Leucadia

Living along the coast in Leucadia feels as though sunglasses and sandals are your only essentials, and life flows breezily in sync with the tide. E-bikers cruise to the water with surfboards, cars wait to cross the tracks, commuters hop the train to work, and warm, tree-lined streetscapes slope gently toward the main Coast Highway 101. Leucadia gushes with palms and thick tree plantings, making it feel comfortably established; and the 101 features Coaster Commuter Rail stations. Renee Milton, Sales Associate with Coastal Luxe Properties, says “Leucadia is your classic coastal beach town, eclectic and charming, where you can walk to literally everything. Even the tracks don’t get in the way, because we have underpasses that take you where you want to go. Plus, there’s a new rail trail for walkers that runs beside the bike lane.”

Single-family lot sizes are larger in Leucadia than in some denser beach towns, and homes range from 1,100 to 6,000 square feet or more. You’ll see a diverse mix of styles, including a few manufactured home communities. Throughout the balance of Leucadia, you can find town houses in Sea Crest, remodeled midcentury ranch styles in abundance averaging $2.5 million, and a multitude of massive ocean-view mansions for $3 million on up.

Leucadia is also home to Neptune Avenue, considered Encinitas’ most high-end address. Custom stunners here can ask in the double-digit millions and have private stairs from the blufftop to the beach. Milton adds, “Neptune is quite the looky-loo street for those who want to just drive through and marvel at the gorgeous homes. So, although Neptune is a one-way street, I wouldn’t call it private.” If you prefer new construction near golf greens, a former agricultural property is being redeveloped to offer homes with modern farmhouse style.

Milton adds, “Leucadia is in an absolutely fantastic school district, with some of the top schools in the state.” Elementary public-school students may start at Paul Ecke-Central or Capri, and head to Digueno Middle School which earns an A grade from Niche. Older students move on to La Costa Canyon High, which earns Niche’s highest A+ grade.

For inland recreation, locals bike or walk to the sand volleyball court, playground, basketball courts and covered picnic tables in Leucadia Oaks Park. In 2021, Leucadia added the colorful 3-acre Olympus Park, equipped with whimsical play structures, a dog park, sport courts, a zipline area, skate park, and a pump track for bikes and scooters. Just east of the community, golfers tee off at the 18-hole Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, where tournaments enjoy an ocean vista. Leucadia continues to add crosswalks and share-paths along the Coastal Highway in keeping with its pedestrian-friendly nature. Milton adds, “If you come from Europe, San Fran, Seattle, or anywhere you’re used to walking to the park with your kids, walking to breakfast, or walking to go play pickleball, it’s all right here in Leucadia. And the beach is literally blocks from your front door.”

Known as Leucadia 101 Mainstreet, the main Coast Highway is where you’ll find a cornucopia of destinations, festivals, artwalks and eateries. You’re never short on ideas for dates and outings on the 101, where cuisine ranges from Asian to Mexican to Mediterranean, and cafés offer chic, sunny spaces to dine al fresco. Solterra Winery is popular for small plates and wines on tap, and the Regal Seagull Ale House draws everyone who loves a great brat-and-beer combo. At Fish 101, a husband-and-wife chef team create local seafood specialties. Find your caffeine or pastry bliss at Coffee Coffee – a hip spot with outdoor seating where beans are roasted on site — or Pannikin Coffee and Tea, a longstanding choice for gourmet goodies. And coming soon to your Leucadia neighborhood, Tony Hawk is teaming with Chef Andrew Bachelier to launch Chick & Hawk — a “fast-fine” concept — where delights include their signature Birdman sandwich and local oysters.

Natural and organic groceries abound at the Leucadia Farmers Market, held Sundays in the Paul Ecke Central Elementary parking lot. Says Milton, “My favorite thing to find at the Farmers Market are all the authentic homemade seasonings and salsas. And Morning Star Ranch makes these fabulous green drinks using everything right off their farm.” When you cross the freeway, says Milton, “Just a half-mile inland you can find every store you’d ever need, including Trader Joe’s, Sprouts and Vons.” Overflowing with charm, ease and eclectic go-tos, Leucadia offers a pleasant lifestyle near the sea.

Written By

Lia Girard

Photography Contributed By

Matt Brown

Video By

Francesco Basti