Nestled between Long Beach and Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, California, is a coastal gem that exudes small-town charm while offering the perks of Orange County living. At the heart of this picturesque city lies Old Town Seal Beach, a vibrant neighborhood where the beach meets Main Street, blending historic allure with modern appeal. For homebuyers, investors, and retirees alike, Old Town offers a unique real estate market that balances proximity to the Pacific Ocean with a walkable, community-driven lifestyle. As of February 20, 2025, this neighborhood remains a standout in Seal Beach’s evolving housing landscape. In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about real estate in Old Town Seal Beach—current market trends, property types, pricing, lifestyle benefits, and tips for navigating this coveted corner of the “City of the Arts.”
At the end of this post you will see ALL ACTIVE listing for “Old Town Seal Beach”
The Essence of Old Town Seal Beach
Old Town Seal Beach is the historic and cultural epicenter of the city, stretching roughly from Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) westward to the ocean, and from the San Gabriel River to Seal Beach Boulevard. This compact district is defined by its proximity to the Seal Beach Pier—the second-longest wooden pier in California—and Main Street, a bustling corridor of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants that earned a spot on Forbes’ list of America’s Friendliest Towns. With palm-lined streets, a mix of architectural styles, and a laid-back beach vibe, Old Town feels like a step back in time, yet it’s just 28 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
The neighborhood’s roughly 4,042 residents (NeighborhoodScout) live in about 2,149 households, enjoying a median household income of $75,821—solid for a beachside community, though below Orange County’s $103,000 average. Old Town’s appeal lies in its walkability (a high score on Walkscore.com) and its blend of historic bungalows, modern condos, and multi-family units, all within steps of the sand. For real estate seekers, this is where Seal Beach’s heart beats strongest.
The Real Estate Market in Old Town: Q1 2025 Snapshot
As of January 2025, Seal Beach’s broader market shows a median sold price of $1,400,000, up 8.1% from last year, with homes averaging 91 days on the market (Redfin). Old Town, however, operates as a premium micro-market within this context. Homes here typically range from $1,400,000 to $12 million+, with a median listing price closer to $1.9 million (Movoto), reflecting its coastal proximity and desirability. In November 2024, Rocket Homes reported an average sale time of 38 days in Old Town—faster than the citywide 91-day average—underscoring its competitive edge.
Inventory remains tight, with Old Town contributing a fraction of Seal Beach’s 145 active listings (Rocket Homes). Single-family homes, condos, and multi-family properties (duplexes and triplexes) dominate, often selling within 45-60 days when priced right or renovated. Luxury listings—those over $1 million—can linger longer (up to 90+ days), but 14% still sell above asking (Rocket Homes), driven by scarcity and oceanfront allure. The median price per square foot in Old Town hovers around $500-$700, well above the city’s $421, reflecting its prime location.
Property Types in Old Town
Old Town’s real estate is as diverse as its residents:
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Historic Bungalows: Dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, these single-story homes (900-1,500 sq ft) offer charm with hardwood floors and front porches. Prices start at $900,000, climbing to $1.5 million for beach-adjacent lots.
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Modern Homes: Post-1960s builds or renovated originals feature open floor plans, updated kitchens, and outdoor living spaces. A 4-bedroom, 3,455 sq ft home at 205 4th Street, listed around $1.5 million, exemplifies this blend of luxury and coastal style (Red Wagon Team).
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Condos and Townhomes: Smaller units (700-1,200 sq ft) near Main Street range from $600,000 to $1 million, appealing to downsizers or investors. A remodeled 3-bedroom condo at 127 5th Street showcases modern upgrades for under $1 million (Andy Dane Carter).
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Multi-Family Units: Duplexes and triplexes, like a $1.2 million Ocean Avenue property (Homes.com), offer income potential, with rents averaging $2,417/month (Movoto).
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Luxury Estates: The “Gold Coast”—44 oceanfront homes—represents the pinnacle, with prices from $3 million to $14.5 million (BEX Realty). A 8,646 sq ft Tuscany-style villa on a double lot epitomizes this elite tier (Redfin).
Pricing Trends and Affordability
Old Town’s pricing reflects its status as Seal Beach’s crown jewel. While the citywide median is $400,000, Old Town’s baseline starts higher due to its beach proximity and cultural hub. A November 2024 Movoto report pegged the median list price at $3.27 million, though sold prices often settle lower—around $1.9 million—indicating negotiation room. Homes under $1 million, like a 2-bedroom cottage at $900,000, sell fast (38 days), while luxury listings over $2 million can take 51-70 days (Homes.com).
Affordability is relative. A $900,000 home with a 20% down payment ($180,000) at 6.75% interest (Bankrate) costs $4,500 monthly, including taxes and insurance—steep for Seal Beach’s $75,821 median income but within reach for dual-income households or retirees with equity. Luxury buyers, often cash-funded or high-net-worth (e.g., Gen X at 53.4% of luxury buyers, Coldwell Banker), absorb $1M+ properties, driving the upper end.
Why Old Town Stays Hot
Several factors keep Old Town’s real estate in demand:
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Location: Steps from the beach, pier, and Main Street, residents enjoy a car-optional lifestyle. Walkscore.com rates it a “Biker’s Paradise,” with dining at Walt’s Wharf or shopping at Sweet Jill’s Bakery just blocks away.
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Coastal Scarcity: With no room for new construction—unlike Irvine’s 351 new homes (Realtor.com)—Old Town’s 2,149 units are finite, bolstering value. Surfside’s gated exclusivity spills over, but Old Town’s accessibility stands out.
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Community Vibe: Events like the Classic Car Show and Christmas Parade foster a tight-knit feel, attracting buyers seeking roots over transience.
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School District: The Los Alamitos Unified School District, with top-rated McGaugh Elementary a half-mile away, draws families despite Old Town’s smaller home sizes.
Market Dynamics: Seller’s Edge with Buyer Opportunities
Old Town operates within Seal Beach’s “somewhat competitive” market (49/100, Redfin), but its pace is brisker. In January 2025, 39% of citywide homes sold within 30 days, and Old Town’s 38-day average (Rocket Homes, November 2024) aligns with this speed for mid-range properties. Luxury homes linger—25% over 90 days citywide—but 14% still fetch above asking, per Rocket Homes. Inventory dropped 7.1% from December’s 156 to 145, with Old Town’s share staying tight, reinforcing seller leverage.
Buyers, however, find openings. Half of January sales (50%) went below asking, with a $365,000 median sale versus $458,950 listing price (Redfin), suggesting room to negotiate on older homes or those needing work (71.64% pre-1970, NeighborhoodScout). Interest rates at 6.75% slow some, but C.A.R.’s 5.9% year-end forecast could shrink DOM to 30-45 days by summer, intensifying competition.
Lifestyle Benefits of Old Town Living
Living in Old Town Seal Beach is about more than property—it’s a lifestyle:
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Beach Access: A block from the sand, residents surf, stroll the pier, or relax at Electric Avenue Median Park.
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Main Street: From Crema Cafe’s breakfast to Mahe’s sushi, dining is steps away. Boutiques and galleries add cultural flair.
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Safety: A crime rate 32% below the national average (NeighborhoodScout) offers peace of mind.
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Recreation: Bike trails, the wildlife refuge, and kite festivals keep life active and engaging.
Tips for Buyers in Old Town
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Get Pre-Approved: With 39% of homes selling fast, a mortgage pre-approval (e.g., $720,000 at 6.75% for a $900,000 home) strengthens offers.
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Target Negotiation: Homes over 90 days (25%) or fixer-uppers offer discounts—perfect for budgets under $1 million.
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Use Tech: Virtual tours (60% of listings, Realtor.com) help out-of-state buyers (18% foreign-born) scout efficiently.
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Work with Locals: A Seal Beach realtor knows off-market gems near Main Street or the pier.
Predictions for Old Town Real Estate
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Price Growth: Expect 3%-5% annual increases (Bankrate), with luxury homes ($1M+) outpacing at 8%-10% by 2026.
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Faster Sales: Rates dropping to 5.9% could cut DOM to 30-45 days by summer 2025, per C.A.R..
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Luxury Surge: Surfside’s influence and renovations will push $2M+ listings higher, though inventory stays tight.
Conclusion
Old Town Seal Beach is the beating heart of the city’s real estate scene, blending historic charm with modern coastal living. In 2025, its $1,400,000-$12M+ price range, 38-60 day sales pace, and scarce inventory make it a seller’s market with buyer potential. Whether you’re drawn to a bungalow’s nostalgia, a condo’s convenience, or a luxury estate’s grandeur, Old Town delivers a lifestyle where the beach meets Main Street. For buyers, timing and strategy are key; for sellers, the stage is set to shine. As Seal Beach evolves, Old Town remains its timeless core—a real estate haven worth calling home.
ALL ACTIVE Listing in Old Town Seal Beach
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Information relating to properties referenced on this web site may originate from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of CSMAR. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns this web site. Any information originating from CSMAR, relating to a property, regardless of source, including but not limited to square footages and lot sizes, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals. Listing data originating from CSMAR is copyrighted by CSMAR and is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited.
