Sunset Beach, California, is a small coastal gem tucked within the larger framework of Huntington Beach, renowned for its pristine shores, exclusive vibe, and roughly 641 homes along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). While much of the spotlight falls on its oceanfront properties and harbor-front retreats, Anderson Street Park—a modest yet cherished community green space—offers a unique angle for real estate enthusiasts. As we explore February 2025, living near Anderson Street Park presents a blend of coastal charm, practical amenities, and investment potential that deserves a closer look. This blog post serves as a comprehensive real estate guide to this lesser-known corner of Sunset Beach, delving into its appeal, property options, market trends, and lifestyle perks that make it a compelling choice for buyers, sellers, and investors.
Anderson Street Park: Sunset Beach’s Quiet Oasis
Sunset Beach’s real estate narrative often revolves around its waterfront—South Pacific Avenue’s oceanfront estates and North Pacific Avenue’s harbor-front docks. Yet, Anderson Street Park, nestled near the intersection of Anderson Street and PCH, offers a different flavor of coastal living. This small park, while not as expansive as nearby Linear Park’s 14 acres, provides a quiet green space with benches, grassy areas, and a laid-back vibe perfect for a morning jog, a picnic, or a sunset stroll with a pet. Its proximity to the beach—just a block or two west—and Huntington Harbour to the east makes it a subtle hub within Sunset Beach’s compact grid.
In February 2025, Sunset Beach’s broader market reflects its exclusivity: a median home value of $2.5-$2.7 million, with luxury listings hitting $7 million (RocketHomes, December 2024: $7.18M median list price). Inventory remains tight—2-5 listings at a time—driven by a community of retirees, remote workers, and second-home owners (median age 55, income $145,571). Anderson Street Park sits at the heart of this, offering a walkable anchor that enhances the livability of nearby homes without the premium price tag of direct waterfront access.
The Appeal of Living Near Anderson Street Park
Living near Anderson Street Park means embracing Sunset Beach’s coastal charm with a practical twist. Unlike oceanfront properties exposed to PCH’s hum or harbor homes tied to boating lifestyles, homes around Anderson Street—think Anderson Street itself, nearby Broadway, or numbered cross-streets like 10th or 12th—offer a quieter, more residential feel. You’re steps from the park’s green respite, a 2-5-minute walk to the beach, and a short jaunt to harbor views, all while buffered from highway noise by strategic positioning.
The lifestyle perks are tangible. Families enjoy the park’s open space for play, retirees savor its tranquility, and remote workers find a natural break from home offices. The park’s proximity to PCH amenities—cafes like Mother’s Tavern or Captain Jack’s Restaurant—adds convenience without sacrificing Sunset Beach’s uncrowded charm. In 2025, this balance makes Anderson Street Park a hidden draw, enhancing nearby property desirability without the $5-7 million oceanfront price tag.
Available Properties: What’s on Offer in 2025
Sunset Beach’s tight inventory—2 listings in December 2024—means options near Anderson Street Park are limited but diverse, catering to varied budgets and goals. Here’s a snapshot of what’s potentially available in February 2025, blending real trends with imagined listings:
1. 1210 Anderson Street – The Coastal Cottage
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- Price: $2.1 million
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- Specs: 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,800 sq ft
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- Features: A 1960s bungalow, updated in 2023, with a sunny patio and peekaboo ocean views from a second-story deck. At $1,166 per square foot, it’s a cozy retreat steps from the park and a block from the beach.
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- Appeal: Ideal for retirees or small families, with $4,000-$6,000 monthly rental potential.
2. 11th & Broadway (Near Anderson) – The Modern Haven
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- Price: $2.5 million
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- Specs: 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,400 sq ft
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- Features: Built in 2019, this sleek home boasts an open layout, rooftop terrace, and a short walk to both park and sand. Priced at $1,041 per square foot, it’s a steal for its upgrades.
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- Appeal: Suits remote workers or investors, yielding $5,000-$7,000 monthly.
3. 1235 Anderson Street – The Family Classic
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- Price: $2.8 million
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- Specs: 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,800 sq ft
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- Features: A 1980s build, renovated in 2024, with a spacious backyard and harbor glimpses. At $1,000 per square foot, it’s a value play near the park.
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- Appeal: Great for families or long-term residents, with $6,000-$8,000 rental income.
These homes—likely 1-2 of the 2-5 total listings—reflect Sunset Beach’s $2.5-$2.7 million median, with prices tempered by their non-waterfront status. They range from $1,000-$1,200 per square foot, below the $1,500-$2,100 oceanfront norm, offering coastal proximity at a relative discount.
Market Trends: The 2025 Landscape
Sunset Beach’s real estate in 2025 is a seller’s market with nuances, and Anderson Street Park’s vicinity follows suit:
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- Inventory: 2-5 listings total, with 1-2 near Anderson Street, mirroring December 2024’s scarcity. Winter may nudge this to 3-5 as sellers adjust post-holidays.
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- Prices: $2.1-$2.8M near the park, stabilizing from 2024’s $7.18M luxury peak. Appreciation forecasts of 4-6% (above California’s 4.6%, C.A.R.) suggest $2.5-$3.2M by 2030.
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- Sales Pace: 100-150 days DOM, per December’s 122-day average, as sellers hold firm for cash offers (60-65% of sales).
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- Demand: Retirees, remote workers, and investors drive interest, unfazed by rates (6.89%, potentially 6.5% by year-end). A $2.5M home at 6.89% with 20% down costs $13,187 monthly—cash sidesteps this.
California’s economic resilience—unemployment below 5%, GDP growth at 2.5-3%—fuels Orange County wealth, sustaining demand. Sunset Beach’s coastal premium (67-125% growth since 2015) ensures stability, with Anderson Street homes benefiting from park proximity without oceanfront exposure.
Lifestyle Benefits: Why It’s Special
Living near Anderson Street Park offers a lifestyle that’s quintessentially Sunset Beach—coastal, calm, and connected:
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- Green Space: The park’s grassy expanse and benches provide a daily dose of nature, rare in a beach-centric enclave.
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- Walkability: A 2-5-minute trek to the beach, a short jaunt to PCH eateries, and easy harbor access blend convenience with tranquility.
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- Community: Sunset Beach’s small size fosters a neighborly vibe—think chats at the park or nods during the Sunset Beach Art Festival.
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- Recreation: Surfing, jogging, or picnicking are steps away, with Linear Park and Bolsa Chica wetlands nearby for added exploration.
This appeals to Sunset Beach’s affluent base—retirees savoring quiet, remote workers blending work with walks, and families seeking safe play space. It’s coastal living with a grounded twist, minus the $5M+ oceanfront commitment.
Investment Potential: A Smart Play
For investors, Anderson Street Park proximity offers compelling returns:
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- Rentals: $4K-$8K monthly ($48K-$96K annually) on a $2.5M home yields 2-4%, strong for a luxury market. Vacationers and long-term tenants fuel this, drawn by Sunset Beach’s charm and Huntington Beach’s bustle.
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- Appreciation: 18-22% growth by 2030 (CoreLogic) could lift a $2.5M buy to $3-$3.5M, a steady climb bolstered by scarcity.
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- Cash Edge: 60-65% cash sales mean quick closings—key in a competitive, low-inventory niche.
Compared to oceanfront ($5-7M, $8K-$12K rentals) or harbor-front ($2-3.5M, $5K-$8K), Anderson Street homes offer a lower entry ($2.1-$2.8M) with solid yields and growth, ideal for balanced portfolios.
Challenges to Consider
Waterfront-adjacent living near Anderson Street isn’t flawless:
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- Environmental Risks: 43% flood risk, 99% wildfire exposure over 30 years raise insurance to $5K-$10K annually—less than oceanfront but notable.
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- Maintenance: Coastal air demands $10K-$20K yearly upkeep, from paint to HVAC.
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- Scarcity: 1-2 listings mean buyers must pounce or wait, a hurdle in a cash-heavy market.
Yet, resilience shines—Sunset Beach dipped 5-10% in 2022-2023 vs. California’s 9%, and Anderson Street homes benefit from lower exposure than oceanfront peers.
Why Anderson Street Park Matters in 2025
In February 2025, living near Anderson Street Park offers a sweet spot in Sunset Beach’s real estate:
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- Buyers: $2.1-$2.8M secures a 3-4 bedroom home steps from park, beach, and harbor—a coastal steal.
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- Sellers: List at $1,000-$1,200 per square foot; 100-150 days yields cash offers in a tight market.
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- Investors: $4K-$8K monthly rentals, 4-6% growth to $2.5-$3.2M by 2030—a charming profit play.
It’s not the priciest oceanfront or dock-laden harbor-front—it’s a practical, park-centered niche blending lifestyle and value. With 2-5 listings total, Anderson Street homes are a rare chance to own Sunset Beach’s quieter side, where coastal charm meets real estate smarts in a market that’s tight, pricey, and timeless.
