Balboa Island - One of the Gems of Newport Beach
Balboa Island - One of the Gems of Newport Beach
Balboa Island in Newport Beach is a wonderful place to live, and many people also vacation there, it really is a gem. In fact, many of the streets on Balboa Island are all named after semi-precious gems such as Abalone, Jade, Topaz and Agate to name a few. Balboa Island in Newport Beach actually consists of three islands – the main island, little Balboa island and Collins Island. Collins Island has only 8 homes that are located on it and it is a private island for the exclusive use of the residents. Balboa Island is joined to the mainland by a two lane bridge. This is actually Marine Avenue and is located off Bayside Drive.
Balboa Island in Newport Beach definitely has unique charm to it, and has a boardwalk that surrounds both the main island and Little Balboa Island. If you walk or jog around the island, it is a most picturesque way to view the island. And the walk or jog around the islands is approximately three miles. Many people visit the island, just to walk the island, and many people also bring their dogs for a morning jaunt. Balboa Island is an artificial island and is surrounded by Newport Harbor. Many of the homes do have slips for their yachts or boats, and there are some sandy beaches as well.
The Grand Canal is located between Balboa Island (main island) and Little Balboa Island). There are homes located on the Grand Canal as well. The boats in front of these homes on the Grand Canal are smaller due to the tide.
The history about Balboa Island includes the following: In 1908, William Collins, who was from Pasadena, California began dredging a channel on the north side of Newport Bay and deposited the sand on the tide lands. As a result of the sand and silt piling up, that was the beginning of Balboa Island. Back in 1908 and 2909, waterfront lots on Balboa Island were being sold for as little as $350 to $500 each. That is a huge contrast to the price of the bayfront homes now - a recent property which sold on Balboa Island Bayfront sold for $5,550,000. Other properties which are on the Bayfront range in price from $3,950,000 to $9,995,000.
The main island of Balboa Island has approximately 1400 home sites located on it. The main street that you enter Balboa Island called Marine (this is the bridge which connects Balboa Island to the main land). Marine Avenue has many local shops and restaurants. It is a pedestrian street, however there are a number Balboa Island residents who utilize golf carts to cruise the island. The golf carts are a benefit because parking can be limited as Balboa Island is definitely a destination spot.
Balboa Island is connected to the Balboa Peninsula and there is a ferry that connects the Balboa Peninsula to Balboa Island. The Balboa Island ferry carries has the capacity to carry three automobiles, and bicycles and pedestrians as well. It is a short trip from one to the other, but a pleasant one indeed. Often you will see seals, pelicans and other sea life.
Many of the homes on Balboa Island have been remodeled and rebuilt. Below are some homes on Balboa Island that were designed by Newport Beach Architect - R.A. Jeheber. This particular architect in Newport Beach has been in the area for well over 20 years and works in Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Newport Coast and the surrounding communities.
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If you would like more information about Balboa Island homes for sale, Collins Island, the Little Island or real estate in Newport Beach, please contact me:
Phone or Text: 949.280.0681
Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com
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