Sunset Beach, California—a tranquil coastal enclave along Orange County’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)—is a haven where golden sands meet a laid-back lifestyle, making it a dream spot for remote workers. As of February 24, 2025, with median home prices around $1.2–$1.3 million and a market that moves fast (35–40 days on average), this mile-long stretch offers a unique blend of work-from-home potential and beachside bliss. For remote professionals seeking a home office with ocean vibes, Sunset Beach delivers—fast Wi-Fi, quiet corners, and paddleboarding breaks included. This blog explores the best real estate picks for remote workers here, from condos to cottages, balancing budget, space, and coastal allure. Let’s find your perfect work-from-paradise pad!
Why Sunset Beach for Remote Workers?
The shift to remote work has redefined homebuying priorities—space for an office, reliable internet, and a lifestyle that boosts productivity and relaxation. Sunset Beach checks every box:
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- Location: Steps from the beach, minutes from Huntington Harbour, and a short drive to OC hubs.
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- Connectivity: High-speed internet (100–500 Mbps via Spectrum or AT&T) supports Zoom calls and cloud work.
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- Lifestyle: Morning jogs on the shore, coffee at a PCH café, or sunset paddleboarding—balance work and play.
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- Market: $550,000–$2 million+ range, with 5–8% annual growth.
In 2025, with homes selling above asking (37 in December 2024) and rates at 5.5–6%, remote workers can find value—if they know where to look.
What Remote Workers Need in a Home
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- Office Space: Dedicated room or nook—1,000+ sq ft ideal.
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- Internet: 100 Mbps+ for video, uploads—coastal coverage varies.
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- Quiet: Off-PCH streets beat highway hum.
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- Outdoor Access: Deck, yard, or beach proximity for breaks.
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- Budget: $900,000–$1.5 million hits the sweet spot.
Here are the best picks for Sunset Beach remote workers in 2025.
Pick 1: Off-PCH Cottage with Office Potential
What You Get
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- Price: $925,000–$1,050,000
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- Size: 1,200–1,500 sq ft
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- Features: 2–3 beds, 1–2 baths, small yard or deck
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- Location: 10th, 14th, Anderson Streets—3–5 minutes to beach
Example: 1422 14th Street
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- $975,000: 1,300 sq ft, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1960s build.
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- Perks: Extra bedroom for office, fenced yard for calls alfresco, Spectrum 300 Mbps available.
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- Bonus: Quiet street, detached garage—convert to studio.
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- Trade-Offs: Needs $30,000–$50,000 updates (kitchen, roof).
Why It’s Great
At $975,000, this cottage offers space—third bedroom becomes a Zoom-ready office with ocean air as inspiration. Off-PCH calm boosts focus, and the yard or garage adds flexibility. Post-reno ($50,000), it’s worth $1.25 million—equity plus productivity.
Pick 2: PCH Condo with Balcony Workspace
What You Get
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- Price: $900,000–$1,050,000
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- Size: 800–1,200 sq ft
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- Features: 2 beds, 1–2 baths, balcony or patio
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- Location: PCH complexes like Harbour Pacific—steps to sand
Example: 17192 PCH, Unit C
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- $950,000: 900 sq ft, 2 bed, 1 bath, upper unit.
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- Perks: Balcony with partial ocean view (desk fits), remodeled interior, AT&T 500 Mbps.
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- Bonus: Private beach access—lunchtime dips.
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- Trade-Offs: $350/month HOA, PCH noise—headphones needed.
Why It’s Great
For $950,000, you’re beachfront-adjacent—balcony doubles as a scenic workspace, second bedroom as a full office. High-speed internet handles heavy workloads, and the beach steps away refreshes burnout. Low maintenance (HOA covers) suits busy pros—rentable at $300/night too.
Pick 3: Duplex for Work-and-Income Balance
What You Get
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- Price: $1,025,000–$1,150,000
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- Size: 1,600–2,000 sq ft total (two units)
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- Features: 2-bed/1-bath each, shared deck or separate spaces
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- Location: Off-PCH like 10th or 12th
Example: 16782 10th Street
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- $1,050,000: 1,800 sq ft, two 2-bed/1-bath units.
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- Perks: One unit for living/office (1,000 sq ft), other rents ($2,500–$3,000/month), rooftop deck.
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- Bonus: 300 Mbps internet, four-car parking—guest ready.
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- Trade-Offs: Shared walls, rental management.
Why It’s Great
At $1.05 million, live in one, rent the other—$3,000/month cuts your $5,900 mortgage (5.5%, 20% down) to $2,900. Spacious unit offers office plus living, deck for sunset calls. Income offsets cost, beach vibe fuels work—perfect hybrid.
Pick 4: Modern Fixer-Upper with Space
What You Get
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- Price: $900,000–$1,000,000
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- Size: 1,200–1,600 sq ft
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- Features: 2–3 beds, 1–2 baths, dated but livable
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- Location: Off-PCH or secondary PCH lots
Example: 16845 Anderson Street
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- $975,000: 1,400 sq ft, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1970s build.
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- Perks: Third bed for office, second-story balcony workspace, 200 Mbps internet.
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- Bonus: Garage studio potential—quiet work zone.
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- Trade-Offs: $50,000 reno (electrical, flooring).
Why It’s Great
For $975,000, you get space—office in a bedroom, balcony for brainstorming, garage for podcasts. Off-PCH peace aids focus, beach in 5 minutes refreshes. Post-reno ($50,000), it’s a $1.3 million modern retreat—work-from-home with upside.
Market Insights for 2025
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- Rates: 5.5–6%—$1 million at 5.5% = $5,700/month (20% down).
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- Inventory: Tight—5–10 listings monthly; 2–3 in $900,000–$1.1 million.
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- Demand: Remote workers join retirees, investors—3–5 offers common.
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- Growth: 5–8%—$1 million to $1.08–$1.16 million in a year.
Costs to Consider
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- Down Payment: $180,000–$210,000 (20%)—FHA cuts to $35,000 (3.5%).
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- Monthly: $5,500–$6,500 (mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA).
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- Internet: $50–$100/month for 100–500 Mbps.
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- Reno: $30,000–$75,000 for fixer-uppers.
Pros for Remote Workers
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- Space: 2–3 beds—office plus living.
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- Lifestyle: Beach breaks boost morale—paddleboard at lunch.
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- Equity: $1 million grows to $1.2 million+ in 2–3 years.
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- Quiet: Off-PCH options mute distractions.
Cons for Remote Workers
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- Cost: $900,000+ stretches budgets—$6,000/month total.
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- Noise: PCH condos need soundproofing.
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- Work: Fixer-uppers delay setup—3–6 months reno.
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- Competition: 3–5 bids push $975,000 to $1.025 million.
Tips to Secure Your Pick
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- Pre-Approve: $1 million letter—beat cash rivals.
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- Internet Check: Confirm 100 Mbps+—coastal gaps exist.
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- Off-PCH: Less competition, quieter—start here.
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- Overbid: $25,000 over on $975,000 wins.
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- Winter: Nov–Feb softens prices—5–10% edge.
The Remote Work Payoff
Sunset Beach blends work and paradise:
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- Morning: Coffee on a deck, ocean breeze—emails flow.
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- Day: Quiet office, fast Wi-Fi—projects hum.
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- Evening: Sunset jog or paddleboard—stress melts.
A $975,000 cottage or $1.05 million duplex delivers this—productivity meets peace, equity grows.
Who’s It For?
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- Tech Pros: $150,000+ income—$6,000/month fits.
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- Creatives: Balcony views spark ideas.
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- Dual-Income: $200,000+ household—duplex viable.
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- Investors: Rent half, work half.
Not for:
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- Tight Budgets: $5,000/month minimum.
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- Noise-Sensitive: PCH hum disrupts.
Final Thoughts
Sunset Beach real estate for remote workers in 2025 offers cottages with office nooks, condos with balcony desks, duplexes with income, and fixer-uppers with potential—all under $1.1 million. With rates at 5.5–6% and a market favoring sellers, these picks balance work-from-home needs with coastal joy. Start with a realtor, verify internet, and bid fast—your Zoom backdrop could be waves by spring. Cottage, condo, or duplex—what’s your remote work vibe?
