Balboa Island is one of the most expensive and densest communities in Orange County. According to the 2000 US Census report, approximately 3,000 residents live on just 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2) giving it a population density of 17,621 person per square mile—higher than that of San Francisco. Balboa Island is divided up into small lots for homes. A lot size on Balboa Island is about 35 feet x 85 feet, but not at all inexpensive. For some, 1.5 to 2 lots are cobbled together to accommodate larger mansions. In 2008, interior lots were going for 2,000,000,000 as "teardowns."
Piers are located all along long the outside of the island, along the Bayfront. This is where homeowners keep their boats. Marine Avenue and Agate Avenue form the commercial section of the island. Business owners have found an advantage by building their residence above the storefront to add a European flavor to the island and reduce any need to commute.
The island can be accessed by a two-lane bridge on the northeast and a privately owned fleet of three, three-car ferryboats to the harbor on the south side.
Every year in June, Balboa Island hosts the popular Balboa Island Parade. Learn more about Balboa Island here:
http://www.balboa-island.net/
