$2,171,992Average Value$1,233Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes 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.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Cardiff-by-the-Sea
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Cardiff-by-the-Sea Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas over the last 12 months is $2,777,500, up 281% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
1245 Evergreen Drive offers true single-level living with no one above you, an abundance of natural light, exceptional privacy, and west-facing skies. Beautifully renovated from top to bottom, this turnkey single level 2 Bed 1 Bath home offers an exceptional blend of modern coastal finishes, thoughtful upgrades, privacy, and an unbeatable lifestyle just minutes from some of North County's most
Trustee has approved the sale! Nestled in one of Cardiff-by-the-Sea’s most desirable neighborhoods, this charming coastal home sits on a spacious lot brimming with opportunity. Peek ocean views, large two-car garage, generous eat-in kitchen, and surrounded by larger, higher-value homes. Whether you envision expanding the existing footprint, adding a second story to capture even more ocean views,
Located in the gated community of Pacific Pines in Encinitas, this charming single-level, lower end-unit condominium offers 1bd/1ba in a serene, park-like setting surrounded by mature Torrey pines and lush landscaping. The home features new appliances (2025), a cozy wood-burning fireplace, a private patio with beautiful greenbelt views & convenient in-unit stackable washer and dryer. Just minutes
Welcome to 518 Sheffield Avenue, where everyday living feels like a coastal retreat in the heart of Cardiff, in the Composer District. Tucked behind an automatic privacy gate on a low-traffic street west of I-5, this 6-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, function, & lifestyle. Spanning approx. 3,826 square feet across two levels, the home is thoughtfully designed
New Water Heater, Furnace, All new appliances, Unparalleled excellence is felt throughout this beautifully renovated turn-key-move-in-ready, 3-bedroom end-unit condo. From the serene & PRIVATE patio, complete with a tranquil water feature—Clever storage throughout, including attic space, to the thoughtfully upgraded interiors, Lux window coverings, Overhead primary bedroom reading lights, every
Expansive Ocean Views in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. This unique property has it all. The entry level of the home is comprised of four bedrooms and three full baths. The primary suite is generous in size and volume with a large walk-in closet. Two of the secondary bedrooms share a chic hall bathroom. The fourth entry level bedroom serves as a versatile in-law quarters, teen room or secondary primary
Live the coastal lifestyle in this beautifully upgraded townhome in Cardiff's coveted Cardiff Cove community, west of the 5! This light-filled two bedroom, two bathroom home features an updated kitchen and bathrooms, newer flooring and windows, and an open, easy-flowing layout. The secondary bedroom offers a peek-a-boo ocean view, a rare bonus at this price point. Additional features include an
Enjoy effortless coastal living in this 2-bedroom, 2-bath open-concept condo in a prime location in Encinitas. The bright, airy layout seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The spacious primary suite features a private bath and ample closet space, while the second bedroom offers flexibility for guests or a home office. Just
Welcome to Cardiff by the Sea! This incredible two-story home with ocean views and ADU is a testament to coastal living at its finest. The updated open concept kitchen features high-end stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, wine fridge, and breakfast bar ideal for casual dining or entertaining, all overlooking the living and dining areas. The living room, anchored by a modern
Kristina QuesadaDouglas Elliman of California, Inc.
Imagine the possibilities. Ideal beach community, West of I 5, take advantage of this opportunity to build your own private retreat. The existing home must be torn down and the soil prepared, as concluded from settlement documents to be provided to the buyer for review. The lot's corner location is ideal for the building process. Water and sewer are already at the property.
Beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath upstairs corner unit in the highly desirable Pacific Pines community, ideally located at the top of the hill for added privacy, abundant natural light, and refreshing coastal breezes. The open floor plan features luxury vinyl plank flooring, a cozy fireplace, and a private balcony perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The kitchen includes a spacious walk-in
Perched in Cardiff's coveted Walking District, this beautifully reimagined coastal residence captures the essence of Southern California living with panoramic ocean views, refined design, and an exceptional location just moments from the beach. Expanded to maximize both functionality and scenery, the home features a newly constructed third-story addition that serves as a private primary retreat.
Stunning coastal residence with panoramic south-facing views and editorial-caliber design. Come tour this soulfully curated home featuring spectacular primary suite, gourmet kitchen, and Zen-like backyard. Located west of I-5 in Cardiff’s executive-style lagoon-front community of Seaside, this turnkey, lock-and-go residence offers a rare sense of tranquillity and decompression, just minutes from
Experience unmatched privacy, coastal grandeur, and resort-style living at this extraordinary Encinitas estate. Situated on nearly an acre of beautifully designed grounds, this rare coastal compound offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, recreation, and seclusion. This property has nearly 6,000 square feet of living space, six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and two separate detached guest
Danny Gibbel
Swell Property
(442) 449-0091
$1,649 - $1,995 per month
Encinitas Senior Living - 55+ Active Adult Apartments
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,
Property Id: 2704971Fully furnished, brand-new luxury coastal home available month-to-month in Cardiff’s highly sought-after Walking District.This beautifully designed 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home offers approximately 2,553 sq ft of modern coastal living with ocean views, high-end finishes, and exceptional indoor/outdoor flow. The open-concept living area is filled with natural
The advertised rate of $12,939/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 6, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
Coastal Cardiff Turnkey Haven – Dual Workspaces & Just Bring Your Suitcase (1-3 Month Lease)Walk to the Beach | Fully Equipped for WFH | Utilities & Gardening IncludedExperience the best of coastal living in this 1950’s beach bungalow 1,250-square-foot single-family home located in the highly desirable neighborhood west of the I-5 in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Recent updates including
Offering a completely remodeled 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house west of I-5.- Walking distance to the beach, pipes cafe, VGs donuts, and seaside market- Remodeled bathroom- Remodeled kitchen- Ample parking in both front and back (up to 5 off-street parking spaces)- Washer and dryer included- Large covered porch- Stainless fridge, microwave, induction range, dishwasher
Discover coastal living at its best in this beautifully updated townhome located in the sought-after Park Place Bluffs community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Just over a mile from the sand and surf at Cardiff State Beach, this home offers the perfect balance of seaside charm and modern convenience.The residence features bright, open living spaces with abundant natural light, warm wood-style
Available August 1st.Encinitas 2-bed, 1-bath condo Discover this beautifully updated condo nestled in a sought-after Encinitas community. With two bedrooms and one bath, this home offers comfort and convenience. The entire condo has been recently renovated with new hardware floors, kitchen countertops, dishwasher, sink, and brand new appliances. This unit includes an in-unit
Enjoy the dream beach vacation in your very own resort style beach house, fully equipped with 2 levels of direct ocean views & indoor/outdoor living at its finest with 3 sunset view decks and fully fenced 5-level backyard with heated pool, hot tub,Ping pong table, casita, basketball half court, grill, and grassy lawn! Beautifully situated between San Elijo & Swami's surf/swim beaches, this
The advertised rate of $11,339/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 19, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
Located in the heart of Cardiff’s coveted Composer District and remodeled by Charco Design & Build, this fully furnished modern estate offers privacy, ocean views, and exceptional finishes throughout. Nearly 4,000 square feet of living space includes 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and an oversized 4-car garage. The resort-style outdoor area features a Pebble Sheen blue granite pool and spa, fire pit,
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