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Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach

Neighborhood Reviews
4.1
$1,392,898 Average Value
$1,178 Average Price per Sq Ft
10 Homes For Sale

Keeping the beach town spirit alive

Bordered north by the San Diego River and west by the Pacific, Ocean Beach (known locally as "OB") has been attracting a young, free-spirited crowd since the 1920s. The neighborhood’s namesake pier – the longest in SoCal – draws plenty of visitors, but it's the residents here, both longtime and new, who give OB its low-key, surf-culture vibe; neighbors gather at weekly drum circles and shop at mom-and-pop stores along Newport Avenue. “OB is really a great beach life," says CC Summerfield, local resident and Realtor with eXp Realty of California, Inc. "As a local, we say you really don’t have to go outside your bubble; you have all you need without having to go anywhere else. It’s a supportive community where neighbors care deeply about preserving OB’s laid-back charm.”

An elevated view of Ocean Beach looking north.
An elevated view of Ocean Beach looking north.
Palm trees line the main drag of Ocean Beach at Newport Ave.
Palm trees line the main drag of Ocean Beach at Newport Ave.
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Home to one of the first dog-friendly beaches in the county

Just north of the neighborhood, pets are free to roam the shores off-leash at the aptly named Dog Beach. As of Spring 2024, it’s advised that dogs and their owners stay clear of the ocean water due to bacteria, but the sand remains safe for play. From Dog Beach, residents can walk to the sprawling Robb Field complex on Bacon Street and visit the 40,000-square-foot skate park, basketball and tennis courts. Little ones will enjoy the small tot lot on Eber Street, or the playground at Dusty Rhodes Park just across the street on Santa Monica Avenue.

Dog Beach is located in Ocean Beach and is a place where pups can play in the surf.
Dog Beach is located in Ocean Beach and is a place where pups can play in the surf.
A couple enjoys lunch at the boardwalk at Ocean Beach.
A couple enjoys lunch at the boardwalk at Ocean Beach.
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The beach as a backyard

Since Ocean Beach was first developed in the late 1880s, homes here are older, built between the 1920s and ‘40s. Craftsman bungalows surrounded by classic white-picket fences are often painted in coastal colors like off-white, shell gray and sky blue. Generally, homes that sit closer to the shore come at a higher price point, ranging between $2 and $4 million. For those seeking more modest options, small one-bedroom condos and townhomes are priced between $700,000 and $1.2 million.

Lounge out on the rocks near Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach.
Lounge out on the rocks near Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach.
A stroll along Ocean Beach leads to the edge of Sunset cliffs.
A stroll along Ocean Beach leads to the edge of Sunset cliffs.
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An avenue of beloved local businesses

Three lively, colorful blocks of the central Newport Avenue are lined with eclectic boutiques and restaurants. Residents can grab a bite with an ocean view at spots like South Beach Bar & Grille, stock up on groceries at Krisp Beverages + Natural Foods or shop for swimsuits at Breeza Beachwear. Peace Pies Raw Food Café creates raw vegan takes on international dishes, while Plant Power serves up plant-based fast-food favorites like burgers, fries and “chicken” nuggets. Ocean Beach People’s Food Co-Op on Voltaire is a local favorite for organic produce and bulk shopping.

Since 1992, residents have been gathering at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market to shop for fresh produce, support local vendors and taste international cuisine. “I think it’s the best farmers market in all of San Diego,” says Danny Gibbel, Encinitas-based Realtor with Swell Property. “They have every type of food you can imagine there.” Each Wednesday, locals gather on Newport Avenue for Ocean Beach Drum Circle & Fire Dancing. Hundreds of locals gather for this weekly community tradition that celebrates art, music and togetherness.

The Ocean Beach Farmers Market provides a unique community experience.
The Ocean Beach Farmers Market provides a unique community experience.
Food is prepared fresh and, at times, melty.
Food is prepared fresh and, at times, melty.
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Special clubs for Point Loma Students

Public schools in Ocean Beach are zoned within the San Diego Unified district, which earns an overall A from Niche. Students might start out at the A-rated Ocean Beach Elementary, then advance to the A-minus rated Correia Middle. The A-minus rated Point Loma High offers over 40 student interest groups, including Poetry Society, Teens Against Prejudice and Snowboard Club.

An entrance view to Point Loma High.
An entrance view to Point Loma High.
Ocean Beach Elementary Provides an Education as well as a Great Location.
Ocean Beach Elementary Provides an Education as well as a Great Location.
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Get to Downtown or Old Town on the MTS

Interstate 8 runs east of Ocean Beach, leading 7 miles to Downtown San Diego and Scripps Mercy Hospital. Neighborhood streets are laid out on a grid, with major thoroughfare Sunset Cliffs Boulevard running north-south through the middle of town. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has several stops along Cable Street; Route 35 leads downtown, while Route 923 travels to Old Town. San Diego International Airport is 4 miles away.

MTS Service allows Ocean Beach residents to catch a Padres game without driving.
MTS Service allows Ocean Beach residents to catch a Padres game without driving.
Downtown San Diego is about 15 minutes via car from Ocean Beach.
Downtown San Diego is about 15 minutes via car from Ocean Beach.
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Braxton Chea
Written By
Braxton Chea
Stephen Cammell
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Cammell
Peter Medawar
Video By
Peter Medawar

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Diego International

10 min drive

Bus

Sunset Cliffs Bl & Pescadero Av

Bus

Cable St & Narragansett Av

Bus

Point Loma Av & Sunset Cliffs Bl

Bus

Cable St & Brighton Av

Bus

Orchard Av & Ebers St

Bus

Cable St & Newport Av

Bus

Voltaire St & Sunset Cliffs Bl

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.1 27 Reviews
4.0 Current Resident
7/10/2018 Niche Review
Amazing conscious minded neighbors. There are good and bad parts of anywhere in the world. The downside of Ocean Beach is the population of homeless people who just do drugs and drink, most of them friendly but they are abundant. Outside of that it is an amazing conscious minded place to grow and find pieces of not only yourself but answers to this matrix we inhabit as well.
5.0 Current Resident
3/10/2018 Niche Review
I have lived here all my life and I love it! It has a lovely little town with lots of cute shops and restaurants. My school experience has been really good.
5.0 Current Resident
7/6/2019 Niche Review
Wonderful neighborhood but very expensive to live in. Also a surprising amount of crime (mostly theft).
4.0 Niche User
6/6/2016 Niche Review
Crime is very low where I live, there are a lot of homeless people but not much crime! I feel very safe and police are visible!
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Ocean Beach Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$1,295,000
Median Sale Price
$1,160,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,551,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$2,095,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$782,500
Median Studio Sale Price
$450,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
51
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
6%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,178

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,529
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Median Year Built
1955
Months of Supply
2.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,203
Significantly below the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,521
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,023
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
648
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
416
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,484

Open Houses

  • Friday, Sep 19
    3 - 6pm

    4611 Santa Cruz Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

    $3,250,000

    • 6 Beds
    • 6 Baths
    • 3,782 Sq Ft
    • 4611 Santa Cruz Ave
    • New 5 days ago

    Spectacular home could be a primary residence or an amazing second home with bonus rental income! There is no restriction on obtaining a short term rental license. Income could be more than $250k/yr!! Perched above the coastline with commanding, unobstructed views of the Pacific, this is the beach retreat you’ve been waiting for. From sunrise to sunset, the ever-changing canvas of ocean blues,

    Max Folkers RE/MAX Pacific

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  • Thursday, Sep 18
    3:30 - 6pm

    4985 Coronado Ave Unit 2, San Diego, CA 92107

    $2,275,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,509 Sq Ft
    • 4985 Coronado Ave
    • Unit 2
    • New 15 days ago

    Prestigious Sunset Cliffs – A Truly Rare, Once In A Lifetime, Oceanfront Opportunity! Experience Spectacular Panoramic Ocean Views directly from your Living Room, Dining Room and Primary Suite. Enjoy Breathtaking Sunsets and relax to the soothing sound of the Ocean Waves. This Exceptional Residence features TWO Main Bedroom Suites, each with a Private Balcony ! The Main Primary Suite offers a

    Phyllis Stokes Coldwell Banker Realty

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  • Saturday, Sep 20
    1 - 3pm

    4727 Pescadero Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

    $1,975,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,900 Sq Ft
    • 4727 Pescadero Ave
    • New 20 days ago

    Your dream life starts here—just blocks from the surf and Sunset Cliffs! Wake up to ocean breezes, take morning walks along the cliffs, and end your day with magical sunsets from your own view deck. This spacious coastal home sits in a highly desirable, walkable neighborhood and offers the perfect blend of comfort and lifestyle. With multiple indoor/outdoor living spaces, it’s ideal for relaxing,

    Rosamaria Acuña Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
12,156
Median Age
38
Population Density
19 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.2%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$88,453
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$110,720

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97%
College Graduates
58.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.8%
% Population in Labor Force
79.1%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
9''
Average Winter Low Temperature
51°F
Average Summer High Temperature
78°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

67 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

90 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

33 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Ocean Beach