$2,147,189Average Value$1,187Average Price per Sq Ft25Homes For Sale
Sand and surf takes center stage
Set along the hilly coast of Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-sea is a slow-paced surf-loving community about 20 miles north of San Diego. Known simply as “Cardiff” to locals, developer J. Frank Cullen named the neighborhood for his wife’s hometown of Cardiff, Wales when he bought the land in 1909. It’s grown a lot since then, but maintains it’s easy-chair vibe as a place where folks spend their days exploring the five local beaches; they surf at Swami’s Beach, wander the San Elijo Lagoon or look for sea critters in Cardiff State Beach’s tide pools. Ken Kaplan, Real Estate Agent and Analyst with Fox 5 Morning News, says “It’s smaller than La Jolla or Del Mar, which gives it that quaint beachy feel while being less congested than other coastal communities.” While being one of the smaller neighborhoods in North County means that there are only a handful of immediate shopping and entertainment options around, quality takes the reins over quantity here. Cardiff is home to Seaside Market, a gourmet grocery staple since the 1980s, and a collection of waterfront restaurants known as “Restaurant Row.” Residents travel from around Encinitas to try Seaside Market’s "Cardiff crack" – a marinated tri-tip that's “a local obsession,” according to Kaplan, or to take in views of the water over dinner at Restaurant Row.
Cardiff By The Sea is known for its stunning beaches and surf culture.
Locals prefer their own one of kind grocery store Seaside Market in Cardiff By The Sea.
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Streets named for famed composers and UK cities
The neighborhood is divided into east and west sides by Interstate 5, with streets laid out in a neat grid. Residents might notice that many streets here are named after major UK cities such as Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow (once again, a loving tribute to Cullen’s wife). Homes range from custom-built modern duplexes to 1940s ranch-style homes, sitting on steep slopes that offer ocean views from La Jolla to Dana Point; sidewalks are scarce. No homes sit directly on the ocean, though a few sit along the bluffs of the San Elijo Lagoon. Beach cottages built in 2000 can fetch $2.5 million, as can remodeled 1970s four-bedroom homes on cul-de-sacs. Residents can find one-bedroom condos throughout the community for around $700,000 or four-bedroom condos for between $1.5 and $2 million. Surrounding the Encinitas Community Park, Cardiff’s Composer District is a collection of homes that sit on winding streets with names like Mozart, Bach and Vivaldi. Craftsman and Spanish-style homes in the Composer District were built in 2003, going for between $4 million to $7.5 million.
The homes in Cardiff By The Sea vary between multi-level mansions and large duplexes.
These are brand new build modern homes with ocean views in Cardiff By The Sea.
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La Costa Canyon High School preps students for college through IB programs
Local public schools include Cardiff Elementary, Ada W. Harris Elementary and Oak Crest Middle School, all of each of which earn As from Niche. The A-plus rated La Costa Canyon High School achieved International Baccalaureate (IB) world school status in 2018, offering a rigorous program with six subject groups: language and literature studies, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, math and creative arts. MiraCosta College's San Elijo campus, located in the southeast corner of Cardiff on Manchester Avenue, provides a convenient option for higher education, offering 8-week courses that combine in-person and online learning.
The monument of the Ada W. Harris Elementary in Encinitas.
The entrance of the Cardiff Elementary School in Encinitas.
The entrance of the Oak Crest Middle in Encinitas.
The monument of the La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad.
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The Cardiff Kook welcomes campers to San Elijo Beach
On the south end of Cardiff, the 979-acre San Elijo Lagoon features 7 miles of hiking trails through coastal wetlands. Residents can visit the lagoon to see native plants like coastal sage scrub, migrating birds or take kids on a scavenger hunt through the lagoon (they can even win prizes). Cardiff State Beach is set just off Highway 101 across from the San Elijo Lagoon, the local go-to spot for surfing, swimming and diving thanks to its two reefs. Even though it's usually busy, it stays clean and well-kept. Head north on Highway 101 to meet the famous Cardiff Kook statue at San Elijo State Beach. The Kook, officially called 'Magic Carpet Ride,' is a surfer statue that locals love to dress up for fun—he might be wearing a Hawaiian lei or even a Halloween costume. San Elijo Beach offers campgrounds on a cliff that overlooks the ocean - people often book their camping spots months ahead, usually arriving in camper vans with their dogs. The Coastal Rail Trail, a paved path perfect for skaters, bikers, and joggers, runs along the Coaster commuter rail from Chesterfield Drive to Verdi Avenue. This trail makes it easy for residents to get from Cardiff Town Center to the beach. “You’ve got parks literally right on the San Elijo and Cardiff State beaches,” adds Kaplan, and “a nice shallow-water estuary off Manchester Avenue with 7 miles of walking trails within a 1,000-acre reserve.” Dog-lovers treat their pups to the Encinitas Dog Park at the 44-acre Encinitas Community Park which also includes a playground, sports fields and the 34,000-square-foot Encinitas Skate Park.
The unofficial mascot of Cardiff By The Sea is the "Cardiff Kook" often dressed themed.
The local pedestrian and bike path along San Elijo Ave in Cardiff By The Sea.
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Coastal upscale dining on Restaurant Row
Just west of the neighborhood, Highway 101 transforms into a culinary coastal route lined with seaside restaurants. Heading south towards Solana Beach, Pacific Coast Grill marks the first stop, serving fresh seafood and sushi. Next door, The Chart House offers upscale surf and turf, paired with ocean and lagoon views. Heading north on the 101 from Solana Beach will bring residents to Las Olas, famed for inventing the "original fish taco," where residents can have sunset meals amidst Baja-style décor. San Elijo Avenue runs parallel to the coast, hosting shopping plazas and restaurant strips along Cardiff's western border. Seaside Market in the Cardiff Town Center is often raved about by out-of-towners who can’t believe the selection of gourmet goods. The town center also offers local retailers like Fowlers Boutique. For more grocery options, The Santa Fe Square shopping center is anchored by Vons, while the Cardiff Farmers Market is held in the MiraCosta College parking lot each Saturday.
The Waverly restaurant in Cardiff By The Sea is a favorite local spot.
There are some unique entrees at Las Olas Mexican in Cardiff By The Sea.
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COASTER Train cruises along the Pacific
Interstate 5 intersects the neighborhood, providing a direct route to Solana Beach (3 miles), Del Mar (5 miles) and Downtown San Diego (25 miles). The San Diego Metro Transit System’s (MTS) Blue Line bus has stops along the 101 that lead anywhere between Cardiff and Downtown San Diego. For healthcare, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas sits at the northwest corner where the 5 meets Santa Fe Drive. The COASTER commuter train provides coastal scenery as it runs north and south through San Diego County. “Because the neighborhood borders the freeway on both sides, you may hear a little traffic noise or the sound of the train," says Kaplan. "But you’re also closer to the airport than you are in most other coastal communities, and there’s really no difference in the time it takes to reach the beach whether west or east. It’s easy to bike or walk to the beach from anywhere in Cardiff and never more than a 5-minute drive or closer.”
The Coaster train travels right through town and can be caught just north in Cardiff by the Sea.
Cardiff by the Sea is a quaint town thats easy to take your dog for a quick stroll to the beach.
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On average, homes in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas over the last 12 months is $2,115,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Recently upgraded and energy-efficient, this 4 bed, 4 bath home in one of Cardiff’s most desirable communities features a new roof (2025), paid solar, two Tesla Powerwall batteries, and an EV charger in the garage. A separate attached apartment with private entrance, full kitchen, washer/dryer, and its own heat and A/C offers ideal flexibility for guests, family, or rental income. The main home
Stunning new construction in Cardiff’s iconic Walking District! 2052 Montgomery Ave blends sophisticated coastal style with spacious modern living and panoramic ocean views. This thoughtfully designed 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2553 SF home showcases refined architectural details and top-tier craftsmanship throughout. Glass doors open to a spacious view deck, while a private rooftop deck elevates the
Sweeping white water ocean and the San Elijo Lagoon views, this light-filled home blends privacy with the feel of a single-family residence—sharing just one wall. The flexible layout includes a lower-level with its own entrance—ideal for guest quarters, multi-generational living, or potential rental income. Upstairs, the open-concept great room features cathedral ceilings, expansive windows, and
Welcome to your serene retreat at 1750 South El Camino Real, Unit 211, in vibrant Encinitas. This charming 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo, spanning 650 square feet, promises a modern living experience with recent updates that enhance both style and comfort. Step inside to discover new flooring, paint, lighting and accessories that complement the contemporary appeal. Relax and unwind by the cozy
Fully remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home situated on a corner lot in highly desirable Cardiff. This residence offers ocean views and features a new deck in the yard, creating an ideal space for outdoor dining, entertaining or simply enjoying the coastal setting. Inside, a tastefully updated kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, modern cabinetry and clean, contemporary finishes. The
Available for rent now. Minimum one month rental. This charming, bright, and spacious twin home is located just 2 miles from the stunning San Elijo State Beach and even closer to the iconic Seaside Market & Zumbar coffee & Tea. Fully furnished and move-in ready, this home offers two upstairs bedrooms, each with a queen bed & ensuite bathroom. Downstairs, you'll find a versatile office/piano
Welcome to Encinitas Senior Living, where active adults 55 and older can enjoy the perfect blend of coastal charm and carefree living. Located just outside of San Diego, our senior apartment community offers beautifully designed studio, one-, and two-bedroom floor plans tailored for comfort, independence, and peace of mind.Our community is close to popular dining spots like Union Kitchen & Tap,
AVAIL 12/1/2025 Unfurnished @ $9,000/Mo-- 1 YR Lease Min 3Bd/3 Ba--2,200 SQFT--Walking District GEM...---A++ LOCATION--- Ocean Views from Gourmet Kitchen, Living room, & Balcony. Panoramic Ocean View on Roof top deck. Open floor plan. Granite counter tops,Viking gas cooktop and Newer Refrigerator , Dishwasher & Water Heater. Italian Ceramic Tile Floors. Carpet in all bedrooms. ---Ex Large
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