Gilbert Island Community of Huntington Beach

Nestled within the tranquil waters of Huntington Harbour, the Gilbert Island Community in Huntington Beach, California, offers a picturesque blend of waterfront luxury, serene living, and coastal charm. As one of five man-made islands in the Harbour—alongside Admiralty, Davenport, Humboldt, and Trinidad—Gilbert Island stands out for its intimate size, stunning channel views, and a tight-knit neighborhood atmosphere. With approximately 100 upscale homes, many featuring private boat docks and direct access to the main channel, this exclusive enclave attracts affluent buyers, boating enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in “Surf City USA.” As of March 4, 2025, the Gilbert Island real estate market reflects Huntington Beach’s high-demand coastal dynamics, offering a unique slice of Southern California’s premier waterfront lifestyle. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Gilbert Island, its current real estate trends, housing features, community lifestyle, and why it shines as a hidden gem in Orange County.

A Waterfront Vision Comes to Life

Gilbert Island’s story begins with the ambitious creation of Huntington Harbour, a landmark project that transformed Huntington Beach’s coastal landscape in the mid-20th century. Huntington Beach, incorporated in 1909 and named after railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington, evolved from an oil-driven outpost into a thriving beach town by the 1960s, fueled by its surf culture and growing residential appeal. In 1963, developers embarked on a bold endeavor to dredge the wetlands near Anaheim Bay, crafting five man-made islands interconnected by a network of navigable channels and bridges. Gilbert Island, alongside its sister islands, emerged as part of this vision, with home construction beginning in the mid-1960s and continuing into the 1970s.

Bounded by Admiralty Island to the west and the Main Channel to the east, Gilbert Island was designed to maximize waterfront access, with roughly two-thirds of its 100 property sites enjoying on-the-water locations. The island’s layout, featuring streets like Aladdin Drive, Kon Tiki Lane, and Tiara Drive encircling a central park, prioritized scenic beauty and boating convenience, making it a haven for those who craved a maritime lifestyle. Named perhaps for a developer or early settler (the exact origin remains anecdotal), Gilbert Island quickly became synonymous with luxury living, offering spectacular views of the upscale homes and condos that line its shores. From its inception, it stood apart from the larger Trinidad and Davenport Islands due to its smaller, more intimate scale, fostering a sense of community rare in such a high-value area.

Over the decades, Gilbert Island has matured into a prestigious neighborhood, maintaining its allure through careful preservation and a strong connection to Huntington Harbour’s boating heritage. Its proximity to Bolsa Chica State Beach (1.5 miles), downtown Huntington Beach (2.5 miles), and urban amenities has kept it in high demand, blending waterfront serenity with coastal accessibility.

The Gilbert Island Real Estate Market in 2025

As of early 2025, the real estate market on Gilbert Island reflects Huntington Beach’s broader coastal trends—high demand, limited supply, and a significant premium on waterfront properties. The median sale price for homes on Gilbert Island typically ranges from $2.5 million to $4.5 million, with custom waterfront estates occasionally exceeding $6 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 (averaging 5,000-7,000 square feet), and direct water access, setting it apart from inland neighborhoods and even some Harbour peers like Humboldt Island.

Inventory on Gilbert Island is exceptionally tight, with its roughly 100 homes rarely yielding more than 1-2 active listings at a time. In February 2025, Huntington Beach reported 350 active listings citywide, meaning Gilbert Island’s share is a minuscule fraction—often selling out within 30-45 days when available, faster than the city’s 41-day average. While specific 2025 sales data for Gilbert Island is limited due to its low turnover, comparable Harbour properties from late 2024 suggest prices ranging from $2.5 million for a renovated three-bedroom home (around 2,500 square feet) to $5.5 million for a five-bedroom waterfront estate (over 5,000 square feet), with a median around $3.5 million and $900-$1,200 per square foot. Appreciation tracks Huntington Beach’s robust 7-9% annual rate, fueled by its scarcity, private docks (many accommodating 35-80-foot yachts), and proximity to the beach (1.5 miles via the Santa Ana River Trail).

Buyers include affluent families seeking spacious waterfront homes, retirees embracing the Harbour lifestyle, and boating enthusiasts—many purchasing for docks and water access. Investors also target the island for its luxury rental potential, with homes fetching $6,000-$10,000 monthly, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Cash transactions dominate high-end sales, especially for waterfront properties with docks, reflecting the community’s appeal to high-net-worth individuals, while financing is more common for smaller, off-water homes. The limited supply keeps Gilbert Island a seller’s market, with prime listings—particularly those on Kon Tiki Lane or with main channel views—often fetching multiple offers, sometimes 2-5% above asking.

Housing Features on Gilbert Island

Gilbert Island’s approximately 100 homes offer a diverse blend of architectural styles and sizes, shaped by its development from the mid-1960s onward. Most residences are single-family homes, ranging from 1,499 to over 6,000 square feet, with three- to five-bedroom layouts and two to five bathrooms. Original homes from the 1960s and 1970s feature mid-century modern designs—flat or low-pitched roofs, expansive windows, and open floor plans—while newer custom builds from the 1980s to present showcase contemporary coastal or European-inspired styles, often with multi-level designs to maximize water views.

Key features include:

• • Private Boat Docks: A hallmark of Gilbert Island, with two-thirds of homes offering docks ranging from 35 to 80 feet along the main channel, ideal for boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

• • Spacious Interiors: Gourmet kitchens with islands, formal dining rooms, and living areas with fireplaces and soaring ceilings—many with lofts or bonus rooms.

• • Waterfront Outdoor Spaces: Large decks, patios, or terraces with pools, spas, and built-in BBQs, often featuring fire pits or panoramic channel views.

• • Master Suites: Luxurious primaries with ensuite baths (soaking tubs, dual vanities), walk-in closets, and private balconies overlooking the water.

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

Many homes have been extensively renovated, featuring upgrades like wide-plank hardwood floors, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and smart home systems. Waterfront estates often include third-level decks or game rooms, while off-water homes (closer to the island’s center) offer larger lots with lush landscaping or pools. Prices start at $2.5 million for smaller, renovated homes and climb to $6 million or more for custom waterfront properties with expansive docks and modern finishes.

Community Lifestyle and Features

Gilbert Island’s lifestyle revolves around its waterfront setting and tight-knit community vibe. While not an HOA-governed community with extensive shared amenities, it offers unique features:

• • Private Docks: A defining element, enabling residents to enjoy boating or water activities directly from home.

• • Gilbert Park: A central, resident-maintained park with a playground (featuring swings, slides, and a bear sculpture), basketball court, and lush green space, fostering community gatherings.

• • Beach Access: A small, sandy beach near the island’s bridge, offering a quaint spot for relaxation.

• • Waterfront Walkways: Scenic paths along the perimeter, perfect for strolls with channel or yacht views.

The island’s layout—accessed via three bridges from Admiralty Drive—creates a quiet, exclusive atmosphere, with private security patrols enhancing safety. Residents are 1.5 miles from Bolsa Chica State Beach, a short drive or bike ride via the Santa Ana River Trail, and 2.5 miles from downtown’s Main Street, featuring surf shops, eateries like Simmzy’s, and nightlife at Perqs Bar. Pacific City (3 miles south) offers upscale shopping, while the Bolsa Chica Wetlands (1 mile north) provide nature trails and birdwatching.

Daily life on Gilbert Island is a luxurious blend of leisure and activity. Mornings might start with a kayak paddle through the Harbour or coffee at AOSA Coffee, afternoons with a park playdate or beach trip, and evenings with dinner at Ola Mexican Kitchen or a sunset cruise from a private dock. The 70°F climate keeps water and outdoor living central, while events like the Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights—a holiday boat parade viewable from many homes—enhance the festive spirit.

Why Gilbert Island Stands Out

Gilbert Island’s appeal lies in its waterfront exclusivity, intimate size, and prime Harbour location within Huntington Beach’s pricey market. Here’s what sets it apart:

• • Boating Paradise: Private docks for two-thirds of homes rival larger islands like Trinidad, with a broader range of sizes (35-80 feet).

• • Intimate Scale: With just 100 homes, it offers a tighter-knit feel than Davenport or Trinidad’s larger sprawls.

• • Coastal Proximity: 1.5 miles from the beach, it’s more affordable than oceanfront properties ($5M+).

• • Community Charm: Gilbert Park and the beach foster a neighborly vibe, rare for such a high-value area.

• • Value Range: From $2.5M to $6M+, it balances luxury with accessibility compared to pricier Harbour peers.

Compared to Huntington Beach’s broader market—where single-family homes dominate at 46% of housing stock—Gilbert Island’s waterfront focus and community amenities outshine inland options. It rivals Davenport Island by offering a cozier scale and competes with gated condos like Portofino Cove with its standalone homes and larger docks.

Challenges to Consider

Gilbert Island has hurdles. The $2.5M-$4.5M median range requires an income of $460,000-$825,000 annually with a 20% down payment, factoring in taxes (1% yearly) and insurance—a steep entry. Traffic on PCH or Warner Avenue can snarl during summer. Older 1960s homes may need updates (e.g., electrical, plumbing), and parking is capped at two- to three-car garages, limiting multi-car households.

Inventory scarcity—often 1-2 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 Warner Avenue may affect quieter preferences.

Investment Potential

For investors, Gilbert Island is a coastal treasure. Appreciation tracks Huntington Beach’s 7-9% rate, with flipped homes—like a $3.5 million sale in 2024—showing 20-25% returns post-renovation. Rentals fetch $6,000-$10,000 monthly, driven by tourist demand and Harbour proximity (2.5 miles to downtown). Short-term rentals shine with docks, though zoning may cap them—long-term leases are a safer bet.

Conclusion

Gilbert Island in Huntington Beach is a waterfront haven blending luxury, serenity, and community charm. As of early 2025, its market thrives on scarcity, private docks, and a location that captures Surf City’s essence. From mid-century classics to modern estates, it suits affluent buyers—all drawn by its intimate scale and boating lifestyle.

Challenges like cost and competition are par for Huntington Beach, but Gilbert Island’s rewards—harbor views, park serenity, and investment upside—dazzle. Whether you’re seeking a home, a boating retreat, or a rental gem, Gilbert Island delivers. Partnering with a local realtor can unlock this coastal jewel, turning a house hunt into a waterfront homecoming.