Single Family Homes For Sale in Sunset Beach

Single family homes in Sunset Beach range from around $1.5M for non-waterfront properties to $8M and above for oceanfront homes, with harbor and canal homes with boat slips typically in the $2.5M to $4M range. I track this market as part of my weekly Orange County housing report and can tell you what is active, what just went pending, and what comparable homes have sold for. Call or text any time: 949-430-7500

Single Family Homes in Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is one of the smallest and most distinctive residential communities in Orange County, occupying a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and Huntington Harbor at the northern edge of Huntington Beach. With around 1,000 residents, a single ZIP code, and a community that has existed in essentially its current form since 1917, it is a place defined more by what it is not than what it is: not a planned community, not a gated development, not a neighborhood within a larger city. It is a beach village that happens to sit between two bodies of water, where the back of a canal-front property looks onto protected harbor and the ocean is a short walk in the other direction.

That dual-water positioning is Sunset Beach's most distinctive asset and the one that no other OC coastal community fully replicates. Homes on the harbor-facing side of the community sit on canals with private boat slips, providing direct water access to Huntington Harbor without the harbor-side pricing of Huntington Harbour proper. Oceanfront homes face west across the Pacific with the kind of unobstructed sunset views the community is named for. Non-waterfront homes on the interior streets offer the community's village lifestyle and PCH walkability at a meaningful discount to the waterfront tiers. The architectural range across all of these reflects the community's age and organic development: mid-century beach cottages, renovated bungalows, and fully custom contemporary builds occupy the same blocks with no master plan dictating character.

Sunset Beach students attend Huntington Beach City School District for elementary and middle school, with Dwyer Middle School serving grades 6 through 8 and holding an A rating. For high school, students attend Huntington Beach Union High School District. The Sunset Beach real estate market is among the most inventory-constrained in OC: active listings at any given time number in the single digits to low tens for the entire community, and annual sales volume is limited by the fixed size of the community itself. Buyers who target Sunset Beach need patience, preparation, and a broker who follows this market closely. For current market data, see the live Sunset Beach market report.

Frequently Asked Questions

What price range should I expect for a single family home in Sunset Beach?

Non-waterfront single family homes on interior streets start around $1.5M to $2M. Canal and harbor-fronting homes with private boat slips typically range from $2.5M to $4M. Oceanfront homes facing the Pacific range from $4M to $8M and above for wider lots and premium positions. The community median across all property types runs approximately $1.6M to $2.5M, though this figure is based on a small number of annual transactions and can shift meaningfully with a single sale. Water position, lot width, and condition are the primary pricing variables in Sunset Beach, as the entire community sits within a compact geographic footprint where location differences are measured in feet rather than neighborhoods.

What makes Sunset Beach different from other coastal OC communities?

The dual-water setting is what buyers who know this community come for specifically. Sunset Beach is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the west and Huntington Harbor on the east, meaning that canal-front homes with boat slips and oceanfront homes with sunset views both exist within the same few blocks. No other OC coastal community fully replicates this combination at any price point. The community's age, its ~1,000-resident scale, its walkable PCH village character, and its organic architectural variety produce a beach town atmosphere that planned coastal communities cannot manufacture. Buyers who discover Sunset Beach and understand what it offers rarely consider it interchangeable with Huntington Beach proper or Huntington Harbour.

What schools serve Sunset Beach?

Sunset Beach elementary students attend Huntington Beach City School District. Smith Elementary serves kindergarten through fifth grade, and Dwyer Middle School serves grades 6 through 8 with an A rating. For high school, students attend Huntington Beach Union High School District, with Huntington Beach High School as the assigned campus. Confirming the specific school assignment for any address is always worth doing early in a search.

How does buying in Sunset Beach work given the limited inventory?

Sunset Beach is one of the lowest-inventory markets in Orange County. The community is physically bounded by ocean and harbor and cannot expand, which makes scarcity structural rather than cyclical. At any given time there are typically fewer than ten active listings in the entire community. Annual transaction volume is limited, which means comparable sales data can be thin and pricing requires careful analysis of what has actually sold rather than what is currently listed. Buyers need to be fully pre-approved, clear on which water position tier they are targeting, and prepared to move decisively when the right home comes available. Working with a broker who actively tracks this market is more consequential here than in larger, higher-volume OC markets.

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Open Houses in Sunset Beach

Given how rarely homes come to market in Sunset Beach, every open house is worth attending. See the current weekend schedule.

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Ready to Buy or Sell a Home in Sunset Beach?

Eric Engelbert is an Orange County real estate broker who tracks every city and every neighborhood through weekly market reports. In a community with this little inventory, having a broker who knows this market and monitors it actively makes a real difference on both sides of a transaction.

Call or Text 949-430-7500 Contact Us Online »

Last updated: June 2026

Sunset Beach Single Family Homes for Sale

$3,795,000
OC26151069 MLS ⋅ Active Status
An opportunity to transform a blank canvas on the sand into a legacy coastal residence in Sunset Beach. Create a custom beachfront home on a buildable parcel designed around your vision, lifestyle, and connection to the ocean. Beachfront land of this caliber is exceptionally limited and ideal for a custom home buyer or builder seeking to bring a one-of-a-kind coastal retreat to life. From architectural design and finishes to the floor plan and indoor-outdoor living experience, this property offers the freedom to create a residence uniquely tailored to its extraordinary setting. Positioned directly on the sand with unobstructed access and views of the coastline, 17025 S Pacific Ave combines location, flexibility, and long-term value. Whether envisioned as a private coastal escape, a legacy estate, or a signature architectural home, this parcel provides the foundation to create something truly timeless along one of Orange County’s most coveted stretches of coastline. ***Also available separately or jointly is the neighboring beachfront residence at 17027 S Pacific Ave, a turnkey three-story home offering immediate enjoyment of the beachfront lifestyle. Together, these neighboring properties present a distinctive and exceedingly rare beachfront opportunity of owning adjacent coastal assets.***

17025 S Pacific Avenue, Sunset Beach
$7,995,000
4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ OC26151021 MLS ⋅ Active Status
A refined Sunset Beach residence where timeless design, oceanfront living, and legacy value come together on the sand. 17027 S Pacific Ave offers the ultimate expression of Orange County coastal lifestyle featuring panoramic ocean views, direct access to the sand, and a thoughtfully designed three-story floor plan. Meticulously maintained and showcasing exceptional craftsmanship throughout, this turnkey residence blends luxury coastal design with comfortable, flexible living spaces. The main living level is designed to capture the beauty of its beachfront setting with expansive ocean views, a spacious chef’s kitchen, generous dining and living room areas, a main-floor bedroom, and a full bathroom. Natural light, thoughtful finishes, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections create a remarkable great room that is sure to impress. Upstairs, the private primary suite offers a tranquil retreat with sweeping ocean views, a beachfront balcony, and a beautifully appointed bathroom suite. Two additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a dedicated laundry room complete the upper level of this exceptional oceanfront home. The first level expands the possibilities of the residence with an oversized beachfront deck overlooking the Pacific and a versatile beach room featuring additional living space, bar / kitchen area, full bathroom, laundry, separate entrance, and direct access to the three-car garage. This flexible space offers endless potential as a private retreat, in-law suite, or upscale entertaining space designed for a waterfront lifestyle. Refined details throughout the home include elegant coffered ceilings, premium Jarrah wood flooring, and quality architectural finishes creating a warm and elevated coastal atmosphere. With its prime beachfront setting, versatile floor plan, and rare three-car garage, 17027 S Pacific Ave offers the opportunity to own a turnkey oceanfront residence along one of Southern California’s most sought-after stretches of coastline. ***Also available separately or jointly is the neighboring beachfront parcel at 17025 S Pacific Ave offering the ability to create a custom oceanfront residence on a buildable lot. Together, these neighboring properties present a distinctive and exceedingly rare beachfront opportunity of owning adjacent coastal assets.***

17027 S Pacific Avenue, Sunset Beach
$3,150,000
4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ OC26146098 MLS ⋅ Active Under Contract Status
Sold before processing

16815 14th, Sunset Beach
$3,150,000
4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ OC26144343 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Nestled just steps from the sand in Sunset Beach, this brand-new modern masterpiece captures sweeping panoramic ocean and white-water views from multiple levels. Rolling waves, pristine beaches, and fiery Pacific sunsets create the ultimate Southern California backdrop. Totaling approximately 2,545 square feet, the property features a spacious 2,100 sq. ft. main home plus a fully independent, attached 445 sq. ft. 1-bedroom, 1-bath ADU with separate entry and kitchen. Offering 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms overall, it delivers outstanding versatility for multi-generational living, guests, or income-generating rental use in this prime beach community. Inside, the contemporary design features hardwood floors, custom wall treatments, expansive windows, and abundant natural light. The complete chef’s kitchen impresses with quartzite counters, custom cabinetry, built in refrigerator and a 6-burner professional gas stove. A striking custom fireplace with built-in TV and surround sound anchors the expansive indoor-outdoor family room, which opens directly to stunning ocean views. A custom wood-wrapped elevator provides seamless access across all levels. The highlight is the impressive third-story deck — complete with built-in speakers, BBQ, firepit, and fridge — offering commanding ocean and sunset views that are perfect for effortless entertaining or relaxing in the coastal breeze. The spa-like primary suite is a standout, featuring direct ocean views, custom closets, a luxurious floating tub, and bench seating. Additional luxuries include a fully finished garage with extensive cabinetry for superior organization and storage. This rare new-construction opportunity masterfully blends modern sophistication, privacy, and direct beach proximity in vibrant yet laid-back Sunset Beach — where world-class surfing, immediate beach access, and charming local restaurants are right outside your door.

16811 14th, Sunset Beach
$1,625,000
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ OC26125311 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Welcome to coastal Sunset Beach living, just steps from the sand, on charming Sunset Island. This beautifully renovated two-story beach cottage blends comfort, character, and location in one of the area’s most beloved seaside communities. Featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an upstairs loft/den, and a private balcony off the primary bedroom, this home offers the perfect mix of indoor-outdoor coastal living. The upgraded kitchen features stone countertops, a copper sink, stainless steel Thermador appliances and a cozy breakfast nook overlooking the inviting backyard. A private backyard is a rare feature for a home on sunset island! Additional upgrades include a tankless water heater, fresh interior and exterior paint, renovated bathrooms and an outdoor shower - perfect after a day at the beach. Enjoy a peek-a-boo view of Huntington Harbour from the second floor sun deck and take advantage of the unbeatable location just moments from local restaurants, paddle boarding, kayaking, Duffy boat rentals, the greenbelt walking path, and the sand and surf of Sunset Beach. With no HOA and close proximity to both Huntington Harbour and the coast, this home is a rare opportunity to enjoy the relaxed Sunset Beach lifestyle.

16742 Bayview, Sunset Beach
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Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.