$1,178,639Average Value$745Average Price per Sq Ft50Homes For Sale
Peaceful living between the Pacific and Monterrey pines
Home to one of the world's only remaining native stands of Monterey pine trees, the coastal village of Cambria in northern San Luis Obispo County feels far removed from other Central Coast beach communities. “It reminds me of Lake Tahoe,” says Central Coast resident Susie Brans, a broker associate with Richardson Sotheby’s International Realty. “It very much feels like you’re in a mountain town. It’s nothing like anything else around here.” According to longtime area resident Jennifer Lawson, a Realtor with Re/Max Pines by the Sea, buyers who are relocating to Cambria are looking for quiet, peaceful living with a scenic backdrop and a sense of isolation from city life. “It takes a peculiar person to want to live here full time,” she says. “You don’t want to be somebody who likes to shop at a mall — we don’t have malls here. We have some small stores and some sweet little boutiques. If you want to go to Costco, the closest one is 45 minutes away. If you want to go to the movies, you have to travel. But if you want to make it, the drive is beautiful.”
This house in Cambria, located near Hwy 1, mimics the style of coastal homes in the area.
The vibrant flowers throughout Cambria bring an elegant charm to the neighborhood.
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Moonstone Beach plus hiking trails at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and Hearst San Simeon State Park
Known for its dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean, Cambria’s Moonstone Beach is also a popular local surf spot. The mile-long boardwalk allows residents to enjoy the salty air while scouting for sea otters, whales and dolphins off the coast, and some mornings, harbor seals can be found sunbathing on the sand. Locals frequently scour Moonstone Beach for smooth, tumbled “moonstones” (which are actually a clear quartz called chalcedony), and beachcombers can also find smooth pebbles of jade, jasper and agate. Immediately adjacent to the main beach, the 6-acre Shamel Park also offers beach access, plus a playground, a barbeque area and a heated swimming pool. Just south of there, the 430-acre Fiscalini Ranch Preserve has a network of 17 short hiking trails, including the popular Bluff Trail, which spans a mile along the steep coastal cliffs. “It’s perfect for an afternoon walk if it’s not too windy or too cloudy,” says longtime Central Coast resident Cody Chavez. Several of the trails allow bikes and horses, and several are also ADA accessible. "I go there at least once a week to decompress,” Lawson says. On Cambria’s north end, Hearst San Simeon State Park has a 3.3-mile hiking trail with scenic coastal overlooks, and a 14-acre archaeological site dating back nearly 6,000 years.
Coveted water views and water meters
Most homes here were built between the mid-20th century and the early 21st century, and are usually two or three stories; many are poised above the beach, to maximize their ocean views. “There’s a lot of funky, multi-level homes built on the hillside,” Lawson says. “There are some spec homes here, but for the most part, every house is so different. You might have this beautiful Mediterranean-style home, and then next door is a cute little cabin. One house might be several million dollars, the one next to it might need a lot of work.” According to Lawson, Cambria’s median home sale price is around $1 million, and real estate here tends to be more affordable than other nearby coastal towns, particularly Cayucos. “If people get priced out of Cayucos or Carmel, they come here,” she says. Modest single-family homes start at around $500,000 and range to about $900,000, while homes with 2,000 to 3,000 square feet range from $1 to $2 million. Custom estates with about 3,000 to 4,000 square feet and acre-sized lots go for anywhere from $2 million to $2.5 million. Small oceanfront fixer-uppers can be found for less than $1.5 million, but most waterfront properties start closer to $2 million, and those with 3,000 square feet and luxury upgrades can cost upwards of $4 million. Modest manufactured homes in the Oak Terrace mobile home park start around $300,000, while luxury manufactured homes in the 55-and-older Castle Cottages can go for nearly $1 million. There are also many open lots for sale, but buyers will have difficulty developing them. “We have a lot of vacant lots but no water, so the Coastal Commission isn't allowing any building,” Lawson says. In 1986, following an extensive drought, Cambria created a waitlist for new residential water connections; in 1990, this waitlist was closed to new applications. In 2001, the Cambria Community Services District declared a water emergency and issued a building moratorium that's still in effect today, effectively ceasing all residential development in Cambria with very few limited exceptions. “The water meters are extremely valuable in Cambria because you can transfer them to another property,” says area resident Kim Conti DeGroot, principal broker and owner at Kimberly's Global Real Estate, adding that she can't recall a new one being issued in the 25 years she has been in real estate. "There are vacant lots that are 500th or 600th in line to get water,” says area resident Tim Townley, a Realtor with Comet Realty. “People buy lots with lower numbers to move ahead in line, but before you would even get a shovel in the ground, it’s probably $35,000 to $40,000 just in permits.”
In Cambria, you'll find housing choices ranging from beachfront homes to luxurious estates.
Experience the soothing sound of waves crashing while you shop for oceanfront homes.
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Locally owned eateries and mom-and-pop shops span Cambria’s East and West Villages
Cambria’s main shopping and dining district spans along Main Street, which is divided into two separate, walkable areas: the East Village and the West Village. "It's so cute here in town,” Lawson says. “There are no chains or franchises here, so you can’t go to Starbucks. It’s all local businesses, so it’s very niche, for sure.”
In the West Village, Cambria Coffee Company is a favorite for house-roasted beans and specialty espresso drinks, while Madeline’s Restaurant & Wine Cellar serves French-inspired cuisine alongside local wines. Home Arts sells locally crafted art and home decor, and New Moon Boutique specializes in women’s clothing and accessories. In the East Village, Robin’s serves global fare made from locally sourced ingredients in the outdoor garden area, while the cozy Linn’s is a community staple for county-style comfort food and fresh baked goods. “They make the best pies, they’re world-famous,” Lawson says. While most restaurants in Cambria are closed by 9 PM, residents can grab a drink at Mozzi’s Saloon until midnight. Antiques on Main is a favorite for vintage finds, while Spellbound Gift Shop & Garden stocks herbs, soaps and incense alongside whimsical garden decor. Both Cookie Crock Market and Soto’s True Earth Market are on Main Street for groceries.
Dine in at Lynn's Restaurant, a local favorite located on Main Street in Cambria.
Robyn's Restaurant in Cambria offers patio dining, perfect for enjoying on a nice day.
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A defined arts scene with local galleries, live music and a performing arts theatre
Cambria’s East and West Village are home to a variety of art galleries and public murals. “Cambria has a little artistic mini culture,” Lawson says. “There are a lot of retired musicians who live here so there’s a lot of live music.” During the summer, Stolo Vineyards & Winery hosts live music on the outdoor lawn on Thursday evenings, while Robin’s has Monday night performances in the garden and The Fireside Lounge at Cambria Pines Lodge has live music every night. On Main Street between the East and West Village, the Cambria Center for the Arts has a large gallery featuring local artwork in a variety of mediums, and the 100-seat theatre stages local and touring plays, musicals and concerts. The center regularly hosts other events, including film screenings, lectures and free youth art classes, as well as the annual Cambria Film Festival each February, an international competition open to short and feature-length independent films of all genres.
Don’t miss the latest mural at the Cambria post office, painted by a local artist.
Cambria's downtown is filled with antique and arts and crafts stores waiting for you to shop.
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Learning in Coast Unified School District
Cambria is served by Coast Unified School District. From kindergarten through fifth grade, students can attend Cambria Grammar School, which receives a C rating from Niche. Santa Lucia Middle is graded with a B-minus, while Coast Union High earns an A-minus and offers several career and technical education courses in fields like animal science, agricultural mechanics and digital media.
Direct access to California’s scenic Highway 1
California Highway 1 runs through Cambria, and residents heading north along this famous route will see some of its most dramatic and scenic coastline views. While Cambria is largely car-dependent, Moonstone Beach Drive and Main Street are lined with San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority bus stops, connecting riders with destinations throughout the county. Adventist Health’s Twin Cities Community Hospital is about 25 miles east in Templeton, and the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is less than 40 miles southeast, with nonstop flights to western U.S. hubs via American, United and Alaska Airlines.
A low crime risk and responsive local fire departments
Cambria's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average score of 4. Cambria scores especially low in violent crime, with 1 out of 10 scores across the board in all categories. The community doesn’t have its own police department, but it does have ambulance services and local firefighters. “We have Cal Fire on the north side and then we have a fire department in the heart of town,” Lawson says. “We’ve had a couple fires, but nothing that’s gotten out of hand, because we have such a great system in place. It’s amazing how quickly they respond.”
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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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Cambria
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Cambria Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Cambria, Morro Bay sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Cambria, Morro Bay over the last 12 months is $950,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 2760 Trenton Avenue in Cambria, a stunning custom home offering 3 bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, and exceptional craftsmanship throughout. Step inside and be captivated by the dramatic floating staircase and elegant waterfall feature overlooking the custom-built sunken living room, complete with a cozy wood-burning fireplace that creates an inviting atmosphere. The home's
Set in a pristine, forested setting, this gorgeous three bedroom, two bath, ~2,300 SF house sits on a street-to-street 12,070 SF lot. The beauty of this property starts outside and heads quickly in and throughout this beautiful home that was completely remodeled a few years back by a local craftsman Chris Corbet. Shall we start with the gourmet kitchen? Stainless steel appliances, beautiful
Just Steps from Moonstone Beach... this exceptional Cambria seaside home offers the best of coastal living! Stroll the scenic boardwalk, search for treasures along the shoreline, or relax and enjoy breathtaking sunsets and natural beauty. The upper level serves as the main living area, where the kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining and living spaces, creating an inviting great room ideal for
Graceful curves, abundant natural light, and Pacific Ocean views define this architecturally distinctive residence in Cambria's coveted Seaclift Estates. Thoughtfully designed to embrace its coastal setting, the home blends sculptural lines, warm wood ceilings, expansive windows, and inviting indoor-outdoor living spaces to create an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. The spacious living room
Rare opportunity to own residential land in the highly sought-after coastal community of Cambria! This parcel on Malvern Ave offers a chance to build your dream home just minutes from the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by the natural beauty and charm Cambria is known for, enjoy coastal breezes, scenic surroundings, and close proximity to Moonstone Beach, local shops, dining, and art galleries. Whether
Nestled in the charming coastal community of Cambria, this 0.09 acre residential lot with APN 023-383-013 on Malvern St presents a fantastic opportunity to own land in a highly desirable location. Surrounded by established homes and nearby properties, the parcel offers a residential setting with the potential for future plans. Whether you're looking to purchase as a long-term investment, hold for
Rare opportunity to own residential land in the highly desirable coastal community of Cambria! This parcel on Malvern Ave offers a chance to build your dream home near the California coastline, surrounded by the natural beauty, charm, and character that make Cambria so special. Enjoy cool coastal breezes, scenic surroundings, and close proximity to Moonstone Beach, local shops, dining, and art
Excellent opportunity to own a residential lot in the highly desirable coastal community of Cambria. This 0.05 acre parcel, APN 023-383-014, is located on Malvern St and is surrounded by established homes and nearby residential properties, offering a neighborhood setting with long-term appeal. Whether you're looking to purchase land as an investment, hold for future appreciation, or explore the
Positioned along a peaceful stretch of Happy Hill, these two adjacent parcels offer stunning ocean views across the pines and rooftops of Cambria. While currently without a water position and not buildable at this time, the land presents a rare chance to secure your spot in one of Cambria’s most desirable neighborhoods. Use it as a long-term hold, a way to protect existing views, or simply to
Welcome to Avon Avenue, where the forest meets the sea. Tucked away on one of Cambria’s most peaceful streets in the Lodge Hill neighborhood, this pine-studded triple lot offers a rare blend of tranquility and convenience. Imagine waking up to the scent of the pines, hearing the ocean just a short mile away, and wandering only four blocks to the stunning Fiscalini Ranch Preserve with its sweeping
A rare offering in Cambria’s desirable Leimert Estates, this level 1.08± acre parcel presents an exceptional opportunity to secure land with grandfathered CCSD water rights and a meter already in the ground. Set among established homes and larger parcels, the property offers a sense of space, privacy, and quiet presence. The usable, level topography provides a versatile canvas for thoughtful
Delightfully unique split-level property in Cambria offering exceptional flexibility for multi-generational living or extended guests. Situated on nearly half an acre with approximately 3,128± sq.ft., this expansive 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home is thoughtfully designed to function much like two homes in one. The original Ardath Drive side living area offers approximately 1,535± sq.ft., while a
Perched in Cambria’s desirable Happy Hill neighborhood, this vacant parcel offers ocean views overlooking the pines and the West Village below. Set on a peaceful stretch near existing homes, the lot receives great sun exposure and captures the essence of Central Coast living. While there is currently no water position and the parcel is not buildable at this time, it presents a rare opportunity to
BIRDSONG RETREAT 1909 Pineridge is a charming, move-in ready 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home set on a sunsplashed hill filled with birdsong tranquility. Positioned with commanding views of the Santa Lucia range, this property offers single-level living on a street-to-street lot. The inviting interior features open-beamed vaulted ceilings create an inviting gathering space in the living room, which
Happy Hill welcomes you! At the intersection of nature and small-town charm, this restful peaceful setting awaits. Find your sanctuary in this open concept floorplan with impressive features. With built-in original generous benches, the sunken living room boasts a fireplace with traditional hearth, expansive vaulted open-beam ceilings, and easy access to a lovely deck with built-in concrete fire
This spacious and beautifully rebuilt home offers modern comfort in a serene, natural setting. Following a 2021 fire, the property was completely reconstructed from the ground up—everything is brand new, from floor to ceiling.Situated on a generous 20,200 sq ft street-to-street lot, the home is surrounded by mature eucalyptus, redwood, and Monterey pine trees, providing exceptional privacy
Stephanie RowlesBarnes and Associates Realty, Inc.
Rental fee includes all utilities and housekeeping twice monthly!! Welcome to one of the most distinctive homes on the Central Coast—a cozy A-frame cabin crafted with natural materials including hardwood, tile, and glass, accented by artistic details at every turn. The centerpiece is the breathtaking ocean view, complemented by additional view corridors from the bedrooms and loft. The layout
Stephanie RowlesBarnes and Associates Realty, Inc.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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