Nestled off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is known for its picturesque views and endless adventures. But is living on Catalina Island even possible? With so many sights and activities, it makes sense that some would like to make Catalina Island their permanent residence instead of an occasional vacation spot.
It is possible to live on Catalina island and if you want to know more about living on this island paradise, we have you covered. So is it expensive to live there? How many people currently live there? We’ll answer these questions and more.
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Planning your trip to Catalina Island? Here are the best tours, hotels, and ferry service:
📸 Best Tours In Catalina Island:
- Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon (see more sights in less time)
- Mermaid Photo Shoot
- Bison Expedition
- 2 hour Inside Adventure Tour (visit the highest point of the island!)
- Undersea Expedition Tour (5 feet below the sea)
- 45 Minute Semi-Submarine Tour (best thing to do with kids!)
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour (see schools of fish w/o scuba diving or snorkeling)
😴 Best Hotels On Catalina Island:
- Hotel Atwater (💲) (free access to Descanso Beach Club)
- The Avalon Hotel in Catalina Island (💲💲) (360 views of Avalon!)
- Hamilton Cove (💲💲💲) (includes golf cart to explore the island)
⛴️ Best Ferry Service: Catalina Express (cheapest and quickest way)
Cost Of Living On Catalina Island
More than 4,000 people live on Catalina Island with most of them in the small town of Avalon.
If you plan to move to Catalina Island, it’s best to prepare yourself for the expenses. Living in Avalon is about 68% higher than the national average.
Housing costs are approximately 207% higher than the national average, and home costs are over 1 million dollars.
Utility prices to keep these beautiful homes running are about 11% higher than the national average as well.
Housing On Catalina Island
In the US, the average cost of housing is approximately $450,000. The average home price on Catalina Island is around 1.4 million dollars.
However, there are homes available for purchase around the $800,000 range, while a custom-built estate recently sold for 4.6 million dollars.
Rent On Catalina Island
There is also the option to rent housing on Catalina Island; however, the market for rental properties can be challenging to navigate, and most are for short-term vacation stays. The average cost of rent for a home is around $4,500 per month.
You can find some beautiful apartment rentals for around $1,900 per month, and there are some condo rentals available on the island that range from $139 a night to over $500 a night.
Pros And Cons Of Living On Catalina Island
Catalina Island gets over 1 million visitors annually. Here are the pros and cons of living on Catalina Island year-round.
✅ Pros Of Living On Catalina Island
👍 Tight-knit community atmosphere: With such a small population of permanent residents, everyone gets to know each other.
👍 Fun-filled summers: As tourists visit the island in the summer, Catalina is full of life. Fun carnivals, shops, and tours are in full season, with the chance to meet people from all over the world.
👍 Low traffic: You know how crazy the traffic can be in any big city. Living on Catalina Island gives the fun of living in California without dealing with bumper-to-bumper traffic.
👍 Stunning natural scenery: Most of Catalina Island is uninhabited, giving endless opportunities for hikes, swimming, and other activities. You’ll get to enjoy the gorgeous scenery year-round as a full-time resident.
❌ Cons Of Living On Catalina Island
👎 Slow winters: When the summer season ends, much of tourism ends; many shops and tourist-based hotspots close for the winter months.
👎 Traveling to the Mainland: As the island isn’t attached to mainland California, it can be expensive when you need to travel to the mainland. It is also time-consuming and weather-dependent.
👎 It can be expensive: Catalina Island has a higher cost of living than most of the nation as it takes additional time and money to transport items to the island. You can expect to spend more on food, gas, and housing if you live there.
Moving To Catalina Island
If you are considering moving to Catalina Island, there are things to keep in mind:
➡️ Cost of living: The cost of living on Catalina Island is high due to its remote location and limited access to goods and services.
➡️ Housing: There aren’t a lot of housing options on the island. Make sure to research all the options available and consider your budget.
➡️ Food: There are only 2 grocery stores on the island: Vons on Avalon and Two Harbors General Store on Two Harbors. The largest grocery store on the island is Vons, which is located in the town of Avalon. There’s another one in Two Harbors – Two Harbors General Store.
➡️ Transportation: The only way to get to Catalina Island is by boat or plane, and transportation on the island is either walking, driving a golf cart, biking, or public transit.
If you want to travel from Avalon to Two Harbors, the best way is by a seasonal boat.
➡️ Employment: Job opportunities on the island can be limited, and many residents work in the tourism industry or have remote jobs.
➡️ Community: Catalina Island is a tight-knit community, and it’s important to consider whether you’ll enjoy living in a small town with limited social opportunities.
➡️ Healthcare: There’s only 1 hospital, Catalina Island Medical Center on Avalon. If you have any medical conditions, it’s best to find out if the hospital offers care in that area.
➡️ Education: There are only 2 schools on the island: Avalon School in Avalon and Two Harbors Elementary in Two Harbors. This can be a drawback for families with children who require specialized education or want a wider range of educational options.
Also, there are no universities or colleges. Students must either commute to the mainland or attend college online.
➡️ Climate: The climate on Catalina Island is mild, with warm summers and cool winters. However, the island does get occasional droughts and fires.
➡️ Wildlife: Catalina Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, foxes, and rattlesnakes. It’s important to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions when living in close proximity to wildlife.
➡️ Supplies and Services: As the island is remote, access to certain supplies and services can be limited. You’ll need to plan ahead and stock up on essentials.
Personal Experiences Of Living On Catalina Island
For those who call this island home, the daily routine is far from the hustle and bustle of city living. Instead, you enjoy a slower pace of life, surrounded by breathtaking views and a strong sense of community. Here are some personal experiences of Catalina Island residents:
“…Like any small town, everyone knew everyone. Being on an island, there was more of a feeling of isolation than living on the mainland. Lots of summer jobs were available for us kids but during the off-season not much for us to do. (This was before the days of video games and iPhones) There is no surf on the island (except on the weather side), so surfing was out. When I wasn’t doing homework I was out fishing.”
– David C. (Lived In Avalon)
“…They didn’t have to lock their doors and children were free to run around in the streets and play…Once you leave the town of Avalon, the island is quite beautiful, including a large herd of free-roaming buffalo…”
– Christine S. (Dated someone who lived on Catalina Island)
“…The major mode of transportation is a golf cart. Having a full-sized vehicle is a hassle because the town is small and the streets are narrow. There are no real traffic problems, just parking problems…”
– Mark A. (Lives On Catalina Island since 2002)
Celebrities That Live On Catalina Island
If you’re thinking of moving to Catalina Island, you might have wondered if you’ll see any familiar famous faces.
Catalina Island is a popular vacation and getaway hotspot. It lies 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, home of Hollywood.
So, you may see a famous movie star, musician, or other elite visiting this island paradise. Are there any celebrities who own houses or live on Catalina Island, though?
One of the most notable homeowners on Catalina Island is the Wrigley Family, the founders and fortune holders of Wrigley Gum. The Wrigleys own a gorgeous mansion on Catalina Island named Mt. Ada.
Bill Maher, comedian, and television host, also owns a beautiful villa-style condo in Catalina.
While not many celebrities live on Catalina Island full-time, the Island has been a popular celebrity hot spot for decades. Marilyn Monroe spent an entire year on Catalina during WWII.
Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and many others have also been spotted soaking up all Catalina Island offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Catalina Island is home to more than 4,000 permanent residents.
Yes, you can live on Catalina Island. There are different residential options, including apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes in Avalon.
There is a small homeless population on Catalina Island. Recent reports suggest that as few as 34 homeless people reside in the main town, Avalon.
Yes! While the housing market in Catalina is expensive, there is a thriving real estate market. There is also land for sale on the Island if you dream of building your own home.
The residents of Catalina Island report themselves to be extremely happy. With such a low population, crime is lower than the national average. Many spots of the Island lack cell phone service, which locals call a blessing. The residents spend more time in nature and say they are happier that way.
While it’s not mandatory to carry passports to go to Catalina Island and there aren’t any immigration checks, it’s best to carry a government-issued identification like a driver’s license, Real ID, or passport in case of emergencies.
Yes, you can bring your dog to Catalina Island, however, there are a few restrictions. For your pet’s safety, they must be kept leashed wherever you take them, and unfortunately, they may not be able to join you on certain beaches or attractions.
Some of the best restaurants on Catalina Island include Steve’s Steakhouse and Seafood, Bluewater Grill, Descanso Beach Club, and the Lobster Trap.
Final Thoughts
Living on Catalina Island is perfect for those who are drawn to its natural beauty, small-town community, and slower pace of life.
While there are challenges to living on a remote island, including limited access to supplies and services, you’ll find that the benefits of island life outweigh these challenges.
Whether you’re a retiree seeking a peaceful place to enjoy your golden years, a family looking for a tight-knit community to call home, or a nature lover seeking a place to connect with the great outdoors, Catalina Island offers something for everyone.
If you’ve yet to visit Catalina, put it on your bucket list and see why its tight-knit community loves their home so much.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
Is Catalina Island Worth Visiting? These 15 Best Things To Do
Best Time to Visit Catalina Island
Cheapest Way To Get To Catalina Island
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