Neighborhood Knowledge: Jennifer Frazier

As a real estate expert in Newport Beach and Eastside Costa Mesa, Villa agent Jennifer Frazier loves these communities, so we asked her to share some of her favorite local spots with us. The Bonita Canyon resident and East Coast transplant also offers what makes Newport Beach so special.

Do you have a favorite neighborhood restaurant or any hidden gems in Newport Beach that you can share?
I’m partial to Sgt. Pepperoni’s on Bristol Street – not only because my husband and I are one of the four couples that took it over almost five years ago, but I’m from the East Coast (Philly) and there’s nothing better than a slice of New York pizza…in Newport Beach! I try to limit my visits, but the house-made ranch dressing (and wine) keep luring me back!

What is your favorite way to spend a weekend in Newport?
If I’m not hustling off to host an open house or to one of my daughter’s volleyball tournaments, you’ll find me taking a walk to the top of Spyglass Hill and then likely wandering around Fashion Island and grabbing the kale Caesar salad at Cucina Enoteca for lunch. Weekend nights are perfect for having my Bonita Canyon neighbors over for some of my husband’s fantastic meals, music and lots of laughs.

What would you recommend to someone relocating to the area?
Newport Beach has so much to offer and the climate makes it ideal to enjoy a variety of activities, year-round. Whenever any of my East Coast family come out for the first time, the “must do” activities include a trip to The Wedge to watch our famous shore break, a Duffy Boat ride around the harbor to check out the incredible homes, a walk around Balboa Island (complete with a frozen banana), and dinner at Mozza. Now that Lido Marina Village has been revamped, a visit to the shops and restaurants there will be added to the list.

What is the best part of living in Newport Beach?
It’s pretty incredible to call this magical place “home.” I feel blessed to live where so many choose to vacation. The beaches are pristine, the weather is always pleasant (no Philadelphia humidity!), and we have an abundance of outdoor shopping and restaurants. Our location in SoCal is unbeatable. You can spend a morning surfing or stand up paddle boarding and be skiing in Big Bear hours later. You can be in LA in 60 minutes, and hike to the Hollywood sign, and then come home to the calm beauty of Newport Beach by dinner. It’s just really easy to enjoy life here.

Is there anything else special about life in Newport?
One thing I’ve realized is that for every “Newport Beach Native” I’ve met here, I’ve met someone from a different state, like myself. For all the reasons I’ve listed, Newport Beach attracts people from all over who want to plant roots here. That has created a more diverse community than it can appear at first sight, and I really like that.