$1,159,057Average Value$742Average 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.”
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
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 69 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 $912,000, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Cute 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom home set on a larger lot with the privacy and charm to be the ideal setting to raise a family. Or, it provides added flexibility to be a short term rental since it holds a vacation rental license with proven income potential. Situated on a spacious lot with a newly installed perimeter fence, this thoughtfully updated 1982 home features an open-concept kitchen that flows
Set in a unique enclave of 18 homes, 3171 Rogers offers panoramic ocean views over Santa Rosa Creek, from virtually all of the 2,700+ sq ft, 3 bed/3 bath home on almost 1/4 acre site! A formal entry greets you, leading to the 5’ wide shallow step stairway up to the main floor. Here you will find a 20’ X 22’ X 10’ high ceilings living room with massive windows to take in the Ocean Views right down
Nestled on a desirable corner lot atop Park Hill, this beautifully maintained single-level home offers the perfect blend of comfort and coastal charm. Just three blocks from the trailhead to Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, it’s ideally located for enjoying scenic walks and ocean views. Lovingly cared for—affectionately known by the owner as “the white dove”—the home features thoughtfully upgraded
Dreaming of a rustic retreat where white-water ocean views meet the quiet beauty of forested hills? Residing on one of Cambria’s most sought-after streets, this shingle-clad cottage feels like a cabin retreat with coastal beauty beyond every window! Inside, vaulted wood ceilings and a classic brick fireplace create a warm atmosphere, while wide picture windows frame sweeping vistas of sea and
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
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
MOTIVATED SELLER! Over an acre in one of Cambria’s best neighborhoods. In an area of stunning high-end homes, this level lot offers a rare combination of privacy and convenience. Just a short stroll to iconic Moonstone Beach and minutes from the charm of downtown Cambria, this flat parcel enjoys the serenity of coastal living in an area known for its refined homes, natural beauty, and relaxed
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
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
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
This elegant Italian Villa, ”Bellangelo,” overlooking Moonstone Beach in Cambria is a jewel in craftsmanship and location. This spectacular villa was designed for ocean views and is situated on a south facing, street to street parcel optimized for incredible weather. Designed by famed architect John O’Neil of Laguna Beach and built by Tony Peters, many materials were sourced from Italy and
This Absolutely Charming, single level, Happy Hill home is full of desirable features. First and foremost, it is a single level home with an ocean view from both the interior and the front garden! Secondly, it has a vacation rental license plus there is a main house and a guest cottage. The main house has an open floor plan with a 31,000 BTU gas free standing fireplace in one corner of the living
Nestled on a corner lot on the Marine Terrace, this substantial home offers an incredible spacious living experience. The home boasts light-filled rooms with vaulted ceilings and numerous view windows creating a flowing open floor plan with ocean views. The 120 foot long estate size lot allows for generous room sizes, while still allowing for outdoor gardens and patios. The living areas are
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
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