Sunset Beach, Huntington Beach,CA

If you’re considering a move to the southeastern part of Huntington Beach, Sunset Beach offers a charming coastal vibe that’s hard to beat. This neighborhood is known for its beautiful, wide sandy beach that stretches for miles, making it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether you enjoy surfing, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing with a good book by the ocean, Sunset Beach provides plenty of opportunities to embrace the laid-back Southern California lifestyle. The community here is tight-knit and welcoming, with a mix of quaint beach cottages and modern homes that make for a unique and inviting atmosphere.

One of the standout attractions in Sunset Beach is the annual Sunset Beach Art Festival, which showcases local artists and craftspeople in a lively, family-friendly setting. The beachfront bike trail is another popular feature, perfect for morning jogs or leisurely rides while soaking in stunning ocean views. If you’re into dining out, the area boasts some delightful spots like the Beachwood BBQ & Brewing, where you can enjoy great food and locally brewed beverages just steps from the water. For those who love outdoor activities, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a short drive away to the southeast, offering birdwatching and hiking opportunities that connect residents with nature.

Sunset Beach is conveniently located about a 15-minute drive northwest of Downtown Huntington Beach, making it easy to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, shopping, and entertainment options without sacrificing the tranquility of a beachside neighborhood. The proximity to the downtown area means you can enjoy the best of both worlds – peaceful coastal living with easy access to city amenities. For families, the neighborhood is served by well-regarded schools, and the community often hosts events that foster a strong sense of connection among residents. Whether you’re moving for the beach, the friendly community, or the outdoor lifestyle, Sunset Beach is a wonderful place to call home in Huntington Beach.

In Sunset Beach, 15% of residents aged 16 and older are married, which is notably higher than the national average. This could point to a more settled, community-driven neighborhood where long-term residents and homeowners are common. It’s the kind of place where stability, and a close-knit atmosphere make it especially appealing to families and couples looking to put down roots.

With only 15% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Sunset Beach demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 94 residents, Sunset Beach is notably smaller than many other Huntington Beach neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

Sunset Beach has a population density of 2,794, which strikes a balanced feel when compared to other Huntington Beach neighborhoods. The area offers just the right mix of activity and breathing room, creating a community that’s lively yet comfortable, with easy access to amenities and everyday conveniences.

Home to a population with a higher-than-average age of 55, this area offers a calm and refined atmosphere shaped by experience and tradition. The neighborhood’s more mature demographic fosters a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and an environment that’s both welcoming and well-established — making it an especially appealing choice for retirees seeking comfort, stability, and connection.

The Sunset Beach crime map offers a clear, data-driven look at how crime is distributed throughout the neighborhood, using block group data to highlight both safer areas and potential hot spots. The color-coded map makes it easy to see where crime is more concentrated and where it occurs less frequently, helping residents and prospective buyers better understand local safety patterns. It’s important to note that darker or red zones on the map don’t necessarily mean those areas are unsafe — locations near busy transit hubs, shopping districts, or popular attractions often show higher activity simply due to larger crowds and increased foot traffic.

Housing costs often reflect the desirability and overall character of a neighborhood. In Sunset Beach, home prices come in around $1,704,500, which is higher than many other areas. This elevated pricing points to a sought-after location with strong demand, well-maintained properties, and access to premium amenities that contribute to a higher quality of life. Historical home price trends and appreciation rates in Sunset Beach can serve as a window into the neighborhood’s economic strength and future potential. By understanding how the market has performed in the past, buyers and investors can better evaluate whether the area offers promising opportunities for growth and long-term value.

With an average rent price of $2,220, rental rates in Sunset Beach are higher than many other neighborhoods. This reflects the area’s desirability and strong demand, often accompanied by well-maintained properties, premium amenities, and a high quality of life.

School ratings in Sunset Beach combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Sunset Beach can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.