The Peninsula Community in Huntington Beach: Coastal Luxury and Family Living Redefined

Nestled in the prestigious Seacliff area of Huntington Beach, California, The Peninsula community stands as a guard-gated masterpiece, offering an exquisite blend of coastal luxury, family-friendly living, and modern convenience. This expansive master-planned development, encompassing four distinct neighborhoods—Peninsula Park, Westport, Turnberry, and Port Ivy—comprises over 300 upscale single-family homes, designed to harmonize with the lush fairways of the Seacliff Country Club golf course and the vibrant pulse of “Surf City USA.” Developed in the late 1990s by Taylor Woodrow Homes, The Peninsula is renowned for its spacious residences, resort-style amenities, and prime location just blocks from the Pacific Ocean. As of March 3, 2025, The Peninsula real estate market reflects Huntington Beach’s high-demand coastal dynamics, delivering a premium lifestyle that attracts families, professionals, and retirees alike. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of The Peninsula, its current real estate trends, housing diversity, community features, lifestyle appeal, and why it stands out as a premier residential enclave in Orange County.

A Coastal Vision Takes Shape

The Peninsula community emerged during a transformative period in Huntington Beach’s evolution, a city incorporated in 1909 that transitioned from an oil-rich outpost into a thriving coastal hub by the late 20th century. By the 1990s, Huntington Beach—celebrated for its surf culture, expansive beaches, and growing residential appeal—had become a prime target for upscale development. The Seacliff area, located in the western part of the city near Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Beach Boulevard, emerged as a focal point due to its proximity to the ocean (less than a mile away) and the establishment of the Seacliff Country Club, a private golf course that added a layer of prestige to the neighborhood.

The Peninsula, formally known as “The Peninsula at Huntington Seacliff,” was developed in phases from 1997 to 2000 by Taylor Woodrow Homes, a renowned builder known for its quality craftsmanship. The master plan included four gated tracts—Peninsula Park, Westport, Turnberry, and Port Ivy—each designed with a distinct architectural flair, ranging from Mediterranean and Spanish influences to Cape Cod-inspired designs. Launched with Peninsula Park in 1997, the project expanded to include Westport, Turnberry, and Port Ivy by 2000, totaling over 300 homes across 40+ acres. Its guard-gated entry and meticulously planned layout—featuring cul-de-sacs, greenbelts, and golf course adjacency—aimed to offer residents a secure, upscale retreat just minutes from Huntington Beach’s sandy shores. Over the past two decades, The Peninsula has matured into a coveted community, prized for its exclusivity, family-oriented design, and seamless access to the coastal lifestyle.

The Peninsula Real Estate Market in 2025

As of March 3, 2025, the real estate market in The Peninsula reflects Huntington Beach’s coastal allure—high demand, limited supply, and a premium on location—while commanding prices that underscore its status as a top-tier Seacliff neighborhood. The median sale price for homes across The Peninsula typically ranges from $2 million to $3.5 million, with some exceptional properties in Turnberry or Westport pushing past $4 million, depending on size, upgrades, and lot placement. This positions it well above Huntington Beach’s citywide median of $1.3 million, driven by single-family homes, but below the $5 million-plus starting point for oceanfront properties along PCH, offering a compelling blend of luxury and value.

Inventory in The Peninsula is notably tight, with its 300-plus homes rarely yielding more than 5-10 active listings at a time. In February 2025, Huntington Beach reported 350 active listings citywide, meaning The Peninsula’s share is a small fraction—often selling out within 30-45 days when available. Recent sales data from 2024 shows prices ranging from $2 million for a 2,900-square-foot home in Peninsula Park to $4.2 million for a fully renovated 4,500-square-foot estate with golf course views in Turnberry, with a median around $2.8 million and $600-$900 per square foot. Appreciation tracks Huntington Beach’s robust 7-9% annual rate, fueled by its low turnover, gated security, and proximity to the beach (approximately 0.8 miles).

Buyers include families drawn to top-rated schools like Seacliff Elementary (adjacent to the community), professionals commuting to Irvine (15 miles) or Los Angeles (35 miles), and retirees seeking spacious, upscale homes with minimal maintenance. Investors occasionally target The Peninsula for its rental potential, though it primarily appeals to owner-occupants. Cash transactions dominate for larger, upgraded homes—especially those with golf course frontage—while financing is common for mid-range purchases like smaller three-bedroom models. The limited supply keeps The Peninsula a seller’s market, with prime listings often sparking multiple offers, sometimes 2-5% above asking, particularly for homes with pools or premium lots.

Housing Diversity in The Peninsula

The Peninsula’s 300-plus homes span four neighborhoods, each offering a variety of floor plans and architectural styles tailored to luxury coastal living:

• • Peninsula Park: Approximately 83 homes, ranging from 2,900 to 4,100 square feet, with three- to five-bedroom layouts and three to five-and-a-half baths. Mediterranean-inspired with stucco exteriors and tiled roofs, starting at $2.2 million.

• • Westport: Around 112 homes, ranging from 2,700 to 4,200 square feet, featuring three- to five-bedroom plans with Spanish and Cape Cod influences, starting at $2 million.

• • Turnberry: Roughly 65 homes, the most luxurious tract, ranging from 3,500 to 4,500 square feet, with four- to six-bedroom layouts and golf course views, starting at $2.5 million.

• • Port Ivy: Approximately 76 homes, ranging from 2,800 to 4,000 square feet, with three- to five-bedroom designs and a mix of architectural styles, starting at $2.1 million.

Key features across all tracts include:

• • Grand Interiors: Open-concept living areas with high ceilings, formal dining rooms, and great rooms featuring fireplaces—some with hardwood flooring or custom built-ins.

• • Gourmet Kitchens: Spacious kitchens with granite or quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, center islands, and breakfast nooks, often opening to family rooms or outdoor patios.

• • Master Suites: Expansive primaries with ensuite bathrooms boasting dual vanities, soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and large walk-in closets, frequently with private balconies.

• • Outdoor Spaces: Private backyards with pools, spas, built-in BBQs, and lush landscaping; select homes offer golf course or greenbelt views.

• • Garages: Two- to three-car garages, some with tandem spaces convertible to bonus rooms, plus additional driveway parking.

Many homes have been renovated since their 1997-2000 construction, featuring upgrades like smart home systems, energy-efficient windows, and luxury vinyl flooring. Original homes needing updates start around $2 million, while fully renovated estates with premium features—like expanded master suites or modern gourmet kitchens—fetch $3.5 million or more. The community’s cul-de-sac streets and golf course adjacency enhance privacy and curb appeal.

Community Features and Lifestyle

The Peninsula’s lifestyle revolves around its gated exclusivity and family-oriented design, enriched by its prime Seacliff location. Community features include:

• • 24/7 Guard-Gated Security: Ensures privacy and safety across all four tracts.

• • Community Pool and Spa: A resort-style pool area with a spa and seating, offering a relaxing retreat (shared with Peninsula Park and Port Ivy residents).

• • Greenbelts and Parks: Scenic open spaces and sidewalks winding through the community, ideal for walks or play; Discovery Well Park is steps away.

Monthly HOA dues vary by tract—ranging from $185 in Peninsula Park to $300+ in Turnberry—covering security, pool maintenance (where applicable), landscaping, and common area upkeep. Residents are less than a mile from Huntington City Beach—a 10-minute walk or 5-minute bike ride—and 1.5 miles from downtown’s Main Street, featuring surf shops, eateries like Don the Beachcomber, and nightlife at Black Bull Chop House. Pacific City (2 miles south) offers upscale shopping and dining, while the Bolsa Chica Wetlands (3 miles north) provide nature trails and birdwatching.

Daily life in The Peninsula is a luxurious yet relaxed blend of coastal and suburban living. Mornings might start with a walk to Seacliff Elementary or coffee at Coffee Nature, afternoons with a round at the golf course or a beach trip, and evenings with dinner at Ola Mexican Kitchen or a quiet night by a poolside BBQ. The 70°F climate keeps outdoor living central, while events like the Huntington Beach Air Show or Fourth of July Parade—both nearby—enhance community vibrancy.

Why The Peninsula Stands Out

The Peninsula’s appeal lies in its gated luxury, diverse housing, and prime location within Huntington Beach’s competitive market. Here’s what sets it apart:

• • Coastal Proximity: Less than a mile from the beach, it rivals coastal properties at a more accessible cost ($2M-$3.5M vs. $5M+).

• • Golf Course Living: Surrounded by Seacliff Country Club, select homes offer fairway views, a rare perk.

• • Family-Friendly: Adjacent to Seacliff Elementary, it’s ideal for families with young children.

• • Gated Exclusivity: 24/7 guard service across four tracts provides privacy and security.

• • Variety: Four neighborhoods cater to diverse tastes, from $2M starters to $4M estates.

Compared to Huntington Beach’s broader market—where single-family homes dominate at 46% of housing stock (NeighborhoodScout)—The Peninsula’s upscale focus and school proximity outshine inland neighborhoods. It competes with pricier Seacliff tracts like Turnberry internally while surpassing inland gated communities like Pacific Ranch with its coastal adjacency and pool amenities.

Challenges to Consider

The Peninsula has its quirks. The $2M-$3.5M range requires an income of $365,000-$640,000 annually with a 20% down payment, factoring in taxes (1% yearly), insurance, and HOA fees ($185-$300 monthly)—a steep entry. Traffic on PCH or Beach Boulevard can snarl during summer, reflecting its coastal draw. Older 1990s homes may need updates (e.g., HVAC, plumbing), and parking is capped at two- to three-car garages, challenging multi-car households.

Inventory scarcity—often 5-10 listings—sparks bidding wars, with buyers facing competition. Noise from nearby PCH or golf course activity may affect quieter preferences, though the gated design mitigates this.

Investment Potential

For investors, The Peninsula is a coastal goldmine. Appreciation tracks Huntington Beach’s 7-9% rate, with flipped homes—like a $3.2 million sale in 2024—showing 20-25% returns post-renovation. Rentals fetch $5,000-$7,500 monthly, driven by family demand and proximity to downtown (1.5 miles). Long-term holds shine, as the community’s value grows with Huntington Beach’s coastal appeal—short-term rentals are less common due to HOA restrictions.

Conclusion

The Peninsula community in Huntington Beach is a gated coastal masterpiece blending luxury, family appeal, and timeless charm. As of early 2025, its market thrives on scarcity, golf course views, and a location that captures Surf City’s essence. From Mediterranean-inspired homes to resort-style amenities, it suits diverse buyers—all drawn by its exclusivity and beach proximity.

Challenges like cost and competition are par for Huntington Beach, but The Peninsula’s rewards—coastal access, top schools, and investment upside—dazzle. Whether you’re seeking a family home, a retirement retreat, or a rental gem, The Peninsula delivers. Partnering with a local realtor can unlock this coastal treasure, turning a house hunt into a Surf City homecoming.