Encinitas, California

There is plenty to love about Encinitas but top of the list for most locals is the laid-back beach vibe that persists in spite of the development going on outside the downtown area. That vibe might come from the surfers, or the old-school eat and drink spots, or the fact the beaches and ocean never change? Hard to know but just know that it remains strong.

It’s expensive. People who grew up here are somewhat saddened that it’s become so homogeneous and cliched what with all the yoga and male hair buns, the OG locals feel it’s losing its unique charm. While we note the surf vibe remains it is now surrounded by wealth and development that locals feel threatens that energy.

If you’re a surfer you probably already know about this place (the breaks of Moonlight Beach are legendary and Swami’s Beach is literally referenced in the Beach Boys Surfin USA. If you like surfer vibes and surfer lifestyle, you should know about this place.

If you dream of a California Surf City, this is pretty much quintessential. But these beaches aren’t just for the elite surfers. There are parks, parking, kiddie playgrounds, lifeguards and picnic tables.

Even though it’s a dense suburb that’s generally not very diverse and where housing is quite expensive and is rife with athleisure-clad women and board-shorted men, the cool factor persists with a free-spirited, laid back coastal vibe.

Families in Encinitas have access to excellent schools and educational opportunities. The area is served by the highly regarded Encinitas Union School District that receives an "A" rating on niche.com. Even more impressive, Encinitas is also part of the San Dieguito Union High School District that gets an "A+" on niche.com. You can hardly do better than sending your kids to school in Encinitas.