BY PARIMAL ROHIT, Orange County Business Journal
Newport Beach CA January 27th, 2025 - Coastal Orange County has become a refuge for families seeking to flee the fires raging across Los Angeles County, with evacuees looking to rent or buy houses in Newport Beach and nearby beach communities.
More than 16,000 structures have been destroyed from a series of fast-moving wildfires that started Jan. 7 in Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Hollywood.
Those living in Pacific Palisades and Malibu were, according to local agents and realtors, attracted to Newport Beach because it offers those who lost homes in Western Los Angeles County as close a replacement as possible to their high-end residences near the coast.
Several local agents and realtors spoke with the Business Journal this week, sharing anecdotes of those who looked to Newport Beach as a place to rebuild from the ashes.
Jacqueline Thompson, a luxury home agent with Surterre Properties Inc., said the local market is experiencing a perfect storm of high demand and shrinking inventory.
“Right now, there’s an urgent need for rentals. Many families are in a transitional period—they need a place to live while navigating insurance claims, rebuilding decisions and, in many cases, finding new schools for their children,” Thompson said. “Short- to mid-term rentals are in high demand, and inventory is tightening as more families seek stability.”
Placing Families into New Homes
Newport Beach homes for sale last week ranged from $2 million inland to $6 million or higher closer to the coast, according to Homes.com.
Rentals in Newport Beach last week ranged from a low of $1,747 a month for a 406-square foot studio to as much as $200,000 a month for a 10,255 square foot home with five bedrooms, according to Apartments.com, which listed 1,650 rentals.
Thompson said many families who lost homes in Pacific Palisades have young children and are looking to buy houses in Newport Beach or nearby areas with reputable school districts.
“We’re seeing an increase in inquiries from those looking for temporary or permanent housing in Orange County,” Thompson told the Business Journal. “Areas such as Newport Coast and Shady Canyon, with its high-quality schools, coastal lifestyle and relative proximity to L.A., have become a sought-after option for those needing to relocate quickly.”
“Many of these families are still dealing with insurance claims and the uncertainty of rebuilding, which has created a significant demand for rental properties,” Thompson continued.
Looking Ahead
“Beyond the immediate need for housing, these families are experiencing emotional and logistical challenges. They’ve lost their homes, belongings and, in many cases, a sense of security,” Thompson said. “They’re juggling insurance negotiations, figuring out whether to rebuild or relocate permanently, and trying to maintain normalcy for their children. Finding a rental in a competitive market can be another layer of stress.”
Every agent who spoke with the Business Journal said they would assist those displaced by the fires.
“I’m doing everything I can to match displaced families with suitable rentals quickly,” Thompson said. “I’m also advising clients on their options, whether that’s renting short-term, considering a purchase or relocating entirely. More importantly, I’m helping them navigate this transition with compassion because I understand how overwhelming it can be to start over under these circumstances.”
Posted by Jacqueline Thompson on
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