Neighborhoods - Community Profile

BOUNDARIES:

Eastbluff is just west of Jamboree Boulevard and north of Eastbluff Drive. It has easy access to Newport’s beautiful Back Bay and Wildlife Preserve, and some homes have views of the upper Back Bay. Other views from the hill include Fashion Island and Catalina.

HOMES:

There are approximately 450 single family homes on large lots (by local standards). The neighborhood is roughly divided down the middle, with Lusk built homes on the “A” streets; Macco built homes are on half of the “B” streets and on the “C” streets.

Original homes ranged from three bedrooms, two baths, to five bedrooms, three baths. The flavor of Eastbluff has been enhanced by many totally or partially customized homes, modifying the original floor plans.

HISTORY:

Eastbluff was built in the mid-1960’s, in an overall traditional
style. During this era, the family room/kitchen combination was cutting edge, hence the wonderful floor plans that are desirable today for comfortable family living.

AGE:

Construction started in 1964 on Irvine Company leased land.

FEATURES:

The neighborhood is located close to Corona Del Mar High School with tennis courts and track field, Newport Beach Tennis Club, Eastbluff Village and the Back Bay Nature Preserve. Many of the homes have been upgraded or remodeled adding the their value.

SCHOOLS:

The local elementary school is Eastbluff, and grades 7-12 to Corona Del Mar High School.

FAMILY COMMUNITY

With the Irvine Company's decision to diversify its development in 1960, family communities were organized. Among them, a group of single family residences were designed in Eastbluff to provide housing for people with growing children needing the services provided by the brand new high school, elementary school, shopping center and churches. Within walking distance of these services an enclave was established with a reputation for stability, and affordability. To this day, this has been the hallmark in the community of Eastbluff of about 450 homes.

The floor plans and generous lots were designed with the idea that children were going to live there for many years. At the time of its inception in 1964 , the Irvine Company did not provide for the sale of the ground, and each homeowner was on leasehold, paying a yearly lease of $345 for the use of the ground. Two builders, Macco and Lusk, provided the homes, using variations of 11 floor plans.

By 1969, however, the philosophy had changed and the lots were offered to residents at figures affordable at that time. By 1975, 14 homeowners had purchased their ground but the low leasehold payments and very small appreciation on land value was a deterrent to land purchase. In fact, the first resales of homes including the ground met with firm resistance in the market place and it was 1977 before two fee simple sales were noted.

With the enormous inflation in the late 1980's the picture changed. Now it would be hard to find 14 houses remaining on leasehold ground in Eastbluff, as homeowners realized that land appreciates and the investment was vital to their security.

With the Improving economy of the late 80's also came the renaissance of the community. The large, sturdy homes on great big lots allowed for major remodels and custom construction.

For the future, the values are not only secure, but on the verge of a basic change. With the demand for view lots, large spaces conveniently located to shopping and freeways in a conservative community atmosphere, along with Lincoln Elementary School, and Corona del Mar Junior and Senior High School.