Beachfront homes for sale in Southern California are highly sought for a reason – more than a trophy property, a SoCal waterfront home offers many benefits, from reduced stress to easy access to recreational activities.
If you’re thinking of buying Newport Beach waterfront homes, here’s what to expect once you move into your coastal getaway.
Atmosphere
Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of waterfront living is the atmosphere – living close to the water brings calm and serenity to any household. Having unobstructed views of the sky and water can also have a relaxing effect on the mind.
A 2016 study found that those who lived near a visible coastline, or “blue spaces”, reported less anxiety and psychological distress regardless of income, crime, and other factors that might have an impact on their well-being.
So if you have a demanding career, you can come home to Newport Beach and feel your anxieties melt away.
Other benefits of SoCal waterfront living include cleaner air, less light pollution, and peaceful surroundings.
Recreation
SoCal was made for recreation. The clean air, natural scenery, and sunny weather encourage outdoor exercise like jogging and biking. You’ll also find a wide range of fitness classes for participants of all ages and abilities, from yoga and Pilates to spinning and strength training.
Waterfront living is a great idea for homeowners who want to be more physically active. Proximity to the Pacific, Alamitos Bay, and Little Naples Island Canal means easy access to water activities like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, pedal boating, kite surfing, sport fishing, and more.
Privacy
Waterfront lots are a premium, which means that you won’t find a lot of home fronting the ocean or canal. Zoning laws and regulations also limit the amount of residential and commercial construction near bodies of water.
The result is privacy and seclusion. Living near the water means being away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas, giving you the opportunity to rest and relax.
SoCal communities like Newport Beach aren’t as crowded as other coastal cities in Golden State, making them an excellent choice for those who want to let their hair down in a laid-back environment.
Maintenance
Waterfront homes take a beating from the elements, so maintenance is a perennial concern for homeowners. It’s common for waterfront properties to be made of steel frames and glass facades to prevent rusting, dampness, and deterioration. Homes located by a water canal must be protected by bulkheads.
Invisible fencing must also be installed to prevent pets and small children from wandering off into the water without obstructing views.
That’s why it’s important to set resources aside for routine inspections, maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. However, owning a coveted piece of property makes it all worth it.
Wildlife
Say hi to the neighbors – the ocean, canals, and other bodies of water naturally attract feathery residents like sea gulls, geese, ducks, and pelicans. And while these creatures are a marvel to watch, they leave droppings on docks, bulkheads, and patios that can be difficult to remove.
That’s why it’s worth investing in a solvent that can remove and clean bird droppings for different surfaces. You can pay for professional outdoor cleaning surfaces to make sure that your home exterior is clear of droppings.
SoCal cities like Newport Beach and Long Beach are also home to “community cats”, or cats that roam the neighborhood but have not been socialized with humans. Occasionally, you may find the odd opossum or coyote.
City authorities advise residents against feeding or petting wild animals that wander unsupervised. In cases of coyote sightings in Long Beach, residents are encouraged to file an online report.
Visits
Once you’ve gotten settled into your waterfront paradise, expect to receive a lot of guests from out of town. Family and friends are going to want to see your new digs, and may ask to stay for a day or two.
Some may even ask if it’s possible to have their wedding, birthday party, or reunion at your place, since SoCal’s gorgeous waterfront setting is perfect for just about any occasion.
So if you love to entertain guests, waterfront living would be the perfect option – people will find it hard to turn down an invitation to Thanksgiving or Fourth of July by the water.
Don’t feel like playing host? Be prepared to set boundaries. Saying “no” can be hard, but you can always recommend an AirBnB or events venue in your area.
Ready to take the plunge? Let me, Michael Thue, assist you throughout the buying process. You can reach me here. You can also contact me at 562.299.3583 and Michael(at)SoCalTopHomes(dotted)com.