Affordable Housing Options in Huntington Harbor, Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, California, known as “Surf City USA,” is a coastal gem renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant community, and laid-back lifestyle. Within this picturesque city, the Huntington Harbor area stands out for its scenic waterways, upscale homes, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. However, the high cost of living in this desirable location can make finding affordable housing a challenge. Fortunately, Huntington Beach offers a variety of affordable housing options, particularly for low-income families, seniors, veterans, and individuals experiencing homelessness. This blog post explores the affordable housing landscape in Huntington Harbor and nearby areas, highlighting programs, communities, and resources available to residents as of August 2025.

Understanding Affordable Housing in Huntington Beach

Affordable housing refers to residential units that are priced or subsidized to be accessible to individuals and families with low to moderate incomes, typically defined as earning less than 80% of the area median income (AMI). In Huntington Beach, affordable housing initiatives are supported by a combination of federal, state, and local programs, including Section 8 vouchers, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties, and city-administered rental assistance programs. These efforts aim to provide safe, stable, and accessible housing for residents who might otherwise struggle to afford market-rate rents in a high-cost area like Huntington Harbor.

The City of Huntington Beach’s Community Enhancement Division oversees several housing programs designed to assist low and moderate-income residents. These programs include tenant-based rental assistance, rehabilitation grants and loans, and inclusionary housing for homeownership. Additionally, partnerships with nonprofit organizations and housing authorities, such as the Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA), enhance the availability of affordable housing options.

Key Affordable Housing Programs in Huntington Beach

1. Tenant-Based Rental Assistance

The City of Huntington Beach allocates HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds to support three tenant-based rental assistance programs, administered by organizations like Families Forward, Mercy House, and GRC Associates. These programs target specific groups, including:

• Homeless individuals and families: Assistance to help secure stable housing.

• Veterans: Support for those who have served in the military.

• Victims of domestic violence: Safe housing options for those escaping abusive situations.

• Seniors in mobile home communities: Aid for residents facing rising space rent costs.

These programs provide financial assistance to cover a portion of rent, making it easier for eligible households to afford housing in Huntington Beach. For example, GRC Associates specifically assists senior residents of mobile home communities, a common housing type in the region.

2. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, managed by the Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA), is a cornerstone of affordable housing in Huntington Beach. This federal program provides vouchers that cover approximately 70% of a tenant’s rent, with the tenant responsible for the remaining 30%, based on their income. As of August 2025, Huntington Beach has 377 Section 8 apartments available across 11 affordable housing complexes.

To apply for Section 8 vouchers, residents can contact OCHA or nearby housing authorities, such as those in Anaheim, Garden Grove, or Santa Ana. However, waiting lists for Section 8 vouchers can be lengthy, and applicants are encouraged to check availability regularly. For seniors experiencing homelessness, specific project-based voucher opportunities, such as those at Pelican Harbor, are available through OCHA’s Coordinated Entry System (CES).

3. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties

LIHTC properties make up a significant portion of affordable housing in Huntington Beach, offering 813 approved low-income units as of August 2025. These properties receive tax incentives to provide below-market-rate rents for qualifying households. Examples include Huntington Pointe Apartments (formerly Quo Vadis), which offers 104 units with rent and income restrictions tailored to low-income residents.

LIHTC apartments are ideal for families, seniors, and individuals seeking stable housing without the burden of market-rate rents, which in Huntington Beach average $3,334 per month.

4. Inclusionary Housing Program

The City of Huntington Beach administers an Inclusionary Housing Program that facilitates affordable homeownership opportunities for low, median, and moderate-income households. When new developments are built or existing affordable homes are resold, eligible buyers can purchase these properties at below-market prices. This program is particularly valuable in high-cost areas like Huntington Harbor, where homeownership might otherwise be out of reach.

5. Rehabilitation Grants and Loans

For residents already living in Huntington Beach, the city offers rehabilitation grants and low-interest loans to repair single-family homes, mobile homes, condos, townhomes, and apartment buildings. These funds help maintain safe and habitable living conditions, particularly for low-income homeowners or renters in older properties.

Spotlight on Pelican Harbor: Affordable Housing for Seniors

One of the most notable affordable housing developments in Huntington Beach is Pelican Harbor, located at 18431 Beach Blvd., near the Huntington Harbor area. This newly constructed community, developed through a partnership between Jamboree Housing, USA Properties Fund, the City of Huntington Beach, and the County of Orange, is designed specifically for low-income seniors aged 62 and older, including those experiencing homelessness.

Features of Pelican Harbor

• Units: Pelican Harbor offers 43 one-bedroom apartments, with 33 designated as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for seniors experiencing homelessness and 9 for low-income seniors.

• Amenities: The four-story building includes a community center, meeting rooms, a computer lab, a community kitchen, an outdoor courtyard, a pet park, and underground parking. Each unit is equipped with central heating and air conditioning, a balcony or patio, a refrigerator, microwave, stove, dishwasher, and smoke and CO detectors.

• Supportive Services: A full-time case manager and part-time supportive service coordinator provide tailored programs to foster learning, health, wellness, and community-building.

• Location: Situated near Beach Boulevard and Main Street, Pelican Harbor is within walking distance of public transit, parks, grocery stores, and medical centers, making it an ideal location for seniors seeking accessibility and convenience.

Applying for Pelican Harbor

The Orange County Housing Authority began accepting applications for Pelican Harbor’s Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units on April 29, 2024. Of the 33 units reserved for seniors experiencing homelessness, 21 are prioritized for those eligible under the Special Needs Housing Program and No Place Like Home, referred through the Orange County Coordinated Entry System (CES). The remaining 12 units prioritize seniors aged 62 and older who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. To apply, contact 2-1-1 Orange County and request connection to a CES access point.

Other Notable Affordable Housing Complexes in Huntington Beach

In addition to Pelican Harbor, Huntington Beach offers several other affordable housing complexes, many of which are accessible to residents of Huntington Harbor due to their proximity. Below are some key properties, with details on their offerings and contact information:

• Huntington Villa Yorba (16000 Villa Yorba): Offers 198 units, including 1-3 bedroom apartments, with short wait times for some units. This complex is income-based and accepts vouchers.

• Emerald Cove Senior Apartments (18191 Parktree Cir): Provides 162 one-bedroom units for seniors, with rent and income restrictions based on AMI.

• Huntington Gardens (18765 Florida St): Features 185 one-bedroom units for seniors aged 62 and older or those with disabilities, with a three-year waiting list.

• Beachview Villa (8102 Ellis Ave): Offers 107 units, including single-room occupancy and two-bedroom apartments, with a focus on very low-income and low-income residents.

• Bowen Court Senior Apartments (1978 Lake St): A 55+ community with 20 one-bedroom units, featuring amenities like a community room, laundry, and outdoor barbecues.

• Hermosa Vista Apartments (15363 Goldenwest St): Provides studio and 1-2 bedroom units with short wait times, ideal for low-income families.

These complexes are part of the 973 total affordable units in Huntington Beach, offering a mix of Section 8, LIHTC, and subsidized housing options.

Income and Rent Considerations

Affordable housing eligibility in Huntington Beach is based on income limits set by HUD for Orange County. As of 2025, the income limits for low-income households are:

• 1 person: $62,350

• 2 persons: $71,250

• 3 persons: $80,150

• 4 persons: $89,050

• 5 persons: $96,200

Fair Market Rents (FMR) in Orange County for 2025 are:

• Studio: $2,200

• 1 Bedroom: $2,344

• 2 Bedrooms: $2,783

• 3 Bedrooms: $3,769

• 4 Bedrooms: $4,467

In contrast, affordable housing complexes in Huntington Beach offer rents as low as $400-$1,000 per month for qualifying units, significantly below the average market rent of $3,334.

Challenges and Community Sentiment

Despite the availability of affordable housing, Huntington Beach faces challenges in meeting state-mandated housing targets, which some residents and local leaders argue exceed the city’s infrastructure capacity. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some expressing frustration over rising housing costs—such as a downtown apartment’s rent increasing from $1,300 in 2013 to $3,800-$5,000 in 2025—and others opposing new developments due to concerns about traffic, views, and community demographics.

These challenges highlight the importance of continued advocacy for affordable housing and community engagement to balance growth with local needs. The City of Huntington Beach’s Affordable Housing Viewer, a GIS-based tool, allows residents to explore available units and their locations, fostering transparency and access.

How to Access Affordable Housing in Huntington Harbor

To explore affordable housing options in Huntington Harbor and Huntington Beach:

1. Visit the City’s Affordable Housing Website: The City of Huntington Beach provides a comprehensive list of affordable rental units and ownership properties, along with contact information for each complex.

2. Contact the Orange County Housing Authority: For Section 8 vouchers or project-based vouchers, call OCHA or dial 2-1-1 for CES referrals, especially for Pelican Harbor.

3. Check Waiting Lists: Many complexes, such as Huntington Gardens, have waiting lists ranging from six months to three years. Contact properties directly to inquire about availability.

4. Explore Nonprofit Resources: Organizations like Families Forward, Mercy House, and Jamboree Housing can provide guidance and application support.

5. Use Online Platforms: Websites like AffordableHousingOnline.com and LowIncomeHousing.us list available properties and application details.

Conclusion

Huntington Harbor, with its serene waterfront and proximity to Huntington Beach’s amenities, is an attractive yet expensive place to live. Affordable housing options, such as Pelican Harbor, Huntington Villa Yorba, and Emerald Cove Senior Apartments, make it possible for low-income residents, seniors, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness to call this area home. Through city programs, Section 8 vouchers, LIHTC properties, and partnerships with nonprofits, Huntington Beach is working to address housing affordability challenges. By leveraging these resources and staying informed about waiting lists and application processes, residents can find safe, stable, and affordable housing in this vibrant coastal community.

For the latest information, visit the City of Huntington Beach’s affordable housing page or contact the Orange County Housing Authority. Affordable housing is not just a necessity—it’s a pathway to thriving in one of California’s most beloved cities.