Huntington Beach Single-Story Homes: Coastal Living on One Level

Huntington Beach, California, affectionately dubbed “Surf City USA,” is a coastal haven in Orange County renowned for its endless beaches, vibrant surf culture, and laid-back lifestyle. With a population of approximately 189,221 (Redfin, 2025), this city blends suburban charm with urban accessibility, making it a prime spot for homebuyers. Among its diverse housing options, single-story homes stand out as a timeless and sought-after choice. These one-level residences cater to retirees, families, and professionals alike, offering practicality, accessibility, and a seamless connection to Huntington Beach’s enviable outdoor lifestyle. As of February 21, 2025, the Huntington Beach real estate market is buzzing, and single-story homes are a key player. In this blog post, we’ll explore why these homes thrive here, dive into current market trends, spotlight key neighborhoods, and provide insights for buyers and sellers navigating this coastal gem.

At the end of this post you will find ALL ACTIVE single-story listings in Huntington Beach

The Allure of Single-Story Homes in Huntington Beach

Single-story homes—those with all living spaces on one level—hold a special appeal in Huntington Beach. Their design eliminates stairs, making them ideal for aging residents (17.44% of nearby Seal Beach’s population is over 65, NeighborhoodScout, a trend echoed here) and those with mobility concerns. Beyond accessibility, these homes emphasize open, flowing layouts that maximize natural light and connect interiors to the outdoors—a perfect fit for Huntington Beach’s year-round temperate climate, averaging 70°F.

Architecturally, single-story homes here range from mid-century ranches built in the 1950s-1960s—comprising 39.52% of the housing stock (NeighborhoodScout)—to modern coastal designs with clean lines and expansive windows. They often sit on larger lots (6,000-10,000 sq ft), offering spacious yards or potential for additions like ADUs (accessory dwelling units), a growing trend under California’s housing laws. For buyers seeking low-maintenance living near the beach, these homes deliver a blend of practicality and coastal charm that’s hard to beat.

Market Trends for Single-Story Homes in Huntington Beach

As of January 2025, Huntington Beach’s real estate market reflects a “somewhat competitive” landscape, scoring 63 out of 100 on Redfin’s competitiveness scale. The median listing price is $1.49 million, with homes averaging 58 days on the market (Redfin). Single-story homes, numbering 111 out of 295 total listings (Redfin), are a significant segment, typically ranging from $1 million to $2 million depending on location, size, and condition. This aligns with a broader 7.1% year-over-year price increase (Rocket Homes), though inventory dipped 13% from November to December 2024 (Rocket Homes), tightening supply.

Pricing varies by condition and upgrades. A remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-story in South Shores, listed at $1.3 million, sold in 23 days thanks to its modern kitchen and coastal proximity (Redfin). Older homes needing work—like a 2-bedroom on a 7,000 sq ft lot—start around $900,000, appealing to buyers eyeing renovations or flips (Redfin). The median price per square foot is $765 (Redfin), up 9.2% from last year, but single-story homes in prime areas like Huntington Harbour or Downtown often push past $900, reflecting their premium status.

Sales data reveals a seller’s market with flexibility. In December 2024, 118 homes sold citywide (Rocket Homes), with single-story properties moving steadily—64% within 30 days, 24% in 30-90 days, and 12% over 90 days (Rocket Homes). While 45% sold below asking, 31% went above, averaging a 99% sale-to-list ratio (Rocket Homes), suggesting negotiation room exists, especially for homes lingering past 90 days. Compared to Orange County’s 40-day DOM and $1.3 million median (Realtor.com), Huntington Beach’s single-story market offers competitive value with a coastal edge.

Why Single-Story Homes Shine in Huntington Beach

Several factors make single-story homes a standout choice in this beachside city:

1. Accessibility and Longevity: With no stairs, these homes suit retirees downsizing from larger properties or families planning to age in place. Nearby Seal Beach’s Leisure World ($359,000 median, Redfin) mirrors this trend, but Huntington Beach’s single-story options appeal across age groups.

2. Coastal Lifestyle: Large lots and patios enhance indoor-outdoor living, perfect for surfing, barbecues, or enjoying the ocean breeze—a hallmark of Huntington Beach’s 56 Walk Score (Redfin).

3. Low Maintenance: Professionals tied to the city’s 67,047 jobs (Redfin) or retirees favor homes without upper floors, reducing upkeep in a busy coastal life.

4. Investment Potential: With 44.68% of residents renting (NeighborhoodScout), single-story homes on big lots offer ADU opportunities, boosting rental income or resale value.

Key Neighborhoods for Single-Story Homes

Huntington Beach’s neighborhoods each bring unique flavors to single-story living:

• Downtown Huntington Beach: Near Main Street and the pier, single-story homes range from $1.3 million to $2.2 million (Redfin), with a median of $1.325 million (Rocket Homes). A 2-bedroom Seabridge condo at $1.1 million sold in 29 days, reflecting fast sales (48-day DOM, Redfin). Coastal proximity drives demand, with 34 sales in November 2024 (Redfin).

• Huntington Harbour: This waterfront enclave features luxury single-stories from $1.5 million to $3 million, often with docks. A 3-bedroom at $1.671 million in South Shores (Redfin) highlights the premium for water access, averaging 60-75 days on market.

• Sea Cliff: Known for its green spaces and golf course, Sea Cliff single-story ranches (median $1.49 million, Redfin) sell in 50-60 days. A remodeled 4-bedroom at $1.5 million showcases open layouts and big lots (Redfin).

• South Central Huntington: this area offers value—$900,000 to $1.2 million—with larger lots (e.g., 10,817 sq ft, Redfin). DOM stretches to 88 days for older homes needing work.

Factors Influencing Market Time

Why do some single-story homes sell in 23 days while others linger past 90? Key drivers include:

• Condition: Renovated homes—64% under 30 days (Rocket Homes)—move fast. A $1.3 million Downtown gem with quartz counters sold in 19 days (Redfin), while dated homes (12% over 90 days) need price adjustments.

• Pricing: Overpriced listings stretch DOM. A $1.2 million fixer sold below asking after 90 days, while a $1.5 million turnkey hit the mark in 35 days (Redfin).

• Interest Rates: At 6.75% (Bankrate), payments ($2,075 for a $400,000 loan) slow some buyers, though C.A.R.’s 5.9% year-end forecast could drop DOM to 40-50 days.

• Location: Pier-adjacent homes sell in 29-48 days (Redfin), while inland Westside properties take longer due to less coastal allure.

Opportunities for Buyers

Buyers eyeing single-story homes in Huntington Beach find:

• Negotiation Room: With 45% selling below asking (Rocket Homes), fixer-uppers or homes over 90 days (12%) offer deals. A $1 million Westside ranch could drop to $950,000.

• Appreciation: Prices rose 7.1% (Rocket Homes), with single-stories in Downtown or Harbour often hitting 9%-10%, per NeighborhoodScout’s 6.26% decade average.

• Flexibility: Older homes on large lots (46.72% single-family detached, NeighborhoodScout) invite ADUs or expansions, legal under state laws (Redfin).

• Tech Advantage: Virtual tours (60% of listings, Realtor.com) aid remote buyers—5% from San Francisco, Seattle (Redfin migration data)—in scouting efficiently.

Challenges include competition for “Hot Homes” (1-3 offers, Redfin) and financing at 6.75%, though pre-approvals bolster offers.

Strategies for Sellers

Sellers can optimize single-story sales:

• Upgrade: Renovations cut DOM—64% under 30 days (Rocket Homes). A $1.5 million Sea Cliff home with a modern ensuite sold in 35 days (Redfin).

• Stage: Highlight patios and yards; 31% sell above asking when showcased well (Rocket Homes).

• Price Smart: Avoid overpricing—12% linger past 90 days (Rocket Homes). A $1.2 million Downtown home adjusted from $1.3 million sold in 60 days.

• Leverage Tech: Drone shots and virtual tours reach Huntington Beach’s 189,221 residents and beyond (Redfin), speeding sales.

Predictions for 2025

Single-story homes in Huntington Beach are set for a robust year:

• Price Growth: Expect 3%-5% increases (Bankrate), with renovated homes in Downtown or Harbour hitting 8%-10% by 2026 (Coldwell Banker trend).

• Faster Sales: Rates dropping to 5.9% (C.A.R.) could trim DOM to 40-50 days by summer, especially for $1M-$1.5M homes.

• Eco-Shift: Sustainable features (solar, efficient appliances) in 50% of listings by 2028 (Coldwell Banker) will boost appeal and speed.

Conclusion

Single-story homes in Huntington Beach embody the city’s coastal spirit—accessible, practical, and tied to the surf and sand. In 2025, with a $1.49 million median and 58-day DOM (Redfin), they thrive in a market where demand meets limited supply (347 listings, Rocket Homes). From Downtown’s pier-adjacent gems to Mesa Verde’s sprawling ranches, these homes offer value and lifestyle. Buyers can snag deals with strategy, while sellers capitalize on upgrades and tech. As Huntington Beach evolves, single-story living remains a cornerstone—proof that one level can elevate your coastal dream. Whether you’re buying or selling, now’s the time to dive into this enduring market.

ALL ACTIVE Single-Story Listings in Huntington Beach

 

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