Overview
Newport Beach is a lively coastal city in Southern California. Locals spend time outdoors at one of the city’s beaches, or take a visit to Balboa Island for some whale watching. Home to a friendly community, local events and festivals are regularly held in the city. There’s also shopping, dining, and plenty more entertainment options available, making it a desirable location for retirees.
Climate & Geography
Residents will enjoy the pleasant Mediterranean climate of California. Temperatures are usually mild, ranging from lows in the 50s during the winter months, to highs in the 70s during the summer months. Newport Beach experiences significantly more sunny days per year than average, significantly less rainfall, and no snowfall.
Newport Beach is situated on hilly land that is south of Los Angeles. The city is located along the Pacific Coast. Newport Beach resides along Newport Bay, and Balboa Island is located within the city.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Locals can expect plenty of sunshine and warm weather in Newport Beach. Retirees enjoy taking a stroll along the water at one of the city’s beaches, or visiting the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve for a day of hiking or biking.
Balboa Island offers family-friendly activities like whale watching, shopping, and dining. Residents can catch the ocean breeze by taking a ferry to Balboa Island for a day of fun and entertainment.
Shoppers spend time at Fashion Island, a local mall that features a variety of stores and restaurants. Active adults can indulge in fresh produce and goods at Newport Beach’s weekly farmers market.
The city is also home to an active community that hosts several fun and engaging festivals, including, Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival, Lobsterfest, and Newport Beach Jazz Festival.
Los Angeles is just a drive away for active adults who want to enjoy the big city experience.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in Newport Beach is above the state and national averages. This is mainly due to the higher cost of housing in Newport Beach. While housing can be more expensive, health care and utility costs in Newport Beach are below the national average.
Sales tax in Newport Beach is slightly above the national average, at 7.75 percent. Income tax in California can range from 1 percent to 13.3 percent, and Social Security is not taxed.
Health Care
The Los Angeles Area scores high on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 41 communities in the country.
Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, conveniently located in Newport Beach, is ranked as the No. 8 hospital in California by U.S. News. The hospital is nationally ranked in four specialties, and high performing in five specialties and nine procedures and conditions. MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, located in Long Beach, is ranked as the No. 15 hospital in the state. The hospital is rated as high performing in eight specialties and six procedures and conditions.