Living in Corona del Mar: What Buyers Are Looking For in 2025

Living in Corona del Mar: What It's Really Like to Call This Coastal Gem Home

If you’ve spent any time in Corona del Mar — or CdM, as the locals call it — you already know: this little stretch of coastline isn’t your average beach town. 

It’s gorgeous. It’s walkable. It feels like vacation… every. single. day. 

From ocean views to boutique coffee walks and rooftop sunsets - Corona Del Mar is still serving serious lifestyle goals. But what's actually selling? I've got the inside scoop on what buyers are loving.

Seriously, CdM is so clean and manicured, there’s a neighborhood just south of the flower streets (Shore Cliffs) that makes me feel like I just rode through the whale’s mouth on the Storybook ride at Disneyland. It’s that surreal. That perfect. That put-together. 

Shore Cliffs perfection. Just south of the flower streets, this Corona Del Mar enclave feels like a storybook come to life - where the lawns are pristine and the ocean breeze feels curated.

And speaking of Disneyland… let’s be real: moving to Corona del Mar is a little like going to Disney. You’re not just paying to ride the rides and eat the churros — you’re paying for the full experience. The magic. The atmosphere. The postcard-perfect version of real life. Except in CdM, instead of Space Mountain, your Saturday morning looks something like this: A convoy of luxury sports cars (Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Porsches… take your pick) revving their engines down PCH like it’s the Monaco Grand Prix. People walking their dogs to boutique coffee shops. Locals grabbing brunch alfresco at Zinc or stopping by the farmers market for the freshest local produce and cut flowers. And if the sun’s out? You’ll see out-of-towners rolling in to experience a slice of this little coastal paradise for themselves. CdM is a vibe — and buyers know it. 

Living in Corona Del Mar: Who’s Buying in Corona del Mar — And Why? 

Here’s the thing about Corona del Mar… People don’t really “end up” here by accident. Nobody wakes up one morning and thinks: "You know what sounds fun? Let’s go see if we can casually scoop up a beach house in CdM today." Nope. CdM buyers are intentional. 

Most of the people buying homes here in 2025 fall into one of two camps: 

1. The Vacation Dreamers: These are the folks who have worked hard, saved smart, and decided that life’s too short not to have an ocean view. Maybe it’s a second home. Maybe it’s their future retirement plan. Maybe it’s their “weekend getaway” (yes, we all hate them a little bit for that). But listen — if you could spend your weekends walking to the beach, grabbing brunch outdoors, and sipping cocktails while watching the sunset from your rooftop deck... wouldn’t you? Exactly. 

2. The Locals Who Aren’t Going Anywhere: The other group? People who already know how special CdM is — and they’re just moving within the neighborhood. Upsizing. Downsizing. Moving closer to the water. Adding that dream kitchen or finally getting the home office space they’ve always wanted. Because here’s the deal: once people land in CdM… they tend to stay awhile.  

What’s NOT Super Common Here? → First-time buyers. Not that it never happens — but with the average home price floating around $4 million, most buyers here are pretty established. It’s not really a “starter home” market. It’s more of a "reward yourself for surviving life, raising kids, or crushing it in business" market. And honestly? That’s part of what makes CdM feel so calm, clean, and peaceful. People move here because they want to be here — and they stay because it feels like home. 

Living in Corona Del Mar: What Buyers Are Looking For in Corona del Mar

So what exactly are buyers hoping to find when they start house hunting in CdM? Well… spoiler alert: it’s not a budget-friendly “fixer-upper with good bones.” Unless you’re a developer, of course. Because in CdM, there’s actually a whole market of investors who are specifically hunting for the worst house on the best lot — and they’re spending $2 to $5 million just to get the dirt. Why? Because the math works. 

From dirt to dream. This sleek front unit in CDM's coveted flower streets is part a a savvy redevelopment play, where a single lot turned into two luxury homes. Clean lines, high-end finishes, and a prime location for walkability.

For example,→ Buy the dirt at $2M → Build two high-end townhomes → Sell for a total of $6M. Not a bad return for a little sawdust and vision. Yes, that is a true story.

But for the average buyer? They want move-in ready — and they want it done right. These are savvy, discerning buyers who know what luxury looks like… and what it should feel like. They are looking for:

1. Walkability This is HUGE in CdM — especially in the flower streets. No, you’re probably not getting an ocean view in this part of town, but that’s not the point. What buyers love is the experience: → Wake up → Grab coffee at a boutique café → Walk to the beach → Cruise over to the farmers market → Then wander back to your perfectly manicured little street. It's the lifestyle. The accessibility. The vibe. 

2. Modern, Coastal Vibes: Think clean lines, natural light, indoor-outdoor living, and materials that feel high-end the second you walk in. Buyers want homes that feel bright, breezy, and elevated — like they belong in a luxury travel magazine... or straight out of the pages of an RH catalog. Because let’s be honest — the new Restoration Hardware at Fashion Island doesn’t have interior designers on staff for nothing. 

What do buyers really want in Corona Del Mar? Start here. This marble waterfall island, warm wood cabinetry, and sleek gold fixtures check every box for luxury, lifestyle, and modern design. It's light, it's bright, it's exactly the vibe todays CDM buyers are craving.

3. Ocean Views… or the Option to Walk to One: Here’s the truth, not every home in CdM has an ocean view — and that’s okay. Because buyers typically fall into one of two camps:  The ones paying a premium for a sweeping, jaw-dropping view from their own backyard, rooftop deck, or living room window. The ones who are totally happy to walk to the water — as long as it’s easy, scenic, and part of the lifestyle they’re buying into. Either way, that view is a non-negotiable part of the experience. Whether they’re waking up to it… or walking to it. 

4. Lock-and-Leave Luxury: Many CdM buyers are either part-timers or frequent travelers and they want homes that feel luxurious and low-maintenance. They’re not looking for weekend honey-do lists. They want smart home features, low-maintenance landscaping, quality construction that won’t need constant attention. Basically, they want to lock the door, hop on a flight to Aspen, and know the place will look just as perfect when they get back. 

Real Estate in Corona Del Mar: What’s the Market Like in Corona del Mar in 2025? 

If you’ve been watching the Corona del Mar real estate market over the last few years, you already know one thing for sure: CdM isn’t slowing down anytime soon. But we’re not in that wild, caffeine-fueled 2021 market anymore either (remember when every open house felt like an episode of Survivor?). Things have leveled out a little and honestly? That’s healthy. 

Right now, CdM is what we’d call a balanced market. Homes that are priced right? They sell. Quickly. Homes that are overpriced or outdated? They’ll sit a little longer and that’s where strategy (and your agent!) comes in. 

Let’s Talk Numbers Real Quick: 

Median List Price: About $5.5 million 

Median Sold Price: Around $4.2 million 

Inventory: Up about 4% over last month so buyers have slightly more to choose from, but it’s still competitive. 

Appreciation: Prices are up about 14% over the last 3 years. When you’re talking about multi-million-dollar properties, It’s a pretty big deal. Bottom Line? If you fall in love with something in CdM… don’t wait around for a price drop that probably isn’t coming. If a home is priced well and checks your boxes? It’s going to move. If a home’s been sitting for a while? There’s probably a story there and that’s where you want a savvy agent to guide you. (Hi. It’s me.) 

The Cost of Living in Corona del Mar 

Look… nobody moves to Corona del Mar because it’s the “affordable option.” This is not the part of Orange County where you brag about your bargain finds or how little you pay in property taxes. Like I said, living in CdM is kind of like going to Disneyland.  You’re not just paying to ride Space Mountain and eat the churros… You’re paying for the experience. The vibe. The luxury of it all feeling effortlessly perfect. 

Here’s What You Can Expect to Pay More For in CdM (Besides the House): 

Groceries 

That organic avocado you love? Might run you $1 more here than it would inland. Not crazy as long as you stick to the big box stores. But noticeable. If you find yourself at Gelsons, Bristol Farms, or think you’re just going to pop into Mother’s Market because you forgot the avocado at Pavillions, you will most definitely pay the premium. 

Luxury Libations  

Coffee is practically a sport here. Sure, you can walk to Starbucks. And plenty of people do. But CdM is full of little boutique coffee shops, each with their own vibe — and if you’re feeling adventurous, you could probably spend a month trying a different drink at a different spot every morning and never order the same thing twice. 

• Grab coffee & a pastry at Rendez Vous or Rose’s 

• Coffee & a full breakfast at Zinc or Amarith 

• Quick, get-me-caffeinated-and-out-the-door stops at Grounded or Reborn 

There’s a spot for every mood, every schedule, and every level of morning caffeine desperation. (Weekend pro tip: expect a line. This is CdM — we take our coffee breaks seriously.) 

Expect to pay $10-$15 for that Instagrammable blend of kale, cucumber, ginger, and whatever else is trending this month. If you're not picky about a custom order, Bristol Farms actually has some of the best pre-made green drinks — made fresh throughout the day. But fair warning: those homemade cookies sitting right next to the juice display? They will absolutely take you down. 

World-class cocktails are a standard at most spots in town.  CdM (The Restaurant) and Rothschild’s even brand their “Big Rock”-- translation for us average folk? Ice Cube.

Only in Corona Del Mar. At CdM, the cocktails come with a signature twist - a custom-branded ice cube, known as "the big rock." Because in this town, even your drink knows where it lives.

Dining Out 

There’s no shortage of gorgeous restaurants with great food, and you’ll pay accordingly. But that’s part of the charm. Dinner isn’t just dinner here. It’s a scene. However, happy hour at the Side Door will give your wallet a break. 

Bottom Line on Cost of Living? Living in CdM comes with a premium — but it also comes with an experience that’s pretty hard to replicate anywhere else. And for the people who choose to live here? Totally worth it. It’s not just about the stuff. It’s about the lifestyle. And if that lifestyle comes with a $15 green juice and an ocean breeze? Most people here are more than happy to pay for both. 

What I Personally Love About Living in Corona del Mar (A.K.A. The Stuff That Never Gets Old) 

I’ve worked in real estate a long time. I’ve seen a lot of beautiful places in Coastal Orange County. But there’s just something about Corona del Mar. It’s that rare little pocket of Orange County that feels equal parts relaxing getaway and real life. 

My Guilty Pleasure? Late Night People Watching at The Quiet Woman. If you know, you know. Locals lovingly call it The Q-Dub — and honestly? There’s just nowhere else like it. It’s dinner and live music, or skip the dinner and just go for the music and people watching.  It’s fun, it’s a little bit legendary… and the people watching is top tier. If you find yourself at The Q-Dub after 9pm, just order a drink, lean back, and enjoy the show. You won’t regret it.

My Favorite Saturday Morning Move? Bike Rides to Balboa Island. I’ll take a morning bike ride over sitting in weekend traffic any day of the week. And being able to ride over to Balboa Island, hop on the little ferry, and cruise straight to the beach? That never gets old. It feels like vacation… but it’s just another Saturday. 

The CdM Lifestyle Just Hits Different. It’s grabbing fresh flowers and produce from the farmers market. It’s saying hi to your neighbors on a morning walk to coffee. It’s watching the sunset from Big Corona Beach and feeling like you somehow landed in a postcard. Living here really is the dream for a lot of people — and when you’re lucky enough to call CdM home? It feels every bit as good as it looks. 

Ready to Start Your Own CdM Story? Let’s chat. 

Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, investing, or just daydreaming — I’m happy to be your resource. Because I don’t just sell homes in CdM — I live here, I love it here, and I’d love to help you experience it too. 

Contact Missy Wiesen — Coastal Orange County Real Estate Expert Website: www.MissySellsOC.com Call/Text: 949-887-6644 Schedule a Free Consultation: https://calendly.com/realtormissy3/15min

Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Coastal Orange County? Let's hop on a Zoom and talk strategy. I'm just a scan away.