Greg Risling
Some of the most famous and recognized faces in the country have homes in
Newport Beach. Most anyone you ask here can recite the list of usual
suspects: author Dean Koontz, comedian and Rat-Packer Joey Bishop,
actress Heather Locklear and members of the band Sugar Ray.
Newport Beach ranks high on any multimillionaire's list, whether it's for
a luxurious home or a slip to dock a boat.
Is it any wonder then that athletes, whose salaries have skyrocketed over
the past 20 years, have chosen Newport as their personal playground?
Scores of athletes -- active and retired -- have either purchased
property here, thought about relocating here or visit Newport regularly.
"It's ridiculous how many people want to live here," said Steve Mitchell,
a senior sales executive for Coast Newport Properties. "It's the quality
of lifestyle people are paying for. The demand definitely outweighs the
supply."
While Hollywood has its Walk of Fame, mammoth movie studios and trendy
hot spots where you can see a slew of stars, Newport Beach is a sports
fan's glimmering oasis.
You enjoy dropping names? Here are a few you can claim are your neighbors
at that next dinner conversation:
Bad boy Dennis Rodman, who was recently signed -- and dropped -- by the
Dallas Mavericks, lives in West Newport. Baseball slugger Mo Vaughn of
the Anaheim Angels has an opulent home in Newport Heights. Pro football
defensive back Jason Seahorn, who played college ball at USC, bought a
home in Newport Coast.
Want some more? Famed New York Yankee Reggie Jackson has one of his homes
on Bayside Cove. Former UCLA football coach Terry Donahue can be seen
strolling along the Bayfront on Balboa Island. Former Angel and newly
signed Cleveland Indian Chuck Finley has one home in Belcourt and is
building another in Newport Coast.
Still not impressed? Tennis star Lindsay Davenport calls Newport Beach
home. Anaheim Ducks center Steve Rucchin lives in Corona del Mar. Home
run slugger Mark McGwire shops at Fashion Island.
McGwire doesn't live in Newport, opting instead for Huntington Harbour.
Not everyone can stay in Newport forever.
Take Orange County native and newly signed Los Angeles Dodger Shawn
Green. He spent his offseasons at his West Newport home while he was a
member of the Toronto Blue Jays. But his palatial oceanfront home is now
up for sale. Asking price is about $1.6 million.
Mitchell, who is Green's real estate agent, said his client wanted to be
closer to Dodger Stadium and bought a home in Pacific Palisades for $3.7
million.
