Davenport Island in Huntington Beach: A Waterfront Haven in Surf City

Nestled within the picturesque Huntington Harbour, Davenport Island stands as a luxurious and serene enclave in Huntington Beach, California. This man-made island, part of the city’s northwest region, is a coveted residential community featuring over 400 upscale homes, many of which boast private boat docks and stunning waterfront views along Weatherly and Christiana Bays. Known as one of five man-made islands in the Harbour—alongside Admiralty, Gilbert, Humboldt, and Trinidad—Davenport Island offers a unique blend of coastal charm, exclusivity, and a boating-centric lifestyle that defines Huntington Beach, affectionately dubbed “Surf City USA.” As of March 3, 2025, the Davenport Island real estate market reflects the city’s high demand and premium pricing, making it a standout destination for affluent homebuyers, retirees, and investors seeking a slice of Southern California’s waterfront allure. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Davenport Island, its current real estate landscape, housing features, community lifestyle, and why it’s a premier residential gem in Orange County.

A Waterfront Legacy Takes Shape

Davenport Island’s story is intertwined with the development of Huntington Harbour, a visionary project that transformed Huntington Beach’s coastal landscape in the mid-20th century. Huntington Beach, incorporated in 1909, evolved from an oil-rich outpost into a thriving beach town by the 1960s, fueled by its surf culture and growing population. The creation of Huntington Harbour began in the early 1960s, a bold endeavor to carve out five man-made islands from the wetlands near the Pacific Ocean, connected by a network of channels and bridges. Davenport Island, one of the largest of these islands, emerged during this period, with construction of its homes starting in 1964 and continuing into the 1970s.

Unlike its sister islands, Davenport Island was designed to accommodate a significant number of waterfront properties—over 400—many positioned along the main channel and bays, offering direct access to boating and water activities. The island’s layout, with streets like Bolero Lane, Nalu Circle, and Baruna Lane, was meticulously planned to maximize water frontage, making it a haven for boat enthusiasts. Named after an early settler or developer (exact origins are debated), Davenport Island quickly became a symbol of luxury living in Huntington Beach, appealing to those who craved a maritime lifestyle just minutes from the city’s sandy shores. Over the decades, the community has matured, with homes ranging from original mid-century designs to modern custom estates, preserving its status as a premier waterfront enclave.

The Davenport Island Real Estate Market in 2025

As of March 3, 2025, the real estate market on Davenport Island reflects Huntington Beach’s broader coastal trends—high demand, limited supply, and a premium on waterfront properties. The median sale price for homes on Davenport Island typically ranges from $2 million to $3.5 million, with some custom estates exceeding $5 million, far surpassing the citywide median of $1.3 million driven by single-family homes. This premium reflects the island’s exclusivity, large lot sizes, and direct water access, setting it apart from inland neighborhoods and even some Harbour peers.

Inventory on Davenport Island is exceptionally tight, with its 400-plus homes rarely yielding more than a handful of active listings—often 2-5 at a time. In February 2025, Huntington Beach reported 350 active listings citywide, meaning Davenport Island’s share is a tiny fraction, with homes selling briskly, averaging 37-41 days on the market. Recent sales data from 2024 shows prices ranging from $1.8 million for smaller, off-water homes to $5.7 million for expansive waterfront estates, with a median around $2.4 million and $800-$1,000 per square foot. Appreciation tracks Huntington Beach’s 7-9% annual rate, bolstered by its scarcity, boat dock access, and proximity to the beach (1.5 miles via the Santa Ana River Trail).

Buyers include affluent families seeking spacious homes, retirees drawn to the Harbour lifestyle, and boating enthusiasts—many purchasing for private docks accommodating yachts up to 80 feet. Investors also target the island for its rental potential, particularly for luxury vacation homes. Cash transactions dominate high-end sales, especially for waterfront properties with docks, while financing is common for off-water or smaller homes. The limited supply keeps Davenport Island a seller’s market, with prime listings—particularly those on Bolero or Nalu—often fetching multiple offers, sometimes 2-5% above asking.

Housing Features on Davenport Island

Davenport Island’s 400-plus homes offer a diverse range of architectural styles and sizes, reflecting its development from the 1960s onward. Most residences are single-family homes, ranging from 1,667 to over 6,000 square feet, with three- to five-bedroom layouts and two to four-and-a-half baths. Original homes, built in the mid-1960s, feature mid-century modern designs—flat roofs, expansive windows, and open floor plans—while newer custom estates from the 1980s to present showcase contemporary coastal or Cape Cod influences.

Key features include:

• • Waterfront Access: Over half the homes boast private boat docks, ranging from 40 to 80 feet, along Weatherly Bay, Christiana Bay, or the main channel.

• • Spacious Interiors: Gourmet kitchens with islands, formal dining rooms, and living areas with fireplaces and vaulted ceilings.

• • Outdoor Living: Large patios, pools, spas, and waterfront decks, some with fire pits or outdoor kitchens.

• • Master Suites: Luxurious primaries with ensuite baths, walk-in closets, and balconies offering bay or ocean views.

• • Garages: Two- to three-car garages, often with additional driveway parking.

Many homes have been renovated, featuring upgrades like hardwood floors, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and smart home systems. Waterfront estates often include bonus rooms, lofts, or third-level decks with panoramic views, while off-water homes offer oversized lots with pools or lush landscaping. Prices start at $1.8 million for smaller, original homes and climb to $5 million-plus for custom waterfront properties with docks.

Community Lifestyle and Features

Davenport Island’s lifestyle revolves around its waterfront setting and Harbour-centric amenities. While not a formal HOA community with extensive facilities like pools or clubhouses, the island offers:

• • Private Docks: A hallmark feature, enabling boating, paddleboarding, or fishing directly from home.

• • Davenport Beach: A small, local beach at the foot of the bridge on Davenport Lane, with authentic, shell-strewn sand for residents to enjoy.

• • Proximity to Parks: Booster Park and Mothers Beach, within walking distance, offer playgrounds and calm waters for families.

The island’s layout—centered around Algonquin Lane and Warner Avenue—fosters a quiet, exclusive feel, with tree-lined streets and bayfront views. Residents are just 1.5 miles from Huntington City Beach and the pier, a short bike ride via the Santa Ana River Trail, and 2 miles from downtown’s Main Street, featuring surf shops, eateries like Duke’s, and nightlife at Black Bull Chop House. The Bolsa Chica Wetlands, 3 miles north, provide nature trails and birdwatching, while Pacific City (2 miles south) offers upscale shopping and dining.

Daily life on Davenport Island is a blend of leisure and luxury. Mornings might start with a Duffy boat cruise through the Harbour or coffee at Chronic Tacos, afternoons with a swim at Mothers Beach or shopping at Seacliff Village (1 mile west), and evenings with dinner at Sushi on Fire or a sunset from a waterfront deck. The 70°F climate keeps outdoor living central, while events like the Huntington Beach Air Show or Fourth of July Parade—both nearby—enhance the coastal vibe.

Why Davenport Island Stands Out

Davenport Island’s appeal lies in its waterfront exclusivity, spacious homes, and prime location within Huntington Beach’s pricey market. Here’s what sets it apart:

• • Boating Lifestyle: Private docks for over half the homes rival pricier Harbour islands like Trinidad, at a broader price range ($1.8M-$5M+ vs. $3M+).

• • Waterfront Rarity: Over 400 homes, many on the main channel or bays, offer more options than smaller islands.

• • Coastal Proximity: Just 1.5 miles from the beach, it’s more affordable than oceanfront properties ($2.5M+).

• • Exclusivity: A man-made island with limited access enhances privacy and prestige.

• • Versatility: Appeals to families, retirees, and boaters with diverse home sizes and styles.

Compared to Huntington Beach’s broader market—where single-family homes dominate at 46% of housing stock (NeighborhoodScout)—Davenport Island’s waterfront focus and large lots outshine inland tracts. It competes with pricier Harbour communities like Humboldt Island by offering more homes and a mix of price points, while its boating amenities surpass gated condo complexes like Pacific Ranch.

Challenges to Consider

Davenport Island has its quirks. The $2M-$3.5M median range requires an income of $365,000-$640,000 annually with a 20% down payment, factoring in taxes (1% yearly) and insurance—a barrier for some. Traffic on PCH or Warner Avenue can snarl during summer, reflecting its coastal draw. Older 1960s homes may need updates (e.g., plumbing, electrical), and parking is capped at two- to three-car garages, challenging multi-car households.

Inventory scarcity—often 2-5 listings—sparks bidding wars, with buyers facing competition. Flood risk along the waterfront is a concern, though mitigated by Harbour maintenance, and noise from boating or nearby Bolsa Chica Road may affect quieter preferences.

Investment Potential

For investors, Davenport Island is a coastal goldmine. Appreciation tracks Huntington Beach’s 7-9% rate, with flipped homes—like a $2.8 million sale in 2024—showing 20-25% returns post-renovation. Rentals thrive, with homes fetching $5,000-$8,000 monthly, driven by tourist demand and Harbour proximity (1.5 miles to downtown). Short-term rentals shine for waterfront properties, though zoning may cap them—long-term leases are a safer bet. Davenport Island’s exclusivity and boating appeal ensure steady growth, making it a smart investment.

Conclusion

Davenport Island in Huntington Beach is a waterfront haven blending luxury, serenity, and coastal charm. As of early 2025, its market thrives on scarcity, boat docks, and a location that captures Surf City’s essence. From mid-century originals to modern estates, it suits diverse buyers—all drawn by its Harbour lifestyle and exclusivity.

Challenges like cost and competition are par for Huntington Beach, but Davenport Island’s rewards—bayfront living, community allure, and investment upside—shine bright. Whether you’re seeking a home, a boating retreat, or a rental gem, Davenport Island delivers. Partnering with a local realtor can unlock this coastal treasure, turning a house hunt into a waterfront homecoming.

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