When people ask why I chose Newport Beach to raise my family, I usually give a simple answer, something about the ocean, the weather, or the beauty of Southern California. And yes, all of that is true. But the real reason runs much deeper.
What I’ve come to realize over the years is that Newport Beach didn’t just offer me a place to live, it gave me a sense of belonging, a supportive community, and a foundation that has shaped who I am as a father, a neighbor, and a professional.
This city taught me what home really means and how much power there is in being part of a community that lifts one another up.
A Place to Grow Roots
Like many people, I came to Newport Beach with ambition. I was looking for a place where I could build a meaningful life; one that balanced work, family, and purpose. I found all of that here.
What struck me early on wasn’t just the coastal charm, but the character of the people. Neighbors looked out for each other. Teachers knew your kids by name. Local businesses cared about your story, not just your money. It was a place where values mattered.
I remember walking my kids to school on crisp mornings, passing the same friendly faces, exchanging the same familiar waves. There was a rhythm to life here that made it feel safe, steady, and human. It reminded me of the kind of town where community isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life.
Raising a Family, Together
Parenting is one of the most meaningful and challenging jobs anyone can take on. And in Newport Beach, I never felt like I had to do it alone.
From the schools to the sports leagues to the everyday encounters at the grocery store, I saw how much this city invests in its young people. There’s a collective sense of responsibility, an understanding that raising a child takes more than one household. It takes coaches, teachers, mentors, and friends.
My kids grew up surrounded by people who challenged them, encouraged them, and believed in them. That kind of environment is rare and I never took it for granted.
As a parent, it gave me peace of mind. As a person, it gave me purpose. Because the more I was supported, the more I wanted to give back. That’s how communities grow stronger, when people not only receive help but feel compelled to pay it forward.
Community and Character
Professionally, living in Newport Beach influenced me in unexpected ways. In a city where success often surrounds you, it can be easy to get caught up in appearances. But what I’ve learned from this community is that character lasts longer than any title or trophy.
I’ve met people here who lead major companies but serve quietly at soup kitchens on weekends. I’ve watched neighbors rally around families facing hardship, not because they were asked, but because it was the right thing to do. I’ve seen teenagers organize food drives, retirees mentor young professionals, and entire neighborhoods show up for one another in times of crisis.
That kind of quiet leadership, the kind rooted in kindness, humility, and generosity has become my model in both life and work. It reminds me that true influence comes not from what you achieve, but from how you treat people every step of the way.
The Ripple Effect of Belonging
One of the most powerful lessons Newport Beach has taught me is that belonging creates ripple effects. When you feel seen and supported, you show up differently in the world. You become more open, more generous, more willing to take risks and invest in others.
This has shaped how I lead in business and how I connect with others on a personal level. I’ve learned to listen more closely, to look beyond the surface, and to value relationships above all.
And I’ve seen firsthand how these small, everyday choices: to show up, to reach out, to care, can build something much bigger than ourselves.
Gratitude for the People and the Place
Gratitude is a value that runs deep in my family, especially given the impact of my father’s journey writing 365 Thank Yous. It’s a practice I try to live out every day, and Newport Beach has given me endless reasons to be thankful.
I’m grateful for the friends who became extended family. For the educators who inspired my children. For the faith leaders who grounded us. For the countless conversations, moments, and memories that have woven together into something I now recognize as home.
There’s something about this city that brings out the best in people, and that’s not an accident. It’s the result of decades of intentional community-building, of neighbors who say hello, of leaders who care, and of people who believe that where you live should shape not just your lifestyle, but your values.
Home Is Where You’re Known
To me, home isn’t just where you sleep. It’s where you’re known. Where your presence matters. Where you can show up fully as yourself, knowing you’re part of something greater.
That’s what Newport Beach has given me, and what I hope to give back in return.
Whether I’m walking along the Back Bay, attending a local event, or simply grabbing coffee on a Saturday morning, I’m reminded again and again: this place made me better.
And in a world that often feels fragmented, having a community that feels like family might just be the greatest gift of all.