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

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

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

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

What's Happening in Your Neighborhood in Southern California?

What’s happening in your neighborhood in So Cal or the OC? Do you know the home prices? Are you looking to find out information about a specific neighborhood you might be interested in relocating to? Are you monitoring market trends?

If you are interested in receiving a free on-line market report of your neighborhood, then you may be interested in Market Snapshot. All you need to do is provide the information as referenced below, and you will receive a comprehensive report of the neighborhood you have an interest in which includes market statistics, community information, and school information. 

If you would like to start receiving the Market Snapshot, I have a widget on the left side of my blog, fill out the information there.

Then you will receive a Market Report of the neighborhood in your area right to your email. The Market Statistics look like this area which is in Newport Shores in Newport Beach. You can hover over each house on the left side of the graph, and it will provide you with prices and detailed information about each specific property.

Additionally, there is community information and school information as well. I really like the comprehensive information on the community area, as the report includes information about local airports, colleges, museums, and other information that you may have an interest in.

You can edit the schedule of how often you would like to receive it yourself. Every two weeks, four weeks, eight weeks, etc. You get the idea, and of course you can cancel or opt out at any time.

If you have any questions about the Market Snapshot, or would like to  receive it, click on the button below, or fill out the widget on the side of the blog site at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com.. 

Farmer’s Market Debuts in Newport Beach

The Farmer’s Market opened yesterday July 11, 2010 at theLido Marina Village on the brick lined street of Via Oporto in Newport Beach. We arrived yesterday morning at around 10:15 and they were giving out recyclable bags. There was a good crowd, and most of the vendors had already sold out of many of their goods. The Farmer's Market in Newport Beach will run every Sunday morning.

The vendors had organic fruit and vegetables, flowers arrangements and orchids available for purchase. A number of the vendors had samples and I must say the oranges and the berries were delicious – there were cherries, peaches, yellow rasperries, red rasperries, and blueberries just to name a few.

The Farmer’s Market in Newport Beach was a great opportunity to meet and greet your friends and neighbors as well. Love the flower arrangement below with the CA Grown!

Next Sunday, we will plan on arriving earlier so that the vendors are not sold out of some of their goods.

We really enjoyed the Farmer’s Market and wish them much success. I hope to see you next Sunday morning.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

The Newport Beach Top Ten Best Deals– July 10, 2010

401 Seaward, Corona del Mar – Priced at $589,900.

This Corona del Mar property has two bedrooms and three bathrooms, and has approximately 1500 square feet of living space. This home is priced at $387 per square foot, this is a great opportunity to be walking distance to the beach in Corona del Mar.

8 Crest Circle, Corona del Mar – Priced at $699,000

This three bedroom, three bathroom home which is located in Corona del Mar has approximately 1850 square feet of living space. It  is located near Roger’s Gardens in Newport Beach. The condo has been upgraded and has two patios, and two fireplaces, and an attached two car garage. 

215 Fernleaf, Corona del Mar – Priced at $1,999,000

This family beach property is in the highly sought after 200 block of the Corona del Mar Village and it is located just steps from the beach. There are 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. You can reside in the property or build your dream home. 

901 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach – Priced at $1,890,000

This  home which is a  Mediterranean style features four bedrooms, four bathrooms and has approximately 4800 square feet of living space in the exclusive neighborhood of Cliffhaven.

2001 Haven Place, Newport Beach – Priced at $1,050,000

This property, built in 2001 is located in the highly coveted area of Cliffhaven in Newport Beach. This home is walking distance to Newport Beach schools including Newport Harbor High and Ensign Middle School. This Newport Beach home features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and has approximately 2572 square feet.

717.5 Orchid, Corona del Mar – Priced at $725,000

This four bedroom, three bathroom home in Corona del Mar is a  back unit and does have an ocean view. This property is detached, and has an extra large roof top deck to enjoy the Corona del Mar weather. This is a great opportunity for a four bedroom property located in the Corona del Mar Village.

20402 Santa Ana Ave, Newport Beach – priced at $515,000

This home was built in 2007 and it is a condo. This 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom home has approximately 1300 square feet of living space, and low HOA dues of approximately $107.  

2834 Irvine Ave, Newport Beach – priced at $799,000

This Newport Beach home is located near the Back Bay of Newport Beach.

222 Onyx, Newport Beach – priced at $1,095,000

This is a great opportunity for a Balboa Island cottage with two bedrooms and one bathroom.  You can build your dream home and enjoy living in coveted Balboa Island.

212 Via Dijon, Newport Beach – priced at $1,250,000

The Lido Island home located in Newport Beach has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Enjoy the proximity to the bay and beach on exclusive Lido Isle in Newport Beach.

2040 E Ocean Blvd, Newport Beach – priced at $1,249,000

This single family home is located in highly sought after Peninsula Point in Newport Beach. This home features four bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Walk to the beach, the  Wedge and Newport Harbor.

If I can answer any questions about the Top Ten best deals in Newport Beach or Newport Beach Real Estate, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Information for Newport Top 10 deals obtained from SoCalMLS and is deemed accurate, but not guaranteed. Information contained in this post is time sensitive.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach

Roger's Gardens which is located in Newport Beach is one of my favorite places to visit through out the year. Roger's Gardens is truly the most beautiful home and garden center. Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach is located at:

2301 San Joaquin Hills Road
Corona Dell Mar, CA 92625
(949) 640-5800

Roger's Gardens is a truly a pleasure to visit. With their stunning outdoor and indoor plants, home decor, and of course their holiday decorations as well, there is so much  to see. There are beautiful fountains, and they are known for their beautiful outdoor hanging flower baskets.

If you are looking for a gift, you will be sure to find it at Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach. Roger's Gardens has beautiful fountains, hanging plants, mail boxes, artwork for  both indoor and the outdoor patio.

Roger's Gardens also outdoor patio furniture and accessories, and has an exceptional selection.

During Halloween, Roger’s Gardens does not disappoint with their Halloween decor. It is a fun place to visit, and get ideas or that unique item that you have been looking for.

During the Christmas season, Roger's Gardens decorates with all the holiday decor. They have a dedicated room for Christopher Radko ornaments, and there are events where you can meet  the different artists.

I enjoy just browsing around the gardens, and getting ideas, or perhaps finding that special item that I want to add to my home or garden. I love the unique table and  chairs below that is made from stone.

Roger's Gardens has a Garden Room, and there are so many different types of plants including indoor plants. There are orchids, african violets and other blooming plants. At the entrance to the garden room were these beautiful hydrangeas in such vibrant colors.

If you are looking for a great place to visit, browse, shop or even take your camera,  I recommend visiting Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Fourth of July in Newport Beach, CA

The Fourth of July in Newport Beach is a pretty big event. There are lots of celebrations going on through out the city of Newport Beach and the city of Huntington Beach. And there are many visitors who come to celebrate the Fourth of July in Newport Beach.

There is the Annual Huntington Beach Fourth of July parade which is held on Main Street in Huntington Beach. Huntington Beach has sponsored the Surf City Fourth of July Parade and Celebration since July 4, 1904. The parade was to celebrate the arrival of the first electric passenger train. The Surf City Fourth of July parade is the largest parade west of the Mississippi. Huntington Beach also has a fireworks show in the evening, and it is visible by sitting on the beach in Huntington Beach. The residents of west Newport usually can view it as well . . .

Newport Shores in Newport Beach has a local parade for the residents of Newport Shores. Decorate your bikes, skate boards, children, dogs, etc and meet at the community clubhouse at 8:30 for some coffee and donuts on the 4th of July. The parade begins at 9am and goes around the neighborhood. The Newport Beach Fire Department has shown up in the past at the summation of the parade. It is a great time for kids and their families alike. There are activities all day long in the Newport Shores community for the kids to celebrate the 4th!

On July 3, 2010, the City of Newport Beach and Mariners Elementary School Foundation will host the 38th annual Independence Day Parade and celebration. The parade will begin at the corner of Mariners and Commodore in Newport Beach. The address for is Mariners Park: 

1300 Irvine Avenue, Newport Beach.

On July 4, 2010, there is the 53rd  Old Glory Boat Parade. The Old Glory Boat Parade is sponsored by the American Legion Yacht Club and the American Legion Post 291.  The parade will begin at 1 p.m. And there are some who are incredibly patriotic! Look at this boat below – beautiful!

The City of Newport  Beach along with the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is co-sponsoring a Fireworks Extravaganza.  The Fireworks Extravaganza will be at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort: 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, 2010.

Just so you know, the possession and use of fireworks are illegal in the City of Newport Beach. So be on the safe side, and just come and watch the professional shows – they really are amazing.

And if you are planning on coming to the beach in Newport Beach on the 4th, get here early. I have been up at 5:30 am looking for parking spaces without success. Parking is limited, and many of the streets on the Peninsula are closed. The city usually starts setting up the barricades a few days before the Fourth of July in anticipation of the crowds.

The parking lots at Huntington State Beach also fill up, I recommend arriving as early as possible.

Another suggestion – be careful where you park . . . or you could end up getting towed! That would not be a fun way to celebrate your Fourth of July celebration!

That is what is happening in Newport for the 4th of July. Hope you have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com