Your Ultimate Dana Point Neighborhood Guide (2025)

Best Places to Live, Real Estate Insights & Local Tips from Susan Chase

Welcome to Dana Point: Coastal California, Perfected

Thinking about a move to Dana Point? As a longtime local Realtor and neighborhood expert, I’m Susan Chase, and I’m thrilled to share the inside story on every top Dana Point community. Whether you’re looking for oceanfront luxury, walkable charm, or sunset surf sessions, this guide will help you discover the perfect fit—and find your dream home with confidence and style.

Table of Contents

• Monarch Bay

• Ritz Cove

• The Strands at Headlands

• Niguel Shores

• Monarch Beach

• Lantern Village & Lantern Bay

• Lantern Bay Villas

• Lantern Bay Estates

• Capistrano Beach

• Dana Woods

• Dana Hills

• Monarch Bay Terrace

• Ritz Pointe

Dana Point Overview

Location: Coastal South Orange County, midway between LA and San Diego
Median Home Price: $2.1M+ (2025)
Schools: Award-winning Capo Unified, top-ranked elementary, middle, and high school options
Lifestyle: Ocean views, world-class beaches, luxury amenities, and truly friendly, neighborly energy

Monarch Bay

Private. Iconic. Unrivaled Beachfront Living.

Price Range: $8M–$20M+
Home Styles: 200+ custom estates (oceanfront, fee simple lots)
Lifestyle: 24/7 guarded gates, private Monarch Bay Beach Club (Waldorf Astoria–managed), tennis, pickleball, exclusive club dining, extraordinary privacy
Local Flavor: Residents enjoy true “quiet luxury,” sunset cocktails on the deck, and long walks on peaceful sand—all just steps from their front door.

Ritz Cove

Understated Opulence Beside the Ritz

Price Range: $6M–$23M+
Home Styles: Grand custom Mediterranean/modern estates, direct sand access
Lifestyle: Adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton, gated privacy, resort-level amenities, lush coastal trails
Distinctive Perks: Imagine sunrise beach walks, spa days, and panoramic Pacific views every single day.

The Strands at Headlands

Modern Cliffside Grandeur & Endless Views

Price Range: $10M–$22M+
Home Styles: Architecturally significant, contemporary blufftop estates (5,500–13,000+ SF)
Lifestyle: Oceanfront clubhouse, gym, pool, private nature trails, state-of-the-art luxury
Note: For design-forward buyers craving showpiece homes with next-level “wow” factor.

Niguel Shores

Resort-Style Living & True Community

Price Range: $1.6M–$14M+
Home Styles: Single-family, attached homes, custom oceanfront estates
Lifestyle: Olympic pool, tennis, blufftop parks, beach access, vibrant social life
Why Clients Love It: Friendly, social, and secure—beachside living with neighbors who feel like family.

Monarch Beach

Effortless Resort Living, Every Day

Price Range: $2.7M–$10M+
Home Styles: Mediterranean villas, luxury townhomes, golf-course homes
Lifestyle: Monarch Beach Golf Links, Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton amenities, beach trails, spa days just steps away
Who’s Here: Executives, active families, and anyone who wants that “vacation lifestyle” all year long.

Lantern Village & Lantern Bay

Walkable. Creative. Authentic Dana Point.

Price Range: $1.8M–$4.5M+
Home Styles: Mid-century cottages, bungalows, blufftop estates, stylish condos
Lifestyle: Farmers’ market strolls, boutique shopping, live music, local events, beach and harbor access
For: Those who truly want to live like a local—walk, dine, explore, and connect.

Lantern Bay Villas

Luxury Oceanview Condos with Effortless Living

Price Range: $1.4M–$2M
Home Styles: Open-plan luxury condos with terraces and harbor/ocean views
Lifestyle: Pool, tennis, fitness, lock-and-leave ease
Perfect Fit: Jet-setters, second-home buyers, and those who want all the perks with none of the hassle.

Lantern Bay Estates

Boutique Gated Tranquility with Walkability

Price Range: $2.7M–$5M+
Home Styles: 46 custom homes, large lots, unique designs
Lifestyle: Leafy, peaceful, private, yet close to Lantern Bay Park and the harbor for easy events and fun.

Capistrano Beach

Surf Town Legacy, Laid-Back Luxury

Price Range: $1.6M–$7M+
Home Styles: Classic surf cottages, mid-century gems, oceanfront estates
Lifestyle: Surf, tacos, sunset strolls, bonfires, creative and community-driven vibe
Local Life: Sand between the toes, families riding bikes, spontaneous sunset gatherings.

Dana Woods

Family-Friendly Comfort & True Neighborhood Spirit

Price Range: $1.4M–$2.2M
Home Styles: Single-level ranches and two-story homes with backyards
Lifestyle: Parks, pool, safe streets, block parties and welcoming camaraderie

Dana Hills

Spacious Lots, Established SoCal Appeal

Price Range: $1.4M–$2.5M
Home Styles: Traditional and updated single/two-story homes, big yards, mature landscaping
Lifestyle: Parks, sports, top schools, easy access to shopping and beaches

Monarch Bay Terrace

Hilltop Luxury with Panoramic Views

Price Range: $4M–$13M
Home Styles: Modern and single-level ranch homes, wide yards, high elevation for Catalina sunsets
Lifestyle: Tranquil streets, panoramic views, a “hidden gem” for those wanting peace and privacy

Ritz Pointe

Double-Gated Serenity, Resort-Front Living

Price Range: $800K–$4M+
Home Styles: Luxe condos, single-family, golf/greenbelt views
Lifestyle: Private beach trail, direct access to Waldorf Astoria spa/dining/golf, peaceful greenbelts
Appeals to: Luxury downsizers, world travelers, couples who value security and lush surroundings

The Takeaway: Your Dana Point Story Starts Here

I put this guide together so you could get a real feel for life in Dana Point—not just the gorgeous homes, but the neighborhood vibes and little details that make each area special.

Whether you’re just starting to imagine a move or already picturing your next chapter here, I hope you feel more inspired and informed about what makes Dana Point such a wonderful place to call home.
One of my favorite things is helping clients find the spot that truly fits—no matter how long that journey takes. Your timeline is perfect, and I’m always here as a resource, sounding board, and local guide.

If you ever want to talk neighborhoods, explore options, or just get honest, friendly advice, reach out anytime. I’d love to help you find a home you truly love.

Susan Chase
Orange County Coastal Guide

📞 (949) 370-6950
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.susanchase.com