Solana Beach is routinely rated one of the best places to live in the San Diego area including a #1 rating by [**Niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/solana-beach-san-diego-ca/). It’s easy to see why. This city perfectly blends the charm of a small town with the laid-back vibe of coastal living. It’s the kind of place where you know and care about your neighbors. Set atop the pristine Pacific Ocean bluffs, the sense of peace is protected from the fast pace of bigger cities, without losing the diverse cuisine and culturally enriching events that you wouldn’t have if you were truly cut off from the world. This is largely thanks to the city’s inclusive and diverse community.

If you’re looking at cities in SoCal, chances are you love the outdoors. Surfers, cyclists, and hikers will not get bored in Solana Beach. [**Fletcher Cove Park**](https://www.cityofsolanabeach.org/en/community/explore-solana-beach/beaches/fletcher-cove) is the star of the city’s four beaches and is also the most centrally located. You can picnic in the grassy area above the beach, take your kids to the playground, or play a game of pick-up basketball here. Or venture further when the tide is low to neighboring [**Tide Beach Park**](https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/tide-beach-park/), known for its mesmerizing tidepools, or Seascape Sur, a popular surf spot. Away from the beach, go bird-watching at the nearby San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve or earn some stunning ocean views hiking along the rugged cliffs at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. 

But all this nature doesn’t mean you’re out in the middle of nowhere. Shoppers and art enthusiasts travel from all over the San Diego area to visit the eclectic and locally-owned galleries, boutiques, and design studios that make up the Cedros Avenue Design District. You could go every week and still discover new treasures from the 85 merchants, artisans, and one-of-a-kind curators clustered along this 2.5-block stretch. You’ll find every way to indulge here. Practice self-care by booking a spa day or Pilates class. Catch some live music at the world-famous [**Belly Up Tavern**](https://bellyup.com/). Or, finally start writing that novel at one of the ambiance-rich sidewalk cafes. On Sundays, a year-round farmer's market boasts an abundance of locally grown produce and artisanal goods that deepen the sense of community pride while supporting local businesses.

This area is among the most popular in the San Diego area, and the price tag reflects it. Here, the average home value is just over $2.3 million, according to Zillow. For renters, the cost is almost more skewed, with one-bedrooms going for a median price of $3,350 and two-bedrooms hovering just below $5,000 per month. On average, renters pay 92% more to live here than they would in other parts of the country.

Naturally, low inventory does the opposite of mitigating costs. Young professionals, families, and retirees can all find something to love about Solana Beach, which means pickings can be slim for housing. That said, there’s a decent mix of single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and luxury estates. Whether you’re in search of a cozy bungalow within walking distance to downtown, a modern condo with panoramic ocean views, or a spacious estate with a private pool and manicured yard, it exists here.

Also, before we move on, here’s some career advice. Try to avoid needing to commute daily to San Diego. Technically downtown San Diego is only 30 minutes away, but that time can triple during rush hour. You don’t want to spend your time outside of work staring at exit signs inching North on the 805 instead of looking at those ocean views you paid a pretty penny for. 

It’s #1 For a Reason

LookyLOO Review of Solana Beach

Solana Beach locals typically rise and shine and then rest with the sun. You’ll fit right in if you like to hit the bike path or the gym by 6 a.m. and return home before sunset to unwind with a nice dinner and glass of wine. But if you’re looking for a nightlife hotspot, you’ll need to look elsewhere. 

This coastal enclave is rich in opportunities to explore the great outdoors, like hiking, biking, and picnicking in its various parks and beaches. For the more urban at heart, you’ll find what you need here too. A beacon to shopping enthusiasts throughout the San Diego area, the [**Cedros Avenue Design District**](https://cedrosavenue.com/) is a lively and artsy downtown area full of boutiques, bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. The live-work lofts and multi-purpose buildings infuse an urban flair into this laid-back coastal city.

Solana Beach feels more like a town than the suburbs. You’ll love that you can walk everywhere, like a city, without feeling like you and your neighbors are packed in like sardines. As a bonus for families, the high walkability score means the kiddos can enjoy some independence without getting into a car. When wheels are needed for where you’re going, you’ll benefit from the easy access to the highway and public transport options, like the North County Transit District COASTER train, which carries you along the scenic coastline straight into downtown San Diego in just 45 minutes.

Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of Solana Beach is its diversity. It is uncommon for an affluent coastal city in SoCal to receive an “A-” for diversity rating from Niche.com. The diverse backgrounds and cultures intermingling within the community create a vibrant array of international cuisines and annual cultural events. Residents cherish and celebrate the inclusiveness of their city.


Small Town Feels with Big City Amenities

Lifestyle 

Families are typically really happy with the [**Solana Beach School District**](https://www.sbsd.k12.ca.us/). It's an award-winning district that successfully balances rigorous academics with innovative experiential and social-emotional learning opportunities. It’s earned an [**“A” rating from Niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/solana-beach-elementary-school-district-ca/). 

The district serves communities beyond Solana Beach city proper through its seven elementary schools and Child Development Center, with both [**Solana Vista Elementary**](https://www.sbsd.k12.ca.us/Domain/9) (K-3) and [**Skyline Elementary School**](https://www.sbsd.k12.ca.us/domain/8) (K-6) based within the city limits. For middle school, families can choose between [**Earl Warren Middle School**](https://ew.sduhsd.net/) or [**Solana Pacific School**](https://www.sbsd.k12.ca.us/domain/13), both of which are respected for preparing students for high school and beyond. For grades 9-12, students once again have a choice to make between [**Torrey Pines High School**](https://tp.sduhsd.net/), [**San Dieguito High School Academy**](https://www.sduhsd.net/), and the #1 rated public high school in San Diego, Canyon Crest Academy. All three have achieved high praise at the state and national levels for their well-rounded students who have access to advanced placement courses, community service opportunities, and competitive extracurricular activities. 

If private school is a priority for your family, you have choices. Check out [**Sante Fe Christian School**](https://sfcs.net/) (PK-12) or [**Notre Dame Academy**](https://ndasd.org/) (PK-8th). For more specialized academic disciplines or programs focused on career pathways, charter schools like [**Classical Academy**](https://www.classicalacademy.com/locations/classical-academy-high-school) and [**High Tech High**](https://www.hightechhigh.org/) North County may be the perfect fit for your child. Parents can rest easy in Solana Beach, knowing that no matter which school they choose, their child is going to receive an excellent education.

Reading this section more for yourself than the children you may or may not have? You’re in luck. Solana Beach is very conveniently located near several colleges and universities including San Diego State University, University of California San Diego and California State University San Marcos.


Great Options for Every Child (and Adult!)

Schools

If Solana Beach feels like it might be the perfect beachside town to start your career, raise a family or settle into retirement, then we’d suggest you start looking now. Again, it’s a competitive market with notably limited inventory. Families are sometimes forced to find homes in neighboring cities where their children will still qualify for Solana Beach’s great schools, waiting for the right opportunity to find a home within city limits. 


Slim Pickings so Start Looking

Why You Should Move Here Now

**sonjafely**
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉


Solana beach is a little more spread out, theres a few blocks along the 101, but Cedros is very home/design-focused and has fewer restaurants (although you must go see a show at Belly Up there! We’ve seen Ziggy Alberts there and it was unreal!) Encinitas has got a pretty active downtown area, with tons of shops, bars and restaurants. Leucadia is more affordable and a little sleepier/funkier, but has also got lots of new restaurants and shops (tho is sadly getting less funky) Maybe look into Cardiff (by the sea), which is also technically Encinitas. Not sure about rent prices for a 2 br, it’s a lot of pricey homes but there are some apts up behind the shops/library and some super cute condos that overlook the lagoon. Good luck! DM if you have any questions!

High Costs, Low Inventory

Reviews of Solana Beach from Locals

[**Del Mar Beach Club**](https://www.dmbchoa.org/default.php)is a privately-owned, gated community right on the ocean. While an attractive oasis to retirees and the semi-retired, many residents are full-time professionals who work nearby or from the comfort of their own ocean-side home. This community is not a time-share complex or a resort, but a tight-knit group of neighbors. The ocean and all the recreation it has to offer is just steps from your front door, and the nearby Cedros Avenue Design District downtown area makes access to shopping, entertainment and restaurants a breeze. The highly-sought-after houses range from charming beach cottages to custom-built coastal homes that embody the laid back energy of Del Mar Beach Club. Sounds nice, right? Many think so, which makes the market here more expensive and more competitive than other areas in Solana Beach. 


SINKs/DINKs/Retirees

Del Mar Beach Club

West Solana Beach runs along the coastal section of Solana Beach, offering residents direct access to the city’s idyllic beaches and activities like surfing, sunbathing and picnics on the sand. Homes here are mostly on the larger side (usually 3-5+ bedrooms) and high in value (think rarely below $2.3 million and as much as $10+ million). People moving to West Solana Beach can choose from quaint beach cottages, custom-designed homes and condominiums. You’ll find homes built in 1948 alongside homes built as recently as last year.

Something that comes up a lot is how Solana Beach residents feel a sense of belonging due to the community’s welcoming energy, and West Solana is no exception. In addition to great beach access, residents don’t have to travel far to enjoy the shopping, eateries and art galleries in the city’s well-known Cedros Avenue Design District. Due to the area’s desirability, the market is competitive and parking can be an issue during the busy season. 


Families

West Solana Beach

Families love Sante Fe Hills. Here, homes are nestled on serene streets with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Children grow up surrounded by the warmth and safety of a family-oriented and friendly community. Abundant walking trails and beautifully-landscaped green areas and parks offer entertainment and activity options away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. But even though this neighborhood has a sense of being tucked away, the beach and shops are still just a short drive away. The quiet pace of this area coupled with the great school system in Solana Beach make Santa Fe Hills an idyllic place to raise a family.


Santa Fe Hills

East of the San Diego Freeway lies the Lomas Santa Fe community. Like other Solana Beach neighborhoods, here you’ll find a laid back beach vibe but with a unique urban flair. Easy access to major highways, close proximity to city beaches, and popular attractions like the nearby Del Mar racetrack provide residents with entertainment options galore. Lots of shopping options and San Diego’s most intimate theater, North Coast Rep, are available at Lomas Santa Fe Plaza. Another distinction about this neighborhood is the Santa Fe Country Club and its many amenities including golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming and more. Near the club you’ll find spacious condos and single-family homes that overlook two golf courses. There’s lots to do here, but if you care more about a serene setting than urban convenience, you may want to explore alternative neighborhoods.


Families/DINKs/Young Professionals

Lomas Santa Fe

Solana Beach

**Elasion**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

Solana beach is a little nicer I’d say because 20 years ago Encinitas was kinda eh, but Encinitas has changed a lot. Definitely a way younger crowd in Encinitas and the 101 part of it got really nice in the last couple of years. Solana is more geriatric because older people are grandfathered into a massively growing real estate market. I grew up in Solana and it’s definitely a small family town, everyone goes to Solana Vista, then Skyline then Earl Warren for school, all great schools. Encinitas is bigger and from why I know there’s more flexibility around where kids go to school. Western part of Encinitas is pretty indistinguishable from Solana Beach just more commercial and retail stuff, Solana is almost entirely residential outside of Cedros and the one side of the 101 where there’s shops. Kinda gotta spend time in both tho to get the vibe

**OrganizationMotor567**
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉

Hi, I live right in this area and have for many years. I think the Encinitas/cardiff locations will be a good mix of nice beach access and nice little town with good shops and restaurants. Either location you listed is good. I would avoid Pacific Beach, it’s more of a party town. La Jolla is very upscale luxury (like our version of the Hamptons in terms of prestige). The Solana Beach location is a bit far from walkable to the beach and you have to go over a big hill, so I’m not recommending although Solana is a very nice town and similar in beachy feel to Encinitas/Cardiff. Carlsbad has great beaches but the location you listed is pretty far walking to anything other than the beach. North Park is basically in the city of San Diego and not very beachy, it’s more of a hip neighborhood than a beach town. Hope you have a great vacation wherever you go!

Solana Beach, California

Country Club Meets Eclectic

Looklyloo Score: 91

Reviews

What's it like to live in Solana Beach?