Encinitas is a coastal suburb of about 61,000 people in North County San Diego, known for its laid-back surf culture, mild climate, strong schools and five distinct communities. It is also one of the most expensive places to live in the county.[1][2] This page gathers the practical basics; follow the links for detail.
Choosing where to live
The city's five communities feel very different. Leucadia and Cardiff-by-the-Sea are walkable beach towns, Old Encinitas has the downtown and the train, New Encinitas is suburban and close to shopping, and Olivenhain is semi-rural with lots of half an acre to five acres.[3] Compare them on the communities page.
Cost of living
The median owner-occupied home is valued at $1,646,800 and median gross rent is $2,886 a month. Median household income is $162,229.[1] About 35 percent of households rent.[2] See housing and cost of living.
Schools
Children attend the Encinitas Union or Cardiff elementary districts and then the San Dieguito Union High School District. Two-thirds of adults hold a bachelor's degree.[1][2] See schools.
Climate and outdoor life
Average highs are about 72 °F, rainfall is about 10 inches a year, and May and June mornings are often foggy.[2] Residents surf at Swami's and Cardiff Reef, walk the San Elijo and Batiquitos lagoon trails, and visit the 37-acre San Diego Botanic Garden.[4][5][6] See climate, beaches and parks and nature.
Getting around
Interstate 5 and the Coaster commuter train connect Encinitas to San Diego and Oceanside, and the average commute is 24.7 minutes.[1][7] Downtown and the beach communities are bikeable along Coast Highway 101. See getting around.
Community life
Annual events include the April Street Fair, the November Fall Festival, the Wavecrest Woodie Meet and the Switchfoot Bro-Am at Moonlight Beach, plus Oktoberfest in Olivenhain.[2] The city has a strong wellness culture rooted partly in the Self-Realization Fellowship, which has been in Encinitas since the 1930s.[8] See events and landmarks.
Safety and services
Encinitas runs its own fire and lifeguard services, and law enforcement is provided by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department under contract. City beaches have staffed lifeguard towers in summer.[4] For everyday services, from dentists and vets to plumbers and movers, see the local business directory. Each category page links to the official California licence lookup for that trade.[9][10]
Setting up a home
New residents often need several services in their first months: a moving company, a real estate agent or property manager, and inspections or repairs from plumbers, electricians, HVAC contractors and roofers. Families typically register with a dentist, an optometrist and a veterinarian. Check contractor licences with the CSLB before signing any contract.[9]
Demographic profile
The population is older than the county average: the median age was 43.8 in 2020, and 20.2 percent of residents were 65 or older, up from 12.8 percent in 2010. About 29 percent of households include children.[2] The average household has 2.5 people, and about a quarter of households are one person living alone.[2]
Common questions
- Is Encinitas a good place to live?
- It is popular for its beaches, mild climate, highly rated schools and community feel, but housing costs are among the highest in San Diego County.
- Is Encinitas expensive to live in?
- Yes. The median home value is about $1.65 million and the median rent is about $2,900 a month (Census 2020–2024 estimates).
- Why choose Encinitas over San Diego?
- People who move here want a smaller beach-town setting with its own downtowns and lagoons, while staying within about 25 miles of downtown San Diego by freeway or train.
See also
Notes and sources
- QuickFacts: Encinitas city, California. U.S. Census Bureau.
- Encinitas, California. Wikipedia.
- Olivenhain, Encinitas, California. Wikipedia.
- Swami's. Wikipedia.
- San Elijo Lagoon. Wikipedia.
- San Diego Botanic Garden. Wikipedia.
- Encinitas station. Wikipedia.
- Self-Realization Fellowship. Wikipedia.
- Check a License. Contractors State License Board.
- License Search. California Department of Consumer Affairs.