If you're looking for an affordable place to live, it's safe to say you can cross Newport Beach, California off your list. (While you're at it, you may want to nix California completely -- the state happens to be home to nine of the 10 most expensive housing markets in the country.) According to a new report from Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Newport Beach is the priciest place to live in the U.S., with an average list price for a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home at an astounding $2,291,764. In a 2009 survey, housing prices in Newport Beach ranked eighth highest in the United States. The city is bordered on the west by Huntington Beach at the Santa Ana River; on the east by Crystal Cove State Park; and on the north by Costa Mesa, John Wayne Airport, the City of Irvine and UC Irvine. Among the area's key points of interest are the Newport Center, Balboa Pavilion, Balboa Pier, Newport Pier, Newport Beach Boat Show, and Newport Sports Museum. The seaside city's ...

Over the next few months, I'll be posting fun facts on various U.S. states. Such tidbits will touch upon everything from history and geography to culture and wildlife. It's a good opportunity for you to get to know these states a little better, whether or not you've visited any of them. If you have been to any of these states, be sure to share your experiences with us on the blog or via Google +. I'd like to kick off this "state special" by featuring sun-drenched California, known for having the Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley, awful traffic, and a whopping 17 professional teams across the major sports. Here are some interesting facts about California, one of the most diverse states in the union: Its name means nothing -- literally It is the third largest state by area after Alaska and Texas It joined the union in 1850, making it the 31st state to do so California is the most populous state in the country. In fact, one out of every eight United States...