Welcome to Spyglass Hill
Located in the hills above Corona del Mar and Newport, the community of Spyglass Hill offers a quiet, yet friendly lifestyle and stunning views from many of the neighborhood’s large homes.
Spyglass Hill was the first of the planned communities in Newport Beach and is situated high up on a hill. Of the approximately 350 homes in the area, most offer panoramic views—from breathtaking views of Newport Harbor and the Pacific Ocean, to sweeping city and hillside views, most residents are guaranteed a priceless overlook of our beautiful area.
The majority of the neighborhood’s attractive homes were built in the mid-1970s and provide spacious living spaces with up to a half-acre of land and lush lawns. Approximately 50% have been greatly updated or re-built as a Custom. With easy access to the 73 Freeway, Spyglass Hill is a quick commute to Corona del Mar and Newport Coast.
The neighborhood is known as a place for long-term residents to make lifelong friends and enjoy a peaceful pace of life, but don’t be fooled by Spyglass Hill’s tranquil ambiance! Neighbors regularly gather to host fun parties and attend local events.
What to Love
- Quiet and peaceful ambiance
- Panoramic views of ocean, city, or hillside from neighborhood’s high vantage point
- Short driving distance to Crystal Cove State Park and Corona Del Mar Beach
- Single-family homes in a variety of styles built on large lots
- Proximity to a highly-rated school district
People & Lifestyle
Established in 1972 and consisting of over 2,000 residents, the Spyglass Hill community offers homeowners the opportunity to get to know their neighbors. With an average resident age of 60 years old, the neighborhood consists of both long-time residents and young families.
Spyglass Hill’s customizable and unique homes attract a competitive housing market. The neighborhood is subdivided into estate-size lots and does not include condos. Each home is unlike any other and provides stunning views of the ocean, harbor, Catalina Island, and other nearby scenic areas. Houses typically sell for between $2 million to $5 million.
The community is under a homeowners’ association with monthly dues required. The neighborhood also has two community parks and a small picnic area with walking trails.
Most homes have gates and alarm systems and the community has an active Neighborhood Watch program.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
While Spyglass Hill doesn’t have dining and shopping options directly within the neighborhood, plenty of choices are located nearby.
Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens is a local restaurant serving seasonal, locally-grown foods in a scenic ambiance. The restaurant has close relationships with a variety of local farmers, which began with regular trips to the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market. Executive Chef Rich Mead sources the highest quality of produce, wine, meat, and seafood from farmers, fishermen, and wine and spirits makers. Enjoy a meal of baked blue crab with parmesan and breadcrumb-stuffed artichokes and finish with key lime and coconut bread pudding.
Sherman Library & Gardens is a horticultural oasis and nationally-renowned botanical garden, as well as a historical research library specializing in the history of the Pacific Southwest. Visitors can spend an entire day exploring the gardens and leafing through the library’s collections.
The area is also close to shopping options at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.
Things to Do
Spyglass Hill Park is a family-friendly outdoor area complete with a playground, grassy hills, and ideal locations to watch the sunset. The park is an excellent spot for outdoor exercising, walking, and picnics.
San Miguel Park is also easily accessible to Spyglass Hill residents and lies at the foot of the neighborhood’s hill. Walkers and joggers take advantage of the park’s walking loop, which surrounds Spyglass Hill. After enjoying the park’s amenities, visitors can stop at
Gelson’s Market or Pacific Whey for groceries or a coffee and a baked good.
The neighborhood hosts several annual and weekly events, such as the
Spyglass Hill Annual Picnic and Front Porch Friday Nights. Neighbors come together at these events to promote communication, build camaraderie, and create a stronger sense of community.
In addition to events, neighbors can connect regularly through groups, such as the Spyglass Hill Women Connected Social Group.
Schools
As part of the
Newport-Mesa School District, Spyglass Hill attracts growing families as a result of its access to the highly-rated district. The district covers Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Corona del Mar and enrolls approximately 22,000 students in 32 schools, including 13 preschools, 22 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools.
The district holds several distinctions, such as the second-lowest class sizes in the county and a selection of Gold Ribbon Schools, California Distinguished Schools, Title I Academic Achievement Schools, National Blue Ribbon Schools, and California School Board Association Golden Bell Awards.
- Lincoln Elementary: Grades K-6, Public (The school provides outstanding education to its +620 students with a student to teacher ratio of 18 to 1; well below the state average. Lincoln Elementary ranks in the top 5% of public elementary schools in California)
- Corona del Mar Middle School: Grades 6-8, Public (CDMMS takes pride in an enriched athletics program and an extensive extracurricular activities calendar for students to become well-rounded citizens)
- Corona del Mar High School: Grades 9-12, Public (Students are encouraged to explore educational opportunities to enhance their skills for global competitiveness and develop global relationships. The school offers programs such as The Academy of Global Studies and the Performing Arts & Multimedia Academy in addition to traditional courses)
Brenda McCroskey has owned on Spyglass Hill for over 20 years, then built a Custom home and lived there for the past 12, greatly enjoying all the wonderful friends she has made. She represents Spyglass on the Corona del Mar Resident’s Association.
