Huntington Beach Coast: Future Builds, Urban Renewal & What It Means for Real Estate

Huntington Beach Pier and Coastline

The Huntington Beach coastline is on the brink of a transformative era. Stretching from Magnolia Street wetlands to the cliffs near Sand Point, upcoming projects—including mixed-use communities, residential developments, and infrastructure upgrades—promise to reshape the Shore City lifestyle and market.

Here’s what’s in play—and why it matters to buyers, sellers, and investors.

Aerial view of Huntington Wetlands and Magnolia Tank Farm, showcasing the contrast between the natural wetlands and adjacent industrial facilities. Residential neighborhoods are visible nearby, highlighting the diverse land use in the area.

Magnolia Coast (Magnolia Tank Farm)

Located behind the Huntington Wetlands on Magnolia Street, the Magnolia Coast (formerly Magnolia Tank Farm) is one of the boldest developments coming to Surf City.

• Approved unanimously by the city council in 2024, and later certified by the California Coastal Commission, the project will deliver:

  • 250+ single-family homes

  • Fashion-forward townhomes

  • Affordable housing units—at least one unit reserved for every two homes, with priority for hotel and local workers

  • A 215-room boutique hotel, around 19,000 square feet of retail space, and 4 acres of parkland, plus a conservation buffer protecting the wetlands

This project blends thoughtful density with coastal charm. It also addresses critical affordable housing needs for hospitality and service-sector employees—something rare along the OC coast.

Aerial view of the rezoned California Resources Corporation site, situated between a coastal beach and a densely populated residential area, highlighting the transformation of the industrial zone.

Goldenwest–PCH to Sand Point: The 92-Acre Revamp

Just south of Bolsa Chica, a massive 92-acre stretch between Goldenwest Street and Seapoint Street is being eyed for a sweeping mixed-use transformation.

• The developer, California Resources Corp., has applied to rezone the industrial site for:

  • Up to 800 residential units (single-family, townhomes, condos)

  • A 350-room hotel

  • 23 acres of linear parkland and open space

  • Retail and dining oriented toward vibrant coastal living

Rezoning and environmental cleanup are hurdles—City Council review is expected by mid-2026, with potential groundbreaking thereafter.

PCH, between 18th and 19th Street

Smaller Coastal Development: PCH 18th–19th Street

On the PCH, between 18th and 19th Street, the Planning Commission recently approved permits for 10 new luxury homes, each 3,400–4,000 square feet with garages and some including ADUs Los Angeles Times.

Though modest in scale, this is a signal that high-end residential development continues even in sensitive coastal zones.

Infrastructure & Resilience Gains

As new projects emerge, the city is investing in infrastructure to match. South Huntington Beach—including Sunset Beach and areas near Bolsa Chica—is slated for upgrades targeting:

• Aging roads

• Flood control and tide flex valves

• Stormwater systems

• Park and recreation enhancementsMany of these are part of the city’s 2024/25 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and General Plan, aiming to build a more resilient coastline.

This groundwork not only protects future developments from climate threats but also preserves long-term property value.

Children play in the gentle waves as the sun sets behind Huntington Beach Pier, casting a golden glow on a perfect beach evening.

What This Means for Coastal Real Estate & Buyers

1. Scarce New Coastal Homes

   • Magnolia Coast unlocks high-demand housing tallying several hundred units with hotel amenities and parks.

   • The 92-acre project brings unprecedented scale, largely unmet elsewhere in Huntington Beach.

2. Lifestyle-Driven Community Appeal

   • Mixed-use and hospitality elements—retail, trails, parks—create lifestyle hubs, turning each project into a neighborhood anchor.

3. Price Appreciation Potential

   • Future-ready infrastructure, climate resiliency, and public amenities underpin long-term growth.

   • Early buyers and investors in these developments will benefit from first-mover advantage.

4. Balanced Growth

   • Affordable housing is a thoughtful feature—not an afterthought—of Magnolia Coast.

   • The Goldenwest–PCH project proposes a significant open-space component, blending density with livability.

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     Final Thoughts

     From Magnolia’s trails and townhomes to the sweeping 92-acre corridor stretching past Bolsa Chica, Huntington Beach’s coastal future is unfolding—and it’s about much more than homes. These are communities in the making—resilient, intentional, amenity-driven, and reflective of modern SoCal coastal living.

     Curious how these developments affect your property’s value or future buying strategy? I’d love to walk you through it.