Take a drive along California State Route 1 and you’ll be enamored with the endless beaches, tantalizing views of the ocean, and elegant homes that seem to drift right alongside the coastline. It’s one of the most serene road trips you can take in the entire country.
And as you’re cruising through some of the nicest properties Orange County has to offer, you think of what it would take to be a part of the coastal lifestyle.
Which area do we start with?
Where can we find the best views?
Can we even afford to live on a beach in California?
All valid questions. And we’ve got the answer to make your coastal living dreams a reality in Orange County.
Welcome to Seal Beach, the northern gateway down to Orange County’s 42 miles of coastline.
In Seal Beach, you’ll find some of the best beaches in Southern California, coupled with the most affordable property that touches the ocean in the region. But the city doesn’t just stop there.
Read on for our in-depth guide to Seal Beach for new homeowners, so you can envision yourself riding your bike at the beach this summer, steps from your backyard.
Quiet, Coastal Neighborhood
Compared to some of the larger cities to the south on the coastline, Seal Beach offers its residents a quaint and peaceful living experience.
With just under 25,000 residents, you enjoy the comfort of a robust city in Orange County without the hustle and bustle of more crowded areas in the area. Seal Beach also boasts a great reputation for empty nesters and those looking for a slower paced lifestyle, with an average resident age of 59.
And with a location perfect for easy travel across the rest of Orange County, you won’t feel the hassle of a rough commute to all that Southern California has to offer.
Access to Major Transportation
Located between Long Beach and Huntington Beach, Seal Beach allows for easy coastline access north and south.
And if you want to visit somewhere more inland, Los Angeles sits just 28 miles away.
Want to visit the grandkids in another state? Or take a winter trip to the mountains?
You’ve got 3 major airports to choose from in your direct vicinity, with Los Angeles International Airport, John Wayne Airport, and Long Beach Airport all serving major airlines and cross country flights.
With each such a short drive from home, you won’t inconvenience your friend who has to drop you off and pick you up. A win for everybody.
Affordable Home Prices
While median home prices have climbed slightly since the beginning of the year, they are still down 15% compared to last year, allowing families and empty nesters a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of the market.
And with houses staying on the market for longer than average, this puts home buyers at an advantage to negotiate prices down to a level more comfortable for their situation. When dealing with enticing property in a desirable location such as Seal Beach, a home on the beach becomes a lot closer to your reality than you might think.
Parks and Recreation
But what about once you’re living in Seal Beach? Do we still have the same recreational opportunities as other inland cities?
Absolutely.
Seal Beach has 18 parks totaling over 75 acres, 4 community centers, 1 aquatics facility, and an indoor sports facility.
And if you enjoy tennis or pickleball, we’ve got the spot for you.
Located just a few miles from the beach, Seal Beach boasts a top notch Tennis and Pickleball Center, offering programs for all ages and open to the public. So be sure to load up on rackets when you move to Seal Beach. I hear pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, after all.
Seal Beach Pier
We’ve mentioned the endless miles of coastline available to you from Seal Beach, but you don’t even have to leave your backyard in the city to enjoy a picturesque sunset over the ocean.
One of the longest wooden piers in the state of California, Seal Beach Municipal Pier stretches over 1800 feet into the ocean, perfect for a long walk with the family.
Once there, you can check out one of the best surf spots in the county, take your chances at fishing over the pier, or just relax and enjoy the views on a sunny afternoon.
There’s never a reason to stay indoors when you have such beauty available within walking distance.
Senior Services
With an average age of 59 in Seal Beach, the city prides itself on taking care of its senior community. And with such a quiet and quaint backdrop to live, Seal Beach delivers a top class experience for those looking to stay involved with their local community.
Seal Beach provides 2 free transportation programs for residents 60 and older, as well as a daily shuttle with ADA access with fixed stops throughout the city.
You can also find plenty of group activities at the Seal Beach Community Center, and learn about meal delivery programs and lunch cafes.
Don’t just take our word for it, as Seal Beach ranks as a Top 10 place to retire in California, according to Niche. And we can see why, with the city ensuring that its senior residents don’t have to sacrifice their way of life for the wonderful amenities of a beachfront city.
Recap
We’d never recommend a city to live in without full belief that it’s the right fit for you and your family. In fact, many of our employees have lived in Seal Beach and experienced all of the benefits described above.
Feel free to drop by our office and see if Seal Beach matches your needs, or to take a gander at potential homes up and down the Orange County coastline. We’d be happy to learn more about you and find the perfect fit.
That way, the next time you wake up to your morning coffee, you can enjoy it from your balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
