With one of the largest economies in the world, Southern California is more than a destination. For more than a century, people from all over the world have been moving to Cardiff by the Sea. For some, the sun-kissed state represents vacations and movie stars. For others, California represents opportunities for better living and resources for raising their families. Beautiful beaches with a laid-back atmosphere never disappoint those searching for Cardiff By the Sea homes for sale.
Located north of San Diego, California, Cardiff by the Sea is little-known outside the state, notably because most media focuses on the glitz and glamour surrounding nearby areas. But for those who live in and around Cardiff, the “By the Sea” part means more than geography. Known locally as Cardiff, surfers come to the coast for waves, which brings a unique California lifestyle vibe to the area. With easy access to beachfront recreation, buying a home in Cardiff is more affordable than in many other Southern California cities with the ocean nearby. Finding the best Cardiff by the Sea home for sale is a matter of knowing the local market and using the best search tools available for this region of San Diego County.
Cardiff by the Sea’s Origins
Most cities in Southern California have names reflecting Spanish and then Mexican histories of settling in the region. But Cardiff is a city in Whales across the pond in England. What does this have to do with California’s Cardiff? Residents in this part of California love giving colorful names to their community neighborhoods. This was the case when Boston land developer J. Frank Cullen came west with his wife Esther to buy cheap land and then sell developed lots for building homes.
Esther Cullen loved the area because it reminded her of her hometown of Cardiff, Whales, so Cardiff By the Sea became a place where residents could embrace the multiculturalism that would come to dominate California’s culture. Today, a sign tells visitors they’re entering Cardiff by the Sea, even as locals call their neighborhood Cardiff.
Cardiff by the Sea is one of the region’s unique communities that kept its character and identity when its residents voted in 1986 to become part of the incorporated city of Encinitas. For several generations, the residential neighborhoods to the west of unincorporated Encinitas kept the “English” character beloved by Esther Cullen. With street names like Oxford, Cardiff still attracts home buyers looking for a unique place to live.
Demographics
According to the 2020 U.S. Census data, the median annual income for Cardiff by the Sea residents was just over $106,000. This was higher than the national average of just over $70,000. This data aligns with the average age of 42 for Cardiff by the Sea residents.
Most homes in Cardiff by the Sea were built between 1950 and 2000, giving the local real estate market ample opportunities to promote first-time home buyers who don’t mind renovations. Given the rental market, many potential renovations for local housing could be good investment opportunities for those wanting to expand their retirement portfolios.
Cardiff By the Sea Homes for sale
When considering Cardiff by the Sea homes for sale, it pays to know as much information as possible before researching home-buying options. The market for housing in southern California is one of the country’s most dynamic and volatile, and Cardiff is no different. You can reach out to Chris Sloan for all the information you need and help in your decision-making process.
The 2020 American Community Survey lists the median home price in Cardiff at just over $1 million, with the average housing cost at around $2,300 per month. While median and monthly costs are good starting points, they don’t consider local factors. Watch out for local house flippers who have a firm grasp of the area.
Points of Interest
Geographically, Cardiff’s location makes it a point of interest for those visiting San Diego. It is also a North County designation for surfing that rivals other surfing spots along California’s coastline. The two miles of beaches embrace Cardiff residents and visitors with a well-known laid-back lifestyle.
This area of the country enjoys year-round sunshine and moderate temperatures. While high tides help surfers ride the waves, low tides reveal tide pools ready for exploration. Of course, there are the cliffs overlooking the beaches, an ideal spot to watch the sunset.
Cardiff by the Sea has a vibrant but quaint Town Center that includes the historic Seaside Market. East of the Towne Center, California Highway 101 skirts Cardiff with Interstate 5 access nearby. Easy access by car makes Cardiff By the Sea an ideal place to live for those that need to commute to the major population centers to the north and south.
Cardiff by the Sea is one of the only areas in southern California where camping is allowed. On San Elijo State Beach, tourists and locals can set up a tent and enjoy sleeping to the sounds of crashing waves. With the Towne Center, campers can easily stroll to local eateries. Above the cliffs, the campground overlooks the beach. Just to the north is the Pipes, popular among swimmers and surfers.
Where California Sunsets Meet the Waves
Residents in Cardiff by the Sea already know what it’s like to live in a laid-back coastal California town. Away from the popular tourist cities to the north and south, the Cardiff area of Encinitas has a vibrant history representing why land speculators first identified the area for settlement.
As people moved to Cardiff, the Towne Center kept its early twentieth-century character. Cardiff By the Sea’s real estate market is the ideal place to look for homes with points of interest and home-buying opportunities for first-time buyers and home investors.
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