Neighborhood Spotlight: Santa Catalina Island

January 10, 2020

Imagine living in one of the most populous counties in the country yet feeling like you’re a world away. That’s what you get when you call Santa Catalina Island home. Located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, this Los Angeles County community is considered paradise by those who live here. Though widely known as a popular weekend tourist destination for Angelenos, it’s home to a thriving, year-round residential community.

Catalina Island at a glance

Though approximately one million people visit Santa Catalina Island every year, only about 4,000 people call it home. Living here means experiencing small-town charm while enjoying the abundant natural beauty that completely surrounds you. Most residents live in the city of Avalon, while a couple hundred truly adventurous souls live in Two Harbors on the other side of the island. A few dozen live in remote parts of the island such as Empire Landing and Middle Ranch. Only 400 cars are permitted on the island by law, which means that nearly all residents get around by golf cart, bicycle or motorcycle. If you really want a car, understand that it takes about 20 years to get to the top of the waitlist. Of course, walking is always an option as it only takes about 15 minutes to get from one side of Avalon to the other.

Catalina Island Real Estate

Because of its diminutive size, it can be a challenge to find real estate for sale on Catalina — but homes do become available. Properties here tend to be more expensive than average, which is not unusual for Southern California. There are many styles of homes available, from quaint vintage cottages to opulent luxury estates. There are also several condo communities in Avalon. One thing is for sure — living on Catalina Island feels like being on vacation every day!

History of the island

Santa Catalina Island has a rich history. It has been home to different groups of people for more than 8,000 years. In 1542, Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo reached the shores of the island. In the years that followed, the island was home to a variety of hunters and smugglers as well as military operations. In 1846, Catalina was awarded to Thomas Robbins as a Mexican land grant. More recently, Catalina Island was owned by William Wrigley, the chewing gum magnate. It was Wrigley who turned the island into a vacation destination. He also owned the Chicago Cubs and brought them here until 1951 for spring training. Catalina Island has also hosted hundreds of film productions over the years. In fact, the bison that now populate the island are remnants of the herd that was brought over for a film and left here. In the 1970s Wrigley deeded nearly 90 percent of the island to the Catalina Island Conservancy, which remains undeveloped.

World-class amenities

There isn’t enough room here to tell you about all the wonderful amenities that are available on Catalina given its status as a world-class vacation destination. Since so much of the island is undeveloped space, there are many outdoor adventures to be had including zip-lining, hiking, camping, biking, kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, and much more.

You won’t find any big box stores on the island, but there are plenty of opportunities for shopping. Most of the shops line Crescent Avenue (Front Street to the locals) where you’ll find art, jewelry, gifts, and necessities. And don’t forget about the Catalina Casino, the most prominent building on the island which continues to host major events, films, and guided tours. There are also two grocery stores, a hospital, and other medical services. Residents also have access to television, phone, internet, and cell service on the island. A one-hour ferry to the mainland is available daily for about $75 round trip. Catalina also has a small airport; however, there are no scheduled passenger flights available to and from the island.

Going to school on the island

There is only one school on Santa Catalina Island that serves all students. Avalon K-12 School is part of the Long Beach Unified School District and was founded in 1924. All elementary, middle, and high school students attend classes on the same campus. Total enrollment is approximately 650 students, and classes are held in a variety of buildings including two historic, Mission-style buildings.