Huntington Beach is a bustling Southern California coastal community famous for its magnificent beaches, strong surf culture, and many recreational opportunities. Because of its stunning beach offerings, scenic coastal landscape, and vibrant surf culture, Huntington Beach has been officially named the “Surf City” of California.
Ocean breezes, and many thriving local communities make this a desirable spot to settle down, but the high cost of living in Huntington Beach, CA, should not be overlooked. The city ranks in the top 0.9% of most expensive cities globally, with an average Huntington Beach cost of living of $2,783. It includes necessities like food and groceries, transportation, healthcare, and housing, which tend to be the most significant expense in the area.
Despite the significant Huntington Beach, CA, cost of living, the city still continues to captivate individuals, couples, and families. It can be said that the pros of living in Huntington Beach outweigh its cons, which is why more and more homebuyers are exploring its local real estate market.
Still trying to decide if the city is for you? Worry not because we will run through the essential things you need to know and list the unique pros and cons you should know while living in Huntington Beach.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the key advantages and disadvantages of the city, making it easier for you to assess if Huntington Beach suits your needs and preferences.
What's It Like to Live in Huntington Beach?
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The vibrant locality of Huntington Beach boasts a breathtaking coastal panorama featuring expansive sandy beaches, awe-inspiring waves, and idyllic sunsets. For this reason, it has an undeniable charm for surfers, beachgoers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
But what other things can you expect when you make this city your home? Let’s find out!
Ideal Climate All Year Round
Huntington Beach boasts a pleasant Mediterranean climate, which sets the stage for year-round enjoyment! Locals can enjoy warm and dry summers and mild and wet winters. Smog-free, mild temperatures of around 65° to 80° Fahrenheit are typical in Huntington Beach, mainly because of westerly and southwesterly winds of the Pacific Ocean.
The weather is sunny, dry, and cool throughout the day, although the evenings can get humid because of the coastal breeze. The sun also shines a lot in the city throughout the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and of course, surfing! Huntington Beach has a picture-perfect climate, perfect for relishing the picturesque environment and Southern sunshine!
Sought-After Beach Lifestyle
One of the most enticing aspects of residing in Huntington Beach is its proximity to the majestic Pacific Ocean, which affords its residents an unparalleled coastal experience. The beauty of the ocean and the calming sound of the waves create a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere for residents to unwind and escape the noise and stress of city life.
The local community thrives on a vibrant beach culture, where residents wholeheartedly embrace an active and outdoor-oriented way of life. Huntington Beach also offers its locals breathtaking sunsets over the ocean that constantly remind them of the natural beauty surrounding them.
Locals can stroll over its extensive stretches of pristine sandy beaches. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy numerous outdoor water extrusions, including swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. Beach lovers will definitely love this city because it is where the beach lifestyle comes alive under the sun-kissed skies.
Let the beauty of Huntington Beach and its scenic shores become an integral part of your everyday existence!
Great for Families!
Aside from its idyllic coasts and beaches, Huntington Beach is also a popular destination because of its welcoming atmosphere and high quality of life for families. The community places a premium on facilitating access to cultural, educational, and athletic opportunities for young kids to enjoy with their families.
There are many places in Huntington Beach where families may go to relax and enjoy themselves, including beautiful parks and educational museums. Here are a few suggestions to help you plan your next weekend bonding:
Parks:
Museums:
Pros and Cons of Living in Huntington Beach, California
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Dog-Friendly Haven
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Huntington Beach is renowned for being a dog-friendly destination, offering ample opportunities for dogs to enjoy the beach.
Specific beaches in the city, such as Bolsa Chica State Beach and Huntington Beach Dog Beach, allow dogs to roam freely and off leash, making it an ideal spot for them to have a splashing good time.
Thriving Job Market
Huntington Beach has a robust job market thanks to the city’s many business sectors and industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Several well-known companies, including Wells Fargo, AT&T, CVS Health, Koh’l, and BJ’s Restaurants, Inc., have a presence across the city, giving locals several options for employment.
The tourism industry is vital to Huntington Beach’s economy because of the city’s prominence as a well-known vacation spot. Hospitality, customer service, event planning, and marketing are just a few of the many job professions that benefit from the city’s thriving tourism industry.
Myriad of Local Community Events and Activities
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Huntington Beach presents a vibrant and tightly-knit community fostered by the city’s array of events and festivals, which are thoughtfully curated and meticulously organized to cater to its residents’ diverse interests and preferences.
Here are some of the famous events and activities that you can enjoy in Huntington Beach:
US Open of Surfing
The US Open of Surfing, renowned as one of the most prominent surf competitions on a global scale, captivates the attention of highly regarded professional surfers and enthusiastic spectators hailing from various corners of the world. This highly anticipated and esteemed week-long surfing competition takes place every summer in the picturesque coastal city of Huntington Beach.
Watch thrilling surf competitions and enchanting live music performances, and explore many vendor booths at the next US Open of Surfing in the city!
Next date: Saturday, July 29, 2023, to Sunday, August 06, 2023
The Great Pacific Airshow
This grand 3-day occasion in Huntington Beach honors the passion, patriotism, and astonishing accomplishments of aviation while incorporating the exciting elements of sports, entertainment, art, and technology.
Experience the thrill of many fun activities, including beachside music festivals, exclusive VIP exposures, and breathtaking aerobatic displays performed over the water by the most renowned demonstration teams worldwide. The Great Pacific Airshow is complemented by the backdrop of Huntington Beach, the quintessential beachfront destination in Southern California.
Next Date: Friday, September 29, 2023, to Sunday, October 01, 2023
Surf City Nights
Huntington Beach’s downtown comes to life every Tuesday night for Surf City Nights!
This exciting street fair has everything for people of all ages, including a farmers market, live music, food vendors, street entertainers, and more. On this night, businesses in the neighborhood throw open their doors to residents and provide special discounts and sidewalk sales. Weekly, neighborhood residents ride their bikes and walk downtown for shopping and socializing.
With traffic diverted, the first three blocks of Main Street become a lively marketplace brimming with handmade goods, farm-fresh produce, musical performances, and games for the kids.
Weekly Schedule: Every Tuesday from 5 PM to 9 PM during the summer and from 5 PM to 8 PM during the winter
Risk of Natural Calamities
Much like other desirable locations in California, Huntington Beach boasts a prime location within a seismic zone, which does come with the inherent risk of earthquakes and other natural disasters, including wildfires. Being located in a seismic zone, Huntington Beach is located near active fault lines, which increases the likelihood of seismic activity.
Even though major earthquakes are uncommon, people still need to be ready for them by having emergency plans and knowing what to do if an earthquake occurs. Despite these risks, residents of Huntington Beach and the neighboring communities benefit from dependable emergency services. The government does its best to protect its citizens from the dangers of natural disasters.
Moderate Air Quality
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The air quality in Huntington Beach may be influenced by its advantageous location near major freeways and the presence of industrial areas, potentially resulting in slightly lower air quality in comparison to certain other regions within the state of California.
Pollutants, such as car and industrial emissions, can be released into the air where there are active road networks and industrial activity. Despite efforts to regulate and reduce these emissions, they will always have a negative effect on air quality. Air pollution can have serious consequences, but California has strict environmental regulations and policies in place to address this issue.
Overcrowded Beaches During Summer
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Huntington Beach sees an inflow of tourists during the summer, which presents both opportunities and difficulties for locals and visitors.
Because of the increase in visitors, beach space can become more scarce. Summers in Huntington Beach can get congested as more people try to experience the beautiful weather by visiting the beach. It may take some time and planning to secure an ideal location on the beach.
Another downside of tourist influx is that you may have to wait longer to enjoy some of the most sought-after tourist destinations and leisure facilities in Huntington Beach. There may be long lines or capacity restrictions for tourists who want to participate in water sports, see local sights, or attend local events.
To guarantee a seamless and enjoyable journey, planning, making reservations, and preparing for unexpected delays is best.
Wrap Up
Living in Huntington Beach, California, is associated with many benefits and, of course, some important things to think about.
On the bright side, the city features a stunning coastline location, a robust employment market, good educational opportunities, a plethora of recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community.
The close proximity to major freeways and industrial regions may have an effect on the quality of the air to some degree. Additionally, because of the area’s popularity during the summer months, it is subject to heavy tourist foot traffic, which results in overcrowded beaches, lengthier wait times, and increased traffic congestion.
If you are planning to move to the city and would like to have a thorough discussion with a seasoned realtor, please feel free to contact our team. With extensive knowledge of the Huntington Beach, CA real estate market, we can provide you with top-notch services and give relevant insights about what you should know and consider before making a move.
You can contact us at 714 875-7029 or john.garcia@camoves.com to get started on your journey of finding your next dream home in Huntington Beach, CA!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need to make to live in Huntington Beach?
An income of more than $81,000 is generally considered adequate to live comfortably in Huntington Beach, CA, where the cost of living is higher than in some other parts of the country.
Housing costs, both rental and personal real estate, can be pretty high due to the city’s desirable coastal locations and affluent areas.
Earning above this level enables one to fulfill basic needs, purchase a good home, and have some discretionary income for savings and entertainment.
Is Huntington Beach a good area to live in?
Yes! Huntington Beach is a popular place to live because of its attractive coastal location, a strong sense of community, prospering employment sector, and outstanding educational choices.
Is Huntington Beach a good place to raise a family?
Definitely! Huntington Beach is an excellent area to raise a family, mainly because of its strong sense of community, stellar schools, safe and secure communities, plentiful recreational opportunities, extensive family-friendly amenities, and access to healthcare.
