$1,691,254Average Value$1,066Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Charming Southern California beach town with easy freeway access and local vibe
Less than 2 miles from lively Downtown Oceanside, walkable South Oceanside — affectionately dubbed "South O" — has its own blend of hip coastal charm. The coastline offers narrow slices of uncrowded beachfront, and two major commuting freeways converge within less than a mile drive of most homes. At its heart is an eclectic menagerie of coffee shops, boutiques and cafes along Coast Highway, and around its southernmost end, locals explore the only freshwater lagoon in Southern California. "I describe South Oceanside as having an unpretentious beach town vibe," says Patrick Boyle, Realtor and property manager with Premier Real Estate, who's been selling homes in the area since 1986. "Over the years it's become very culturally diverse, with a good amount of Coast Highway restaurants and bars, but it's not as pricey as Carlsbad or Encinitas. Everyone's out biking, and it feels really laid back. You see a lot of surfboards in yards and surfboard mailboxes."
Large custom homes line the rocky beach in South Oceanside.
The Buccaneer Cafe is a hot spot for locals to grab a coffee of food in South Oceanside.
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Pleasant weather for biking the Coastal Trail or hiking Buena Vista Lagoon
Pleasant weather and South O go hand in hand, so outdoor recreation is a natural part of the lifestyle. "People come here from Arizona, Nevada, Texas and places to the east where summers are brutal and getting worse," says Boyle. "They want to get away from the heat and get close to the ocean. Our summers here might go up to 77 and winters down to 50, so it's very temperate, like a Mediterranean climate." Several mini beaches skirt a craggy shoreline, including South Oceanside and Cassidy to the south and Buccaneer to the north. "The reality is there isn't much beach left in South Oceanside because when Camp Pendleton was created, that big jetty complex slowed the natural flow of sand to the south beaches," Boyle explains. "So, at high tide, there's really only rocks. But as you head up to Buccaneer, there's a sandy cove. And you can bike on sections of the Coastal Trail from South Oceanside to wider beaches farther north." Across the street from Buccaneer Beach, its namesake park includes a basketball court, plenty of green space and a playground. For a different waterfront perspective, nature lovers and birdwatchers stroll the trails around the 350-acre Buena Vista Lagoon.
The Buena Vista Lagoon and Nature Center.
Homes in South Oceanside CA come in a variety of colors and sizes along the ocean side.
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Hip Freeman Collective and brunch at Beach Break Cafe
Much of the area's shops and restaurants are along the Coast Highway thoroughfare, but one of the neighborhood's highlights is Freeman Collective on Vista Way. This adaptive reuse project transformed two classic 1950s coastal buildings into a social destination that houses a brewery, ice cream parlor, bakery, burger bar and pizza restaurant. Blackmarket Bakery in the collective specializes in scratch-made scones and cakes and has a lineup of breakfast and lunch items that are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free. On Coast Highway, Heritage Brewery & BBQ is a top pick for craft beer and brisket, and Beach Break Café serves a popular weekend brunch. For cooking at home, there's Cream of the Crop natural food market in the neighborhood and a host of retail plazas just a few miles east on Vista Way where locals can shop Trader Joe's and WinCo Foods. "Most places in South Oceanside aren't like the kind you find in strip malls or at North County Mall nearby," says Boyle. "They're more little local places, run by locals." Treasure hunters peruse a quirky collection of vintage goods at Sea Hive Marketplace.
The new Blackmarket Bakery Oceanside has everyone talking about their baked goods.
The Beach Break Cafe is a popular place for locals to eat brunch in South Oceanside.
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Mostly midcentury, from mobile to mansions
"A lot of the homes are older single stories built in the '60s," says Boyle. "And they used to be inexpensive. But ever since about 15 years ago, when people started buying and fixing them up, prices have gotten healthier. But the appeal is still the affordability compared to similar homes in Carlsbad, Encinitas and other cities to the south." Residential options range from condos and compact mobile to custom multi-million-dollar homes. Depending on age and condition, manufactured homes in 55-plus communities are priced between $180,000 and $530,000. Condos overlooking the ocean or lagoon ask from $1.7 million to $2.6 million. Townhouses range from $820,000 for 1980s stucco two-stories to $1.4 million for contemporary 2019 three-stories with rooftop panoramic views. Single-family midcentury ranch-style homes start around $1.4 million and can go as high as $4.7 million for beachfront houses built in the 2010s. On the southern end of the neighborhood is St. Malo, a coveted private, guard-gated community with a private beach club. St. Malo's midcentury homes incorporate Tudor-style timbering to evoke the charm of coastal chateaus in Normandy, France. Homes rarely sell in St. Malo, and an open buildable lot can fetch $2.75 million. Many of South O's homes sit close together, and a mix of live oaks and towering palms thrive in yards landscaped with succulents, cacti and ornamental grasses. Cars are careful to share roadways with bikes, and most streets offer sidewalks on at least one side. Along the coast, painted bike lanes and an elevated sidewalk invite long runs and rides.
This midcentury home has been renovated to its formal glory in South Oceanside.
Overview of homes in South Oceanside CA with the beautiful landscapes in the background.
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New restrictions on rental homes
Vacation rentals make up more than half of all overnight accommodations in Oceanside, which has been an issue of concern in the area for years. In early 2024, Oceanside City Council established new short-term rental rules prohibiting advertising rentals with more than five bedrooms or renting to more than 14 guests. There's also a noise ordinance between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. Homebuyers should work with their Realtor to understand applicable zoning and STR rules.
There are midcentury homes that sit along an elevated walkway just east of the beach.
The beach walk in South Oceanside has homes that sit up higher and have a view of the ocean.
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B-grade Oceanside High offers MiraCosta College dual enrollment
South O's public elementary, middle and high schools all earn a B grade on Niche. Kids can walk to South Oceanside Elementary in the neighborhood. Middle schoolers advance to Lincoln before heading to Oceanside High. Oceanside High offers dual enrollment classes in conjunction with MiraCosta College and Career and Technical Education pathways for environmental science and engineering, and digital media and design.
Convenient to major freeways, Coaster commuter rail, and SPRINTER train
Three major roads east of the waterfront South Pacific Street characterize South Oceanside. "Coast Highway is the main drag along the ocean," says Boyle, "and then Vista Way heads east-west connecting with 78 into Vista and Escondido. Then you also have quick access to the 5 north and south. So, it's a great neighborhood for commuting down to San Diego or north to LA for work." Getting out of town on public transit is also easy. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner train runs from San Diego to San Luis Obispo several times a day, with stops in Oceanside. The Coaster commuter train offers 30 trips daily and more on the weekends between Oceanside and San Diego. The SPRINTER train, which offers passes from one-way to monthly, heads to Escondido from the Oceanside Transit Center just north of South O. The Metrolink also heads north from the transit center to Los Angeles and San Bernadino. Bikers can travel sections of the paved Coastal Rail Trail away from traffic. When all sections open, the trail will run 44 miles to San Diego right along the Coaster commuter railway.
Oceanside Longboard Contest at the pier
Every August since the 1980s, the annual Oceanside Longboard Contest has been drawing thousands to the Oceanside Pier and Amphitheater, just 2 miles north of South O.
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
Are you familiar with the South Oceanside neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Oceanside
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South Oceanside Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Oceanside, Oceanside sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in South Oceanside, Oceanside over the last 12 months is $1,521,500, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME Beachfront Opportunity-100 Feet of Oceanfront Living! Welcome to your dream estate--pristine beachfront, over 6,700 sq ft of living space & a 16,000+ sq ft lot designed for ultimate relaxation & entertainment. This rare oceanfront property features 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms & three full kitchens—one on each level—making it ideal for multi-generational living or large-scale
Soak in ocean breezes and sweeping coastal views from your private rooftop patio in this beautifully maintained 2-bed, 2-bath home located in the desirable 55+ community of La Salina Mobile Village. Inside, you’ll find a light-filled interior with warm natural wood flooring, a spacious living area perfect for entertaining, and a well-appointed kitchen offering abundant storage. The primary suite
Experience the epitome of coastal luxury with this spectacular 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath townhome located west of I-5 and only a couple blocks to the beach! Situated in a coveted corner location, this property offers sweeping panoramic ocean views from its expansive rooftop deck—no need to look over other decks to take in the stunning coastline! Enjoy breathtaking sunsets as well as the surrounding
Endless Summer! Unparalleled South Oceanside beach property on South Pacific with boundless ocean and sunset views just steps to the sand. You will be immersed in a sensory experience with the sound, scent, and expansive sight of the ocean before you. This thoughtful, tranquil, newly renovated beach escape offers spaces unlike any you have seen, including four villas with private entrances,
A rare opportunity to create a new legacy at a historic playground once reserved for the elite few. Perfectly poised to frame enchanting ocean views, Lot 79 is located on the lagoon w/ a private sandy beach in the sought-after St. Malo gated community. This 8,037SQFT prime lot belongs to a third-generation St. Malo family, whose grandfather was the master architect of this seaside sanctuary.
Endless Summer! Unparalleled South Oceanside beach property on South Pacific with boundless ocean and sunset views just steps to the sand. You will be immersed in a sensory experience with the sound, scent, and expansive sight of the ocean before you. This thoughtful, tranquil, newly renovated beach escape offers spaces unlike any you have seen, including four villas with private entrances,
Welcome to your next chapter in this stunning coastal home! Located in a ALL AGES park. LOW SPACE RENT: $503 - RENT CONTROL!! LOW PROPERTY TAXES!! MINUTES TO OCEANSIDE BEACHES! Every detail thoughtfully designed to exude modern touches. Step inside and discover a bright NEW remodeled chef-ready kitchen featuring gleaming quartz countertops, sleek white cabinetry, all NEW stainless steel
"Rare South O Layout with Private Upstairs Retreat: Four Bedrooms, Two Car Garage... Minutes to the Sand!" WHAT WE LOVE: South Oceanside can sometimes come with tradeoffs. Small lot. Street parking. Tight floorplans. Not here. You get real curb appeal with natural grass, mature palm trees, fresh mulch, a full driveway, and an attached two car garage, which is rare this close to the coast. There’s
OPEN HOUSE THIS SATURDAY: 2/21 11AM-2PM Welcome to this beautifully remodeled and move-in ready manufactured home in Oceanside, located in a rare all-ages, rent-controlled community with low space rent of approximately $500 per month. This home offers an excellent opportunity for affordable coastal living just minutes from the beach. The home features a complete interior remodel with modern
Live the South Oceanside lifestyle the way it’s meant to be — close to the beach, your favorite coffee shop, and the laid-back energy that makes this neighborhood so magnetic. This spacious 2,716 sq ft home features 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths and lives like a detached residence. What truly sets it apart is the flexibility: with two separate entrances and laundry on both levels, the upstairs and
Don’t miss this rare opportunity in one of the most exciting and tightly held coastal enclaves in San Diego County. This South Oceanside beach bungalow is uniquely situated within a highly limited pocket bordered by Buccaneer Park, the prestigious St. Malo neighborhood, Pacific Terrace with the Pacific Ocean just beyond, and the vibrant South Oceanside 101 corridor—creating a naturally defined
Incredible OCEAN VIEWS and a Private ROOFTOP DECK - RARE 5Bed/4Ba end unit, 2,556 sq ft. 2 Car Garage with LARGE private expansive rooftop deck with SUNSET views. Special financing (1st yr approx 3.4% interest rate) is possible on this home. Seller will consider Option to purchase completely furnished. 2018 construction, located in highly sought-after Vista Del Mar community off Pacific Coast
Live steps from the beach in this gated Oceanside community with ocean views and modern updates. Enjoy onsite parking, gym, pool, hot tub, sauna, and onsite laundry. Just off the 101, near restaurants, schools, and freeway access. Classic charm meets modern living—renovations underway!
2BD 2BA duplex unit , stainless steel kitchen appliances, dimmable recessed lighting. Wood & laminate flooring throughout the unit. Kitchen with granite counter tops, side by side refrigerator, ice maker, self-cleaning gas stove, dishwasher, garbage disposer, and microwave oven. Walking distance to beach, market, shops, and restaurants on 101 with easy freeway access. Short drive to Carlsbad
Property Id: 2349933Single level three bedroom, two bathroom home in the heart of South Oceanside, West of Hwy 5. This property offers the kind of character and comfort that is getting harder to find. Hardwood floors, natural light throughout, detached garage with separate workshop or office space, fruit trees in the private backyard ready for you to create a calm and inviting
Furnished ADU in South Oceanside on the west side of freeway. Access to pool and laundry and offstreet parking for one vehicle. All utilities are included in rent. Small pet with owner approval. Kitchen has utensils, microwave and refridgerator - no stove. Exact measurements unknown. There are stairs up to the unit.
Property Id: 1652918Fully Furnished RentalLow Season Monthly: $14,000 OR $650/night | High Season: $850/nightCheck availability at / Call Jodi at Experience stunning Pacific Ocean views at this spacious 2,761 SF home with 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from the rooftop deck with spa, lounging area, and dining bar. The private courtyard is ideal for
Live the South O lifestyle! Beautiful light and bright home with amazing rooftop deck overlooking South Oceanside and views of the Pacific Ocean. This highly updated and well cared for home built in 2018 has all the amenities you'd expect in a newer construction home including high end appliances and quartz countertops. The open concept floorplan with expansive kitchen island is a great place to
Furnished beach rental with perfect location!! Walking distance to Carlsbad Village and beaches (about 1 mile) and about 2 miles to Oceanside pier beaches and downtown. The property sits directly on the Buena Vista lagoon with your own private retreat to watch the birds come and go (a California estuary). It is a very spacious 2 bedroom with nearly 1800 SF all on the the one level, ground floor.
Fully Furnished Rental Low Season Monthly - $14,000 (three month max) $650/night High Season $850/night Check VacationHomesbyJodi.com for Availability or Call Jodi 619-203-5838 Indulge in the breathtaking Pacific Ocean views at this spacious 2,761 SF home featuring 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. With stunning ocean views from every level, including the rooftop deck with a spa, lounging area and
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