Huntington Beach, CA: Local Living Guide

Welcome to Huntington Beach, CA

Huntington Beach is a vibrant, fast-growing city in the heart of CA that offers an appealing mix of urban amenities, family-friendly neighborhoods, and easy access to the great outdoors. With its strong job market, highly-rated schools, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major metros, Huntington Beach has become an increasingly popular relocation destination in recent years.

πŸ“ Huntington Beach, CA at a Glance

  • Population: 261,165
  • Location: Southeast of Phoenix in the East Valley region
  • Incorporated: 1920
  • Known For: High-tech industry, master-planned communities, great parks

πŸ”— Dive Deeper into Huntington Beach

πŸ’Έ Cost & Budget

🏘️ Housing & Lifestyle

🚍 Utilities & Transportation

πŸ™οΈ City Comparisons

πŸ” In-Depth Relocation Overview

πŸ—³οΈ Politics & Civic Life

Huntington Beach leans conservative politically. Residents take an active role in local government and community organizations. The city has a council-manager form of government.

πŸš“ Crime & Safety

Huntington Beach has a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities of its size. Violent crime is rare. Property crime rates are about average. The Chandler Police Department is well-regarded.

🍽️ Dining & Entertainment

Downtown Huntington Beach offers a great variety of local restaurants and bars, including The Perch Brewery, SanTan Brewing, and Charm Thai Cuisine. Shoppers flock to the Chandler Fashion Center mall. Families enjoy attractions like Rawhide Western Town.

πŸ›οΈ Local Government

The Huntington Beach City Council has 6 members and a mayor. Council meetings are held twice a month and open to the public. The city provides most utilities and services.

🚍 Transportation

Huntington Beach is very car-dependent, but traffic congestion is not as bad as in larger Phoenix suburbs. Public transportation options include Valley Metro bus routes and a park-and-ride to access the light rail. The city is also bike-friendly.

🏘️ Housing & Real Estate

The median home price in Huntington Beach is $475,000. Popular housing options include single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments. Master-planned communities like Ocotillo are common. Rents are lower than in central Phoenix.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life

Huntington Beach maintains over 60 well-kept city parks. Tumbleweed Park features Playtopia, a huge playground. Veterans Oasis Park has wetlands and a butterfly habitat. Many golf courses and hiking trails are nearby.

πŸ’Ό Job Market

Major employers in Huntington Beach include Intel, Bank of America, Northrop Grumman, and Paypal. The city is known for high-tech manufacturing and financial services jobs. Median household income is $82,925.

πŸ§‘β€πŸ« Education

Most of Huntington Beach is served by the Chandler Unified School District, which is highly rated. Notable schools include Arizona College Prep Erie Campus and Basha High. Private school options include Seton Catholic and Tri-City Christian Academy.

🌞 Climate & Weather

Huntington Beach has a hot desert climate with 330+ days of sunshine per year. Summer highs frequently top 100Β°F. Winter lows rarely dip below 40Β°F. Monsoon storms are common in late summer.

πŸ’¬ Community Sentiment

Residents appreciate Huntington Beach’s family-friendly vibe, great amenities, safe neighborhoods, and strong school system. Some wish for more nightlife and cultural diversity. Traffic and summer heat are common complaints.

✨ Why People Are Moving to Huntington Beach

As one of the fastest-growing cities in CA, Huntington Beach attracts many new residents seeking good jobs, affordable homes, top-notch schools, and a high quality of life. With its robust economy, master-planned communities, and abundant parks and recreation, Huntington Beach is an appealing choice for families and professionals looking to relocate to the Phoenix area without the high costs and congestion of the biggest cities.