Call it by the nickname “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach has become a destination for many people moving to Southern California. With great museums and plenty of sunny and beachside outdoor activities, it’s no wonder Huntington Beach is also home to about 198,700 people.
As more people move to Huntington Beach, it’s important to keep in mind that the median home sale price is $1,180,000 and the average sale price per square foot is $658. Or if you’re a renter, the average rent price for a 2-bedroom apartment in Huntington Beach is $2,910.
If those prices are out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve rounded up a list of the 8 best affordable Huntington Beach suburbs to consider living in – and they’re all under a 35-minute drive from the city. You’ll be close enough to explore Huntington Beach’s best activities without paying the price of living there.
#1: Seal Beach
Median home price: $467,500
Average sale price per square foot: $441
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,227
Driving distance from Huntington Beach: 20 minutes
Seal Beach, CA homes for sale
Seal Beach, CA apartments for rent
With a median home sale price nearly $600K less than Huntington Beach, Seal Beach takes the number one spot on our list of affordable Huntington Beach suburbs. Just about a 20-minute drive away from Huntington Beach, you won’t miss out on what the city has to offer. If you’re considering moving to Seal Beach, make sure to explore Main Street and check out the local shops, restaurants, and galleries, take a surf lesson, or spend a day at Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge.
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#2: Santa Ana
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Median home price: $771,000
Average sale price per square foot: $538
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,902
Driving distance from Huntington Beach: 25 minutes
Santa Ana, CA homes for sale
Santa Ana, CA apartments for rent
Coming in as the second most affordable suburb in Huntington Beach is Santa Ana. Only 25 minutes from the city center, you can visit Huntington Beach State Park in just a quick drive. Some popular things to explore in Santa Ana include visiting the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, exploring the Santa Ana Zoo, or taking a walking tour of Historic Downtown Santa Ana.
#3: Buena Park
Median home price: $797,500
Average sale price per square foot: $542
Driving distance from Huntington Beach: 35 minutes
Buena Park, CA homes for sale
Buena Park, CA apartments for rent
Drive just 35 minutes outside of Huntington Beach and you’ll reach Buena Park, another great suburb. From parks and outdoor recreation to supporting local businesses, there are lots of things that make Buena Park a great place to live. If you find yourself moving to the third most affordable suburb, visit Knott’s Berry Farm to enjoy all the boysenberry treats and check out all the rides, or take in the views at Craig Regional Park.
#4: Long Beach
Median home price: $805,000
Average sale price per square foot: $627
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,976
Driving distance from Huntington Beach: 30 minutes
Long Beach, CA homes for sale
Long Beach, CA apartments for rent
A little more expensive than Buena Park is Long Beach, the next suburb on our list. There are several top attractions you may want to check out in this Huntington Beach suburb. Make sure to stroll down the iconic Long Beach Boardwalk, visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, and explore the Queen Mary.
#5: Signal Hill
Median home price: $815,000
Average sale price per square foot: $478
Driving distance from Huntington Beach: 30 minutes
Signal Hill, CA homes for sale
Signal Hill, CA apartments for rent
30 minutes away from downtown Huntington Beach is Signal Hill, another great suburb to consider moving to. With 11,900 people living in this affordable town, Signal Hill is a great option if you’re looking to stay close to Huntington Beach without paying the premium for a home in the city. Living in Signal Hill, you can check out the scenic views from one of the parks like Hilltop Park or Signal Hill Park.
#6: Westminster
Median home price: $882,500
Average sale price per square foot: $525
Driving distance from Huntington Beach: 15 minutes
Westminster, CA homes for sale
Westminster, CA apartments for rent
Another well-known Huntington Beach suburb is Westminster, where the home prices are about $300K less than in Huntington Beach. Home to roughly 90,900 people, Westminster is a great suburb to consider renting or buying a home in. There are lots of activities to do in this area- you can visit one of the many parks or grab a bite at one of the great local restaurants.
#7: Costa Mesa
Median home price: $1,169,500
Average sale price per square foot: $706
Driving distance from Huntington Beach: 15 minutes
Costa Mesa, CA homes for sale
Costa Mesa, CA apartments for rent
Coming in seventh place on our list of affordable Huntington Beach suburbs is Costa Mesa, which is about a 15-minute drive into downtown. With a population of nearly 111,900, you’ll be living in a smaller area, but there’s no shortage of things to experience in Costa Mesa. If you’re going to call this suburb home, plan to check out an event at the Orange County Fairgrounds, play golf at one of the courses, or take a short drive to Newport Beach to spend the afternoon in the sun.
#8: Fountain Valley
Median home price: $1,200,000
Average sale price per square foot: $622
Driving distance from Huntington Beach: 15 minutes
Fountain Valley, CA homes for sale
Fountain Valley, CA apartments for rent
Last but not least on our list of most affordable Huntington Beach suburbs is Fountain Valley. This affordable suburb is home to close to 57,000 residents, so you’ll have a fraction of Huntington Beach’s population while remaining close to the city and its attractions. Be sure to visit Mile Square Regional Park, check out The Reptile Zoo, or bring your furry friend to the Fountain Valley Dog Park.
8 Affordable things to do in Huntington Beach
1. The Huntington Beach Pier
PsoHoward highly recommends taking a stroll along Huntington Beach and the pier. “You’ll be able to admire the surfers, the beauty of the beach, and the breathtaking sunsets. Just remember to bring a jacket if it’s a bit windy.”
2. Beach day
“Head to the beach in Huntington Beach and make the most of your day,” suggest The Savvy Sightseer. “Pack a cooler, chairs, towels, and sunscreen, and be ready to soak up the sun and watch the surfers. Don’t forget to take advantage of the free fire pits which provide a great way to end the day. Enjoy the sand, sun, surfers, and people-watching in this affordable and unforgettable experience.”
3. Surfing lessons for beginners
“For those looking to fulfill their surfing dreams, Banzai Surf School has you covered. Their daily open adult lesson is only $79, with board and wetsuit included. If you find yourself hooked, you can go back and rent their equipment for only half the original price.”
4. Brush up on your surfing skills
“Take advantage of this opportunity to learn to surf or brush up on your skills,” shares Clint Carroll Surf School. “With a family boasting over 70 years of world-class surfing experience, you’ll be up and riding the waves on the first day. Our world-class instructors can provide instruction for people of all ages.”
5. Surf Dog’s Sports Grill
“Surf Dog’s Sports Grill has become known as the Best Sport Bar in the area according to Restaurant Guru in 2022. This affordable, family-friendly restaurant serves up a variety of delicious food such as pizza (made in-house fresh from scratch daily), wings (award-winning), burgers, sandwiches, salads, tacos, and more. The bar opens daily at noon with weekday lunch specials and daily drink specials. Live entertainment (local bands) is also available most Saturday evenings. Guests can also enjoy pool tables, dart games and 20 large flat screen TVs, including a GIANT 150″ TV wall for an up close viewing experience of sporting events.”
6. Bolsa Chica
“Visiting the Bolsa Chica wetlands is a great way for our family to have fun in Huntington Beach,” shares Easy Travel Points. “There is so much to explore and observe with the kids, and best of all, it’s free.”
7. Smartphone scavenger hunt
“Are you ready for an exciting scavenger hunt adventure guided by your smartphone? For a low price, up to five people can explore the hidden gems and history of Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA with Urban Adventure Quest. Solve clues and complete challenges as you uncover the secrets of this vibrant beach town in a unique and fun way.”
8. Huntington Beach has many affordable activities
“No matter your budget, Huntington Beach has something for everyone,” shares Thinking Nomads. “Huntington Harbor Kayak Rentals, Huntington Dog Beach, and Huntington City Park all offer plenty of activities without breaking the bank. For a more leisurely experience, Gymsports Gymnastics provides free open playdays on Friday nights, and Huntington Central Library offers free indie film screenings in their theater halls each month. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a more relaxed indoor experience, Huntington Beach has activities to fit any budgeter’s appetite for exploration and fun.”
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Huntington Beach and under a 35-minute drive from downtown Huntington Beach. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during November 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com November 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
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