$1,187,321Average Value$763Average Price per Sq Ft48Homes 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.”
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Cambria Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Cambria, Morro Bay sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Cambria, Morro Bay over the last 12 months is $999,500, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nature, nature, nature! If you love to be amongst the trees and an abundance of wildlife and savor your privacy along with peace and quiet, then this is it. With some of the finest neighbors around, this wonderful home is located in the sought-after Leimert development where every house was built on a minimum of one acre. The microclimate on Kathryn Drive tends to enjoy sunnier days and fewer
Stunning home with beautifully renovated interior and exterior, offering breathtaking ocean views and a modern coastal feel. The versatile floor plan features two bedrooms and one bathroom on the main level. Upstairs includes an additional bedroom, a bonus room, and a full bathroom. The bonus room showcases ocean views, a private deck, a wood-burning stove, and a closet, making it an ideal fourth
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
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
CHARMING COTTAGE IN THE WOODS — WITH A VACATION RENTAL LICENSE! Capture the Central Coast lifestyle at 1361 Haddon, a turnkey, move-in ready 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom cottage nestled among mature oak and pine trees in the beautiful coastal town of Cambria. Positioned with a short-term vacation rental license, this charming retreat offers the flexibility to generate income, serve as a second home, or
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
Let me take you on a whimsical journey to a house tucked under towering redwoods and meandering oak trees. It’s a home you’ve probably admired and wondered, “What kind of interesting person lives there?” This is no cookie cutter home, after all it is in Cambria. It is an abode created by letting the land dictate its path and finding solace among the trees. Inside you will find angled wood
Enjoy beautiful ocean views and comfortable coastal living in this thoughtfully updated three-bedroom, two-bath home. Ideally located within walking distance of Moonstone Beach and the shops, restaurants, and amenities of Cambria’s charming West Village. The main living level offers a warm and inviting layout with a comfortable living area featuring a fireplace, a well-appointed kitchen,
Primary premier Castle Cottages park locale facing an amazing nature preserve and tree line view, overlooking Santa Rosa creek; 2br 2ba 1135 sq ft manufactured home. The large great room with fireplace/ kitchen offers abundant windows illuminating a convenient kitchen island and an open floor plan with a seamless transition to the tree lined view of meadows and the protected sanctuary of
Gentle sloping vacant lot. No water position. Transfer your water wait list position or grandfathered water rights to this tree-studded lot. Call your local Realtor for more info.
Seize the chance to own a piece of California’s scenic Central Coast with this 7,100 sq. ft. double corner lot located on London Lane in the charming town of Cambria. Nestled in the desirable Lodge Hill neighborhood, this parcel (APN# 024-312-029) sits on a quiet, paved road with forest and mountain views all around, offering both natural beauty and long-term investment potential. The lot
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.
1950 Oxford is a beautiful Marine Terrace ocean view home offering stunning views, a versatile floor plan, and the peaceful beauty of one of Cambria’s most desirable neighborhoods. Two bedrooms and a full bath on the main entry level provide exceptional single-level living, with an additional spacious bedroom suite and flexible living space upstairs. Remodeled within the past decade and
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.
Charming 1960s bungalow on Happy Hill, ideally located just east of Moonstone Beach and within easy walking distance of Cambria’s West Village. This single-level, 1,353-square-foot home offers two bedrooms and one bathroom, with a comfortable, inviting layout and plenty of original character.The living room features wood-paneled walls, a wood-burning stove, and a large picture window
Stephanie RowlesBarnes and Associates Realty, Inc.
*A True Cambria Treehouse Retreat!**Designed by a bridge designer and beautifully crafted with steel and concrete, this soulful 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is tucked among towering Monterey pines, eucalyptus trees and abundant wildlife, creating a private retreat that feels reminiscent of a Big Sur lodge. From the moment you step into the entry foyer, you’ll sense that this is a home designed to
Stephanie RowlesBarnes and Associates Realty, Inc.
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