Neighborhood Spotlight: Corona del Mar, CA

If your dream is to live in a place that looks like it came straight off a movie screen, then Corona del Mar is for you! This charming seaside enclave is a neighborhood in Newport Beach, California, that boasts beautiful beaches, cliffside views, quaint village shopping, and interesting tidepools just waiting to be explored.

Corona del Mar at a glance

Located in Orange County, California, Corona del Mar has a current population of approximately 12,000. The name of the neighborhood means “Crown of the Sea” in Spanish, and it is often referred to as CdM by locals. Frequently named as one of the best places to live in California, it is comprised of the ocean-facing side of the San Joaquin Hills, from Avocado Avenue to the city limits. Irvine Terrace is also part of CdM, which is just north of Avocado Avenue. Corona del Mar is part of the city of Newport Beach although it does have its own Chamber of Commerce.

Corona del Mar real estate

The idyllic streets in Corona del Mar are named after flowers. Here you’ll find quaint vintage cottages as well as new construction homes with all the luxury amenities you could ask for. In the older area of Corona del Mar, you’ll find single-family homes in a variety of architectural styles, all clustered around the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway). Newer developments in Corona del Mar often feature California ranch-style homes, many of them with stunning ocean views. The median home price in the community is approximately $2.4 million. Click here to view properties that are currently on the market in Corona del Mar.

Corona del Mar history

George Hart purchased just over 700 acres of James Irvine’s ranch in 1904. Irvine let the land go for about $150 per acre because he thought it was mostly marshland. Hart, however, envisioned building summer cottages for vacationers, which became so popular that many people never left. Until the late 1920s, the area could only be reached from the peninsula via boat during high tide or by a muddy road crossing Irvine Ranch. Today, it’s an exclusive and highly desirable neighborhood with beautiful beaches and trendy restaurants and bars.

Corona del Mar amenities

If you love the beach life, then you will surely love Corona del Mar. Corona del Mar State Beach boasts gentle waves that are great for swimming as well as volleyball courts and fire pits. Visit Little Corona beach for excellent snorkeling or to search for sea urchins and anemones hiding in the tidepools. The nearby Crystal Cove State Park is another popular destination with 3.2 miles of beautiful beaches.

For an inspiring afternoon in the gardens, visit the Sherman Library and Gardens. This lovely 2.2-acre retreat features more than 100 species of palms, a lush tropical conservatory, and a formal garden, among others. The library specializes in the history of the Pacific Southwest and is home to an impressive collection of California Impressionist art. Of course, no visit to Corona del Mar is complete without stopping by Roger’s Gardens, a destination garden store that is truly magical.

Foodies will love to dine in Corona del Mar as the neighborhood boasts a wide selection of restaurants and cafes. Some CdM favorites include The Quiet Woman, specializing in sophisticated comfort food and craft cocktails, and Rendez Vous Cafe, an authentic artisan French bakery.

Corona del Mar schools

Students in Corona del Mar are served by the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. Many of the schools in the district are highly rated, and Corona del Mar High School has received an A+ ranking by Niche.

Explore Corona del Mar today!

Would you like to find out what makes this exclusive Southern California seaside colony so spectacular? Then view available properties in Corona del Mar and schedule your private showing today!