Amethyst Ave, Lower Newport / Balboa Island
Ranked 1st best street in Lower Newport / Balboa Island
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Great for
- Childcare
- Clean & Green
- Eating Out
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
Not great for
- Cost of Living
- Lack of Traffic
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Singles
Got a burning question? Why not ask the locals! Simply ask your question below
Reviews
Amethyst Ave
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Adorable!"
I love Balboa Island! It is a bunch of super adorable houses on a charming little island with a main street through it (Marine Avenue) filled with yummy restaurants, cute little shops and a Starbucks (because why live on your own island if it does not come with a Starbucks?). It is amazing to be able to take a short walk from your home to enjoy a romantic dinner or to go to the market with your family and grab an ice cream cone on the way home.
There are some cons to the Balboa, though. The roads are very narrow and parking is a nightmare. Most people will not move their cars for the weekend once they get home Friday, which is why it is also great that everything is within walking distance. Unless you take the ferry (and it is like a three car ferry that takes 4 minutes), there is only one road on and off of the island. Also, as the houses are practically on top of each other, you can hear everything going on in the neighborhood. Fortunately, as the only people who can actually afford to live on Balboa are older, most people do not stay up partying late.
There are some cons to the Balboa, though. The roads are very narrow and parking is a nightmare. Most people will not move their cars for the weekend once they get home Friday, which is why it is also great that everything is within walking distance. Unless you take the ferry (and it is like a three car ferry that takes 4 minutes), there is only one road on and off of the island. Also, as the houses are practically on top of each other, you can hear everything going on in the neighborhood. Fortunately, as the only people who can actually afford to live on Balboa are older, most people do not stay up partying late.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Families with kids
- Retirees
Amethyst Ave
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Small Town Living with a High Price Tag"
Balboa Island is a small community located on a man-made island in Newport Harbor. It’s connected to the mainland by a two lane bridge on its northern side. On the southern side, a fleet of 3 small ferry boats provide access to the Balboa Peninsula. Many people love the thought of living on this little island, and as a result it’s densely settled. The population of the island is about 3,000 people within a perimeter of about 2.5 miles.
The houses on Balboa are for the most part small and picturesque, belying the fact that this is some of the most expensive real estate in Orange County (and in the entire U.S.). Parking is at a premium, which is why one of the best ways to see the island is by walking over the bridge or riding the ferry. The island is a great place to visit or rent a vacation house, but the fee for a weekly rental is comparable to staying in a top tier hotel.
Agate Avenue and Marine Avenue are the main business streets on Balboa Island. They are lined by small restaurants and shops that cater to tourists. Many of the shops have living units upstairs. There is a small town feeling to the community, which supports several annual events like a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and a sand castle festival in the summer. Even though most of us can only dream of living on Balboa Island, it’s a fun place to visit!
The houses on Balboa are for the most part small and picturesque, belying the fact that this is some of the most expensive real estate in Orange County (and in the entire U.S.). Parking is at a premium, which is why one of the best ways to see the island is by walking over the bridge or riding the ferry. The island is a great place to visit or rent a vacation house, but the fee for a weekly rental is comparable to staying in a top tier hotel.
Agate Avenue and Marine Avenue are the main business streets on Balboa Island. They are lined by small restaurants and shops that cater to tourists. Many of the shops have living units upstairs. There is a small town feeling to the community, which supports several annual events like a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and a sand castle festival in the summer. Even though most of us can only dream of living on Balboa Island, it’s a fun place to visit!
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
