Try Before You Buy: Orange County Edition

Considering a move to Orange County? Whether you’re buying your first luxury home in Newport Beach, relocating your family to Irvine, or investing in a coastal estate in Laguna Beach, one thing matters most: the neighborhood lifestyle.

Before you commit to a new address in Orange County, take it for a spin. Here’s how to test-drive your future neighborhood like a local—whether you’re coming from down the road, across the country, or around the globe.

1. Stroll the Streets—Morning, Noon + Night

A luxury home is more than square footage. It’s about feeling at home. Walk through your potential neighborhood at different times. In Surfside, is it quiet in the morning and buzzing by dusk? In Dana Point, do the views make you feel like you’re on vacation every day?

Notice details:

• Are the sidewalks stroller-friendly?

• Do residents walk their dogs or jog along the beach?

• Is it peaceful—or pulsing with energy?

Featured Home: B51 Surfside Avenue, Surfside — $1,699,000 | Listed by Angela Caliger, DRE#01985549 | 714.396.1886
A rare opportunity to create your dream beach home in Surfside Colony — one of Orange County’s best-kept secrets. This property features ocean views, a spacious primary suite, and flexible living spaces ready for your vision. Located on a long lot in the heart of this prestigious guard-gated community, this home offers tremendous potential to craft a bespoke coastal residence just steps from the sand.

2. Dine Like a Local & People-Watch

From rooftop cocktails in Costa Mesa to beachfront brunches in Huntington Beach, restaurants reveal a lot. Sit outside. Watch how people move, dress, and connect.

Ask yourself:

• Do you see yourself here on a regular Tuesday?

• Is the pace laid-back, vibrant—or a perfect mix?

• Are you among like-minded neighbors with a shared appreciation for elevated living?

Luxury real estate is about lifestyle. And lifestyle shows up in the everyday moments.

Featured Home: 7988 Aldea Circle, Huntington Beach — $1,740,000 | Listed by Kimberley Woods, DRE#02138370 | 949.338.3044
Welcome to the pinnacle of Huntington Beach luxury living. This extraordinary residence is nestled within a beautiful gated enclave, just moments from the sand, upscale resorts, and the vibrant energy of Pacific City and the iconic pier. This grand Plan 5 home — the largest and most coveted model in the community — offers spacious living areas designed for both effortless entertaining and serene relaxation. Featuring three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths, a stunning rotunda dining room, multiple elegant living spaces, and a private upstairs retreat with ocean breezes, this home exudes refined coastal sophistication. Upscale finishes include travertine and plank wood floors, soaring ceilings, a chef’s kitchen with quartz counters, a Nest thermostat, and a luxurious spa-like primary suite with its own fireplace and soaking tub. This is truly resort-style living at its finest in the heart of Orange County real estate.

3. Talk to the Locals (and Your Agent)

Locals are the real neighborhood insiders. Chat with baristas, dog park regulars, or boutique owners. Ask:

• “What’s your favorite thing about this area?”

• “Has the vibe changed over time?”

• “Any insider tips for new neighbors?”

Your Surterre Properties agent can also be your local tour guide—offering insights on everything from walkability and school zones to recent luxury sales trends.

Featured Home: 1336 Galaxy Drive, Newport Beach — $12,000,000 | Listed by Brian Thomas & Jennifer Thomas, DRE#01320898, DRE#01396350 | 949.422.6409, 949.422.6407
Perched above Dover Shores with stunning views of Newport’s Back Bay and the Pacific coastline, 1336 Galaxy Drive is a reimagined Mediterranean Modern estate originally designed by architect Harold Levitt in 1963. Spanning nearly 5,000 square feet, it features an open layout, smart home technology, retractable glass doors, a translucent roof, and custom travertine flooring. The home includes four en-suite bedrooms, a luxurious primary suite with Back Bay views, a chef’s kitchen with top-tier appliances, and expansive outdoor spaces perfect for entertaining, including a fire lounge, bocce court, al fresco dining area, and surf shower. Renovated in five visionary phases (2010–2025), this home blends architecture, design, and unparalleled coastal living.

This charming stone-front home in Irvine features meticulously landscaped grounds with vibrant greenery, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The front walkway leads to a well-designed entrance, complete with a unique set of steps and beautiful plants that add to the home’s curb appeal. Listed by Claire Na, this home offers a perfect blend of elegance and comfort in a desirable location.

4. Test the Commute + Convenience

Even in paradise, traffic matters. Drive to your office, preferred gym, or children’s school during peak hours. Try grocery shopping in Irvine, beach parking in Laguna Beach, or errand runs through Newport Coast.

Is the drive scenic and stress-free—or something you’ll dread daily? Time is luxury. Protect it.

Featured Home: 95 Sunset Cove, Irvine — $3,750,000 | Listed by Claire Na, DRE#01700911 | 949.717.7100
Welcome to this ex-model home in La Vita at Orchard Hills, a luxurious residence in a prestigious 24-hour gated community with no rear neighbors. This contemporary home blends classical elegance with modern design, featuring a guest bedroom and a luxurious primary suite with an oversized walk-in closet and a spa-like bathroom. The gourmet kitchen boasts a grand center island, top-tier stainless steel appliances, and a walk-in pantry, while the formal dining room impresses with a 20+ foot ceiling and crystal chandelier. The great room flows into the California room, leading to a wraparound yard with a built-in barbecue, seating area, and elegant landscaping. Upstairs, an expansive loft and two en-suite bedrooms offer privacy. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities and are within strolling distance to Orchard Hills Shopping Center and Orchard Hills School. This is a rare opportunity for luxury living in Irvine’s coveted Orchard Hills neighborhood.

5. Stay Overnight—Live Like a Local

A few nights in a short-term rental or boutique hotel can be eye-opening. Spend a weekday and a weekend living your usual routine. Try your morning coffee run, evening walks, or grocery shopping.

Ask yourself:

• Are the streets lively or noisy at night?

• Is parking easy or chaotic?

• Does it still feel right after the “honeymoon phase”?

This is especially smart for international buyers or out-of-state relocators evaluating Orange County luxury estates.

Featured Home: 928 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach — $10,500,000 | Listed by Kevin Kanda, DRE#01023714 | 714.612.0529
This rare opportunity in the prestigious guard-gated enclave of Emerald Bay presents an exclusive chance to create a five bedroom, five-and-one-half bathroom coastal residence of approximately 5,000 square feet, featuring sweeping ocean views to Dana Point and direct views of the sand on Emerald Bay’s private beach. The sale includes fully approved architectural plans by renowned architect CJ Light and a design incorporating a five-car garage, elevator, and a thoughtfully crafted layout, including a top-level ocean-view primary suite, expansive junior suite, and a lower-level guest room.

Image depicts virtual rendering.

6. Use Social Media to Scope the Scene

Follow neighborhood hashtags like #NewportBeachLiving or #LagunaBeachLife. Browse tagged restaurants, community events, and influencers. Join local Facebook groups or scroll TikTok for neighborhood walkthroughs.

This modern research gives you a real-time peek into the personality of a place—and how you might fit in.

Featured Home: 2023 Republic Avenue, Costa Mesa — $2,100,000 | Listed by Chris Moreno & Cassie Hammond, DRE#01503663, DRE#01264839 | 949.280.6357, 949.500.5569
2023 Republic Avenue is a beautifully remodeled 1954 mid-century bungalow, set on an oversized roughly 8,700 square foot canyon-front lot in the coveted Freedom Homes neighborhood of Westside Costa Mesa. This three bedroom, one bath single-level home blends timeless style with modern updates, offering direct access to Canyon Park, a 35-acre nature preserve with trails leading to the beach. With its seamless indoor-outdoor living, mature trees, and breathtaking canyon views, this property provides a true California lifestyle. Just moments from local coffee and surf spots, 2023 Republic Avenue offers a unique blend of character, opportunity, and a prime location in one of Costa Mesa’s most desirable communities.

Final Thoughts: Your Lifestyle, Your Investment

There’s no such thing as a “perfect” neighborhood. But there is a perfect match for your lifestyle. Maybe it’s oceanfront in Dana Point, strollable in Costa Mesa, or private and secluded in Irvine.

Ask yourself: “Can I picture my life here—not just on a sunny Sunday, but on a rainy weekday when life feels real?“

When the answer is yes, you’ve found something truly special.

Let’s Make It Happen

At Surterre Properties, we specialize in helping luxury buyers—from Orange County locals to global investors—discover communities that inspire elevated living. From Newport Beach to Irvine, Laguna Beach to Huntington Harbour, our elite agents offer insider access, expert guidance, and a personalized experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Ready to test-drive your dream neighborhood? Contact your local Surterre Properties specialist today at SurterreProperties.com and let’s find a place where luxury meets lifestyle. You can also explore our exclusive listings now.

Source: USNews.com