach

Newport Beach’s Best Kept Secret – Cherry Lake

Cherry Lake is located in Newport Beach. This lake is spring fed, and is bordered by Heather Lane, Lake Park Lane and 23rd Street.

 There are nineteen Newport Beach homes located on Cherry Lake. These homes all have views of the Lake and enjoy the secluded and serene lifestyle of this area. The lake is spring fed and is professionally maintained. These homes in Newport Beach have views of Cherry Lake from their homes, balconies, and docks.

These homes located on Cherry Lake feature docks which are used for swimming, fishing, paddle boats, and kayaks. In this area of Newport Beach, it almost feels like you are in the mountains at a lake as opposed to the beach. However, this is still extremely close proximity to the ocean, boardwalk and beach lifestyle.

 There is a walking trail around the lake, and it is not accessible to the public. It is for the resident’s use. There are also beautiful lily pads that are growing in the lake as well. 

There are so few homes located on Cherry Lake in Newport Beach (19), they rarely become available for sale. However, at this time, there one active listing with a lake view:

2414 23rd Street, Newport Beach – offered at $1,699,000

Cherry Lake is a unique and secluded area and the homes are nestled in the trees.

  If I can answer any questions about homes for sale in the Newport Beach area, or  Cherry Lake, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

The Castaways in Newport Beach – Market Update

June 1, 2010 to September 28, 2010

The Castaways is a gated community located in Newport Beach and it is a guard gated community. The Castaways is bordered by Dover Drive in Newport Beach. It is a beautiful community and the homes are impeccably maintained. 

The Castaways has approximately 119 homes, and they were originally built in 1997 and 1998 by Taylor Woodrow. The homes in the Castaways that are located on the front row have panoramic views of the back bay, Newport Harbor and the ocean. The Castaways is a highly desirable and sought after community.

The Castaways has Cape Cod Style architecture. Many of the homes do have three car garages. It is a very charming community. The children who reside in the Castaways attend Mariners Elementary School (which is a Blue Ribbon School), Ensign Middle School and Newport Harbor High School. Both Ensign and Newport Harbor are very close proximity to the Castaways.

The Castaways in Newport Beach currently has four active listings.

17 Castaways North, Newport Beach – Priced at $1,949,000

28 Castaways, Newport Beach – Priced at $2,250,000

29 Cape Andover, Newport Beach – Priced at $2,399,000

35 Cape Andover, Newport Beach – Priced at $2,499,000

There are no pending or back up sales at this time.

There has been one sale in March, 2010 at 31 Cape Andover in Newport Beach. for $2,450,000.

If I can answer any questions about the Castaways in Newport Beach, or homes for sale in Newport Beach,  please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: spaxson@roadrunner.com

Info taken from SoCalMLS deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Just Sold! East Side Costa Mesa Duplex

$850,000

The East Side Costa Mesa duplex located  at 379 Rochester Street, Costa Mesa, CA just closed escrow today for $850,000. 

This fabulous property features two units on a quiet, tree lined street. The front unit has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, vaulted ceilings in the living area with a fireplace and hardwood floors. The front unit also has a laundry room, and a two car garage. There is also a fenced dog run as well.

The rear unit of this East Side Costa Mesa duplex has two  bedrooms, two bathrooms, inside laundry closet, and a one car garage. There are  vaulted ceilings in the living area, and a fireplace for the cooler climate during the winter months. 

This charming home is located in highly sought after Mariner’s Elementary School district – which is a Blue Ribbon Newport Beach School. It is located in a very desirable location of East Side Costa Mesa, as you can walk to Westcliff Shopping Center, and dining and shopping.

If I can answer any questions about East Side Costa Mesa homes for sale, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Activities in Newport Beach – Visit Catalina Island

Catalina Island is an island,  located off the Southern California coast and is approximately 22 miles long, and 8 miles wide. It is located approximately 26 miles from Newport Beach. William Wrigley, Junior was instrumental in the development of Catalina Island, he originally bought the island in 1919 and it was improved with the Casino, a hotel, and the Casino building which still stands today – however it is now utilized as a movie theater.  Wrigley sold lots in the city of Avalon in 1921. This is the same Wrigley owned the Chicago Cubs, and the same who developed Wrigley chewing gum. Wrigley Field in Chicago, home to the Chicago Cubs was named in honor of William Wrigley, Junior in 1926.

The Casino is the prominent landmark of Avalon and typically the first thing you can see when you are crossing the ocean. The Casino is utilized as a movie theater, and the upstairs can be utilized for private events.

To get to Catalina Island from Newport Beach – You can take the Catalina Flyer which departs Newport Harbor at 9 am and arrives in Avalon, Catalina 10:15 am. The Catalina Flyer then departs Avalon back to Newport at 4:30 pm and arrives in Newport at 5:45 pm. There are other express boats from Long Beach and San Pedro, and there is also a helicopter ride from Long Beach to arrive in Avalon.

Once you are in Avalon, it is such a charming area. Avalon in Catalina is a pedestrian village with dining and shopping. You can rent golf carts, horse back ride, zip line (make these reservations in advance) and para-sail. There is a glass bottom boat, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and the water is incredibly clear. And there is whale watching as well. Enjoy a day in Avalon or stay for the weekend. Below are some para-sailing photos.

There are sail boats, luxury yachts and fishing yachts as well. There are fishing tournaments off Avalon as well.

During the cross back to Huntington Harbor, we saw dolphins which were amazing, and whales.

Also, on this trip, there were several very California Gray Whales – apparently they were 60-80 feet long – incredible! And they were feeding.

It was so incredible to see these California Gray Whales and to hear them spouting as well. Amazing.

 There were at least three whales feeding together, however we kept our distance, but they continued to feed while we watched from a distance.

And we saw a few more California Gray Whales a few miles away, it was so inspiring to see these beautiful creatures.

If I can provide any more information for you about activities in Catalina Island, or activities in Newport Beach, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Hurley US Open of Surfing 2010

The Hurley US Open of Surfing contest will conclude today. The men's finals are being held today in Huntington Beach right at the Huntington Beach Pier. The Hurley US Open is a great opportunity to view world class surfers.

Carissa Moore from Honolulu, Hawaii and is 17 years old, won the Association of Surfing Professionals 6-Star Women’s US Open of Surfing yesterday. Moore won the first place prize of $50,000. 

Other events today include the men’s final, and it really is an amazing event. The Hurley US Open was packed with spectators, and photographers to capture some of the events. Some of the other activities include BMX, and live music. Yesterday Weezer played to a crowd of approximately 50,000 people.  Throughout the day, there were crowds of up to 150,000 people. If you plan on attending, I would recommend getting there early to secure parking, or if you are local, ride your bike or walk.

This surf contest has been running for this past week, and the finals are being held this weekend. These are some photos I took yesterday from the Huntington Beach Pier.

Below are some photos of professional surfers at Huntington Beach.

The tents and spectator viewing area. There were lots of people who came to Huntington Beach to view not only this event, but the USLA National Lifeguard Championships which was being held right at Beach Boulevard and Coast Highway.

It really is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the California climate (the sun finally came out). Enjoy meeting some new friends, and if you enjoy taking photos this is an amazing event.

If I can answer any questions about this surf contest, or other events in the area of Huntington Beach or Newport Beach, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

USLA National Championships Held at Huntington State Beach

August 5-7, 2010

Professional Lifeguards from all over the country competed in the USLA National Championships this past weekend in Huntington State Beach. There were more than 1000 participants. Additionally, there were also Junior Lifeguards events as well.  The events included run-swim-runs, relays, surf swims, buoy swims, dory boat competitions and paddle boarding, it was a great event. These lifeguards are in incredible shape and it was a great competition. Below are photos of the swim final for the men.

The water temperature was in the range of 60 to 63 degrees which is pretty cold for this time of year. You would never know the temperature based on how these lifeguards ran into the water.  

 The USLA Lifeguard National Championships is a unique event and allows the participants to demonstrate their techniques for lifesaving, and their water safety.

This three-day competition was hosted this year by the Huntington State Beach Lifeguard Association (HSBLA) and was held at Huntington State Beach,  located at Beach Boulevard and Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. This event was held concurrently with the Hurley US Open in Huntington Beach, so there were many people out.

Another event is the Dory Surf Boat Race, and there are two lifeguards in each boat and they paddle through the waves, around buoys and paddle back in sometimes riding the surf in. There was also a women’s division.

The California State Lifeguards won this Dory boat race. The California State Lifeguards compete as a team for the entire state.

The USLA National Lifeguard Championships was a three day event from August 5-7, 2010, and there were many spectators, and sponsors as well. Next year it will be hosted in Cape May, New Jersey. So it is an opportunity for these very talented lifeguards to compete in different conditions. Each year it is held on different coast. Last year, the event was held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

If you have any questions about Huntington State lifeguard try-outs, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Just Sold! 1139 Granville Drive, Newport Beach, CA

This beautiful property which is located in the highly coveted community of  Granville in Newport Beach has just sold for $1,600,000. This upper level condo which features two bedrooms, three bathrooms, and has a stunning view of the Newport Beach Country Club Golf Course 9th Fairway. This home has been completed re-done and had elegant finish work throughout including crown molding, granite counter tops in kitchen, stainless appliances, built in office area with custom cabinetry. This home also featured vaulted ceilings in the family room, and two fireplaces to enjoy the cooler climate.

This property which is located in a very desirable location in Granville, this property is located across from the Granville community pool area, and community club house. From the Granville community, the residents can walk to upscale dining and shopping at Fashion Island. This home also has a beautiful balcony to enjoy the Newport Beach climate.

 If I can answer any questions about Granville in Newport Beach, or Newport Beach homes for sale,  please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Jasmine Creek in Corona del Mar, CA

Jasmine Creek, located in Corona del Mar is a private gated community. Originally developed by M.J. Brock and designed by Architect Walter J. Richardson in the early 1970’s. Jasmine Creek was designed with height restrictions so that the homes on Harbor View in Corona del Mar would maintain their views. Jasmine Creek was originally planned to have 379 homes, however, Jasmine Creek was downsized to 324 home sites.

Jasmine Creek is located off Marguerite in Corona del Mar, and many of the homes have Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island views.

Jasmine Creek in Corona del Mar has two pools, and tennis courts for the exclusive use of the residents. There is also a community clubhouse for the residents of Jasmine Creek.

There are both condos and single family residences located in Jasmine Creek. There are six floor plans ranging in square footage from 1857 to 2582. Three of the floor plans have a main floor bedroom. Jasmine Creek has green belts and walking trails.

Currently, there are four active listings in Jasmine Creek in Corona del Mar, and there have been four sales since May 1, 2010.

1 Jetty Drive, Corona del Mar, CA – offered at $1,199,000

125 Jasmine Creek Drive, Corona del Mar, CA - offered at $1,250,000

1 Sea Faring, Corona del Mar, CA – offered at $1,599,000

1 Mainsail Drive, Corona del Mar, CA – offered at $1,765,000

There have been four sales since May 1, 2010 ranging in price from $897,500 to $1,400,000.

If I can answer any questions about Corona del Mar property for sale, or property in Jasmine Creek, please contact me:

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Disclaimer: Info taken from SoCalMLS deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Information on market reports is time sensitive.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Newport Shores in Newport Beach Market Update

April 1, 2010 – July 26, 2010

Newport Shores is a beach close community located at the west side of Newport Beach. Newport Shores in Newport Beach is located across the street from Coast Highway and Orange Street in Newport Beach. Newport Shores has approximately 440 homes both single family and there are duplexes as well. Newport Shores is surrounded by a Canal which is fed by the ocean, and there are homes that are located on the Canal. The residents do enjoy the canal with kayaking, stand up paddle board, and paddling.

Newport Shores has a community clubhouse, a heated pool with a lifeguard during the summer months, a tennis court (and there are occasional tennis tournaments for the residents of Newport Shores), a sand volley ball court and there are two parks for the children to enjoy the outdoors.

Presently, there are seven active listings on the market in Newport Shores. The properties range in price from $899,000 to $1,349,000.

The properties in Newport Shores are as follows:

222 Lugonia Street, Newport Beach, CA – offered at $899,000

218 Colton Street, Newport Beach, CA – offered at $929,999

304 Colton Street, Newport Beach, CA – offered at $950,000

324 Prospect Street, Newport Beach, CA - offered at $1,189,000

477 Prospect Street, Newport Beach, CA - offered at $1,195,000

318 62nd Street, Newport Beach, CA – offered at $1,199,000

331 Walnut Street, Newport Beach, CA – offered at $1,349,000

There are two in back up status and both of the properties are short sales.

• 332 Lugonia Street, Newport Beach, CA – offered at $739,000

This short sale had been approved, and is pending approval again with a new buyer.

• 3 Canal Circle, Newport Beach, CA – offered at $1,350,000

There is one property in pending status and is also a short sale:

• 227 Walnut Street, Newport Beach, CA – offered at $899,000

There have been three sales since April 1, 2010. The sales are as follows:

230 62nd Street, Newport Beach – sold for $660,000

223 Lugonia Street, Newport Beach – sold for $725,000
This property was an REO

The Orange County Fair Opens Tomorrow!

 July 16, 2010

The Beat Goes On!

The Orange County Fair is opening tomorrow, July 16, 2010 and will run all the way through August 15, 2010.  The theme for th OC Fair is “The Beat Goes On!”. The tickets for the OC Fair are available now at ticketmaster. The prices for a single day admission is $10, there are group sales for 15 or more for $8 per person, and there is a Superpass which costs $30. The Superpass grants you admission to the Orange County Fair EVERY Day of the 2010 OC Fair, July 16th through August 15th and it is open Wednesday through Sunday. The Orange County Fair is an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful beach climate, see the exhibits, animals, eat some great food and perhaps ride some of the exciting rides. There are dance exhibitions, and food vendors to enjoy the fair atmosphere. Find additional information and photos here.

The OC Fair is located at:

 88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA

And tomorrow being the opening day – from Noon to 1:00 pm, there is free parking, free admission to the OC Fair. Also enjoy tomorrow . . .

The 36th Annual Speedway Fair Derby
      The Pink Floyd Experience in The Pacific Amphitheatre
            (First come, first served and subject to availability)
$1 Fair Food Tastings – From Noon to 4:00 p.m.
$1 Carnival Rides and Games – From Noon to 7:00 p.m.

And enjoy some of the rides as well. Below is a photo from a ride called Speed last year, I did not go on that one, but may try it this year!

I hope to see you at the OC Fair in Costa Mesa.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com