Encinitas was formed in 1986 from five communities that had grown up separately: historic (Old) Encinitas, New Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Olivenhain.[1] Residents still identify strongly with their community, and each has a distinct look, history and set of landmarks. This page compares them; each has its own article.
Overview
| Community | Founded or named | Character | Landmarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Encinitas | 1881, by Jabez Pitcher[1] | Beach downtown on Coast Highway 101 | Encinitas sign, La Paloma Theatre, Moonlight Beach, Swami's, SRF |
| New Encinitas | Post-war, on Rancho Las Encinitas land | Suburban; shopping and medical centres | El Camino Real corridor, Village Park, San Diego Botanic Garden (nearby) |
| Leucadia | Named after the Greek island Lefkada[2] | Laid-back, artsy beach town | Beacon's Beach, North Coast Highway 101, Grandview |
| Cardiff-by-the-Sea | 1909, by J. Frank Cullen[3] | Family beach town with its own ZIP code | Cardiff Reef, Cardiff Kook statue, San Elijo Lagoon, MiraCosta campus |
| Olivenhain | 1890s German colony[4] | Semi-rural, large lots, dark skies | Olivenhain Meeting Hall, trails, Oktoberfest |
Coast and inland
A low coastal ridge splits the city. West of it, Old Encinitas, Leucadia and Cardiff sit along Coast Highway 101 and the railway, on terraces and bluffs above the beaches.[1] East of it, New Encinitas spreads along El Camino Real, and Olivenhain rises into rolling hills toward Rancho Santa Fe.[4] Coastal neighbourhoods tend to be older, denser and cooler in summer. Inland areas are newer and car-oriented, and they are home to most of the city's shopping centres and medical offices.
ZIP codes
Most of the city uses ZIP code 92024. Cardiff-by-the-Sea is the exception: it keeps its own ZIP code, 92007, and is usually addressed as "Cardiff" or "Cardiff by the Sea".[3] Some Olivenhain addresses carry the 92024 ZIP but border Rancho Santa Fe's 92067. Mail addressed "Leucadia, CA" or "Olivenhain, CA" is delivered under Encinitas ZIP codes.
Schools by community
Elementary schooling depends on community. Cardiff has its own two-school Cardiff School District (Cardiff Elementary and Ada Harris Elementary).[3] The rest of the city is served by the Encinitas Union School District's nine elementary schools, including Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary in Olivenhain.[5] All five communities feed the San Dieguito Union High School District.[6] See schools.
Choosing a community
People drawn to surf culture and walkable streets often look at Leucadia and Cardiff. Those wanting downtown restaurants and the train tend to favour Old Encinitas, and families seeking newer homes and shorter school runs often choose New Encinitas. Buyers wanting land, privacy or horses look to Olivenhain, where minimum lot sizes range from half an acre to five acres.[4] Housing costs across all five are covered on the housing page.
Smaller neighbourhoods
Within the five communities are smaller, locally recognised neighbourhoods. Village Park is a planned area of New Encinitas named at incorporation.[1] The Cardiff Composer District is a grid of twelve streets named for musicians.[3] Grandview and Beacon's in Leucadia take their names from beach accesses.[1][7] Cardiff alone has fewer than 12,000 residents.[3] These names often appear in property listings and on street signs, but they have no separate legal status; all are simply part of the City of Encinitas.[1]
Population by community
The Census Bureau does not publish separate counts for most Encinitas communities. Cardiff-by-the-Sea, the one with its own ZIP code, is reported as having fewer than 12,000 residents, out of a citywide 62,007 at the 2020 census.[3][1]
Common questions
- What are the neighborhoods of Encinitas?
- The five communities are Old Encinitas, New Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Olivenhain. Smaller neighbourhoods such as Village Park, Encinitas Ranch and the Cardiff Composer District sit within them.
- Is Leucadia part of Encinitas?
- Yes. Leucadia became part of the city when Encinitas incorporated in 1986.
- Is Cardiff a separate city?
- No. Cardiff-by-the-Sea is part of Encinitas, but it has its own ZIP code (92007) and its own elementary school district.
See also
Notes and sources
- Encinitas, California. Wikipedia.
- Leucadia, Encinitas, California. Wikipedia.
- Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, California. Wikipedia.
- Olivenhain, Encinitas, California. Wikipedia.
- Encinitas Union School District. Wikipedia.
- San Dieguito Union High School District. Wikipedia.
- Leucadia State Beach. Wikipedia.