In the late 1880s, George Shatto, who at that time owned Catalina Island, began subdividing and selling lots in what would become the city of Avalon. Those lots, depending on location, ranged from $150 to $2,000. (View the original 1886 Parcel Map)
Thirty years later, Catalina Island’s biggest real estate transaction took place, when in 1919 chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. bought the entire Island, lock, stock and barrel, for $2 million. These days, real estate in Avalon is slightly more expensive.
Outside of Avalon, Catalina Island is owned almost exclusively by the Catalina Island Conservancy, which was formed in 1970s to preserve and protect the island in perpetuity. That protection means the homes in Avalon will always be surrounded by wild lands and wild places. It also means the property values will never be lessened by market saturation.
If you have decided that your future holds an Avalon home, whether it’s your primary residence or a weekend getaway, this is the place you start your search.
|
