Top Reasons to Move to Encinitas, CA

When homebuyers decide to move to the suburbs, there is pressure in choosing the perfect one. 

It is a big decision to make, and many things have to be considered if you are putting aside city conveniences for the laid-back lifestyle of a SoCal suburb. But when it comes to San Diego, choosing a suburb for your next home comes with its own set of privileges. 

The suburbs that line the coast of northern San Diego County have established themselves as some of the best places to live in Southern California. The line between suburbia and urban sprawl has become increasingly blurry in the ultra-developed suburbs of San Diego. Carlsbad’s LEGOLAND and Oceanside’s almost city-like atmosphere make those cities the furthest things from sleepy suburbs. Encinitas is no different.

There is a heap of impeccable dining options catering to almost every palette. Theaters and shopping centers are always brimming with activity, and the recreational offerings are some of the highly coveted in the state. 

Below, the team at Prevu Real Estate dives into the top five reasons aspiring homebuyers should consider moving to Encinitas, CA.

Unbeatable beaches and outdoor charm

Sacrificing city convenience may be challenging, but homebuyers who choose suburbs in San Diego gain something in return. 

Nature and outdoor activities are in abundance when living in Encinitas. Residents have the luxury of planning tranquil weekends on the shore or an active day of hiking at some of SoCal’s most picturesque trails. For beach lovers, Encinitas features some of the best beaches in Southern California.

Moonlight Beach, the most talked about and the most packed during peak season, is famous for a reason. It is equipped with all the beach amenities one can think of, but the famous bonfires are what draw most of the tourist crowd and locals alike. Moonlight Beach is considered the main beach of Encinitas, but various others, such as Leucadia State Beach and Cardiff State Beach, have a more local feel without sacrificing the views or amenities.

For the hiking crowd, trails are abundant all over Encinitas and its nearby cities. The Manchester Preserve Hiking Trails are a known destination for locals, but the must-see gem is Annie’s Canyon Trail. Though technically located in Solana Beach, it sits just past Cardiff State Beach and offers one of the most visually-stunning trails in San Diego. 

An active community that loves its nature

If you look into the local culture of Encinitas, you might start seeing some trends that it is a physically active city. 

Almost every neighborhood has a selection of yoga studios, fitness centers, and fully-equipped gyms. Locals also bring most of their activity outdoors. Most of the city is well-suited for biking, rollerblading, jogging, or simply exploring. Large swathes of the shoreline offer stunning sunset views, and almost every beach provides some kind of outdoor activity, either beach volleyball or paddleboarding.

But Encinitas also has a focus on mindfulness. The rich pockets of natural beauty offer residents a quiet moment almost on-demand, even during the workweek. But a highlight of the city’s offering comes from the well-known Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens. The Gardens are free to enter and feature multiple koi gardens, mini oases under the cover of palm trees, and quiet sections explicitly designed for meditation.

Quaint, beach-town atmosphere with local entertainment

Unlike its next-door neighbors, Carlsbad and Oceanside, Encinitas is the more laid back and has long established itself as a traditional beach town.

Although there is no giant amusement park-like LEGOLAND that reels in tourists, Encinitas has perks that give its residents more than a few options to enjoy a night on the town.

Old Encinitas can fulfill any fan of nostalgia with its historic district and antique architecture. The La Paloma Theatre alone is a stand-out attraction as one of the oldest active movie theaters in the state. New Encinitas stays true to its name and is the center of the city’s more modern construction and lively shopping district.

The San Diego Botanical Garden is also located in Encinitas. It is one of the most sought-after destinations in San Diego, with 37 acres full of native Californian flora, bamboo groves, and desert gardens. 

Proximity to some of the biggest attractions in San Diego

Encinitas may have many activities that will take some time to cross off the bucket list, but that doesn’t mean residents can’t venture to some of the most famous spots in San Diego that are a short drive away. 

Encinitas's northern location is close to other popular suburbs such as Carlsbad and Solana Beach. Both have big-name attractions that draw visitors from all over the country and are easy to reach via the I-5 or the Historic Route 101, which runs even closer to the ocean and offers unbeatable views that make for a picturesque drive. 

But although Encinitas feels like it is far away from heavy city traffic, a drive to Downtown San Diego only takes about 35 minutes via the I-5 in normal traffic conditions. 

This gives residents easy access to the Gaslamp Quarter and its unbeatable shopping boutiques, La Jolla and its famous coves and luxurious mansions, and the famed Balboa Park with its numerous museums.

Even Los Angeles is accessible, with a commute of an hour and a half from Encinitas proper. 

Unique neighborhoods offer a variety of housing options

At its essence, Encinitas is a quintessential beach town. But its prominent neighborhoods allow it to showcase diverse flavors in terms of atmosphere and real estate.

Old Encinitas, for example, is the historic district of the city that dates back to the late 1800s. Some of the oldest buildings in Encinitas still stand today, and many still function. For example, the famous Encinitas Boat Houses were built in 1928 by Miles Kellogg and can still be visited today. Here, the houses you find range from classic yet charming California Bungalows to more modern contemporary styles.

Leucadia is another popular neighborhood and is the essence of Encinitas’s surf town vibes. Local surf shops dot the area, and the tree-lined, narrow streets give this part of town a tight-knit community feel. With a lack of new construction, many homes on sale here are older and remodeled. 

Houses for sale in Encinitas, CA

Interested in buying a home in Encinitas, CA? Browse listings and see how much you can save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer Rebate.

Prevu Real Estate, Inc. is a licensed real estate broker in California, license number 02134758.