You might recognize Sunset Cliffs from your Instagram feed. It's one of the most photographed locations on the San Diego coast, with its beachside cliffs glowing in the Southern California sun. Behind the camera, sits one of the city's most desired neighborhoods, a laid-back residential community with some of the best ocean views in San Diego.
When it comes to ocean views in San Diego County, Sunset Cliffs' rivals are La Jolla and Del Mar, the crown Jewels of North County's oceanfront. The few miles between them make a big difference. "It's way less bougie here. People walk everywhere in flip flops," says agent Martina McKinney with Compass Real Estate, a lifelong resident of Sunset Cliffs. "It's also such a quiet and walkable community. I went for a sunset walk yesterday and saw no one." La Jolla boasts some of the highest-priced real estate in the country. Sunset Cliffs' prices aren't low by any means, but the surf-centric, San Diego vibe is much more low-key.
There are many reasons to move to Sunset Cliffs, but the common one among all buyers is the views. "The difference is that you're not going to get this wide-open blue ocean view anywhere else in Point Loma," McKinney says. The view is available throughout the whole neighborhood, so the prices are evenly spread. "There's not one super crazy row. It's a real mixture," McKinney says. "You can find a small oceanfront house for $2 million, while a house up the hill with a big pool patio might be $5 million." Homes sit on narrow, terraced lots. Updated ranch-style homes and Spanish Revivals are prevalent, along with some midcentury moderns, coastal Craftsman and modern mansions. Small to midsize homes range from just under $1.5 million to almost $3 million, while modern homes and mansions with unobstructed Pacific views can go for just over $3 million to north of $5 million.
Residents are a short walk from the coastline, giving daily strolls past photo-worthy viewpoints. Stairways lead down from the cliffs to beach coves, shoreline caves and surf breaks. Popular spots include:
Students in Sunset Hills attend some of the best schools in the Point Loma area of San Diego Unified School District. The pipeline includes the highly rated Sunset View Elementary School, located in the heart of the neighborhood, and Point Loma High School, one of the highest-rated magnet high schools in San Diego. Sunset Hills also neighbors Point Loma Nazarene University, a small private Christian liberal arts school, but its small campus is relatively quiet.
Sunset Cliffs doesn't have commercial activity, which is part of the appeal. Residents can utilize main thoroughfares and San Diego MTS buses to access shopping, dining and business in Point Loma and around downtown:
Jessica Speciale
Define Real Estate
(858) 298-3104
44 Total Sales
1 in Sunset Cliffs
$2,300,000 Price
Nathan Winnett
eXp Realty of California Inc
(858) 365-8618
30 Total Sales
1 in Sunset Cliffs
$2,900,000 Price
Joe Ghio
Coldwell Banker West
(858) 223-1043
61 Total Sales
2 in Sunset Cliffs
$3.3M - $4M Price Range
Kim Hawley
Compass
(858) 264-3573
63 Total Sales
1 in Sunset Cliffs
$1,400,000 Price
Max Folkers
RE/MAX Pacific
(619) 304-1962
129 Total Sales
1 in Sunset Cliffs
$2,910,000 Price
Sal DeMaria
Coldwell Banker Realty
(858) 221-9413
43 Total Sales
5 in Sunset Cliffs
$1.5M - $4.6M Price Range
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Sunset Cliffs | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 1 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 2 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 2 | 4 |
| Robbery | 2 | 4 |
| Burglary | 3 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 4 |
| Larceny | 3 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 3 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in Sunset Cliffs, San Diego sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Sunset Cliffs, San Diego over the last 12 months is $2,547,000, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$8,685 per month
$12,475 per month
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Large homes with access to private beaches and yacht clubs on San Diego Bay
A laid-back, coastal San Diego neighborhood rich with surf, sun and community
A hilly Ocean Beach neighborhood in the heart of the Point Loma Peninsula
Point Loma waterfront with hillside views and walkable restaurants
Point Loma charm with older homes near San Diego International Airport
History and hilltop views in the heart of San Diego