The seaside community of Del Mar, California is both a tourist destination and one of the most desirable neighborhoods in San Diego. With ocean views around every corner, great surfing, and a premier location just north of Torrey Pines State Reserve, Del Mar real estate is also some of the most expensive in the county.
I pride myself on not being your typical real estate agent. That’s why I focus my business on being your guide through the complex San Diego Real Estate market rather than just a “salesperson’. I take each transaction personally and take a vested interest in what my clients really want when buying or selling a home.
Neighborhood LinkDel Mar was established in 1885 as a resort town by Jacob Taylor and Theodore Loop. Although the area’s original resort, “Casa Del Mar,” burned down, this charming coastal village gained a reputation as a vacation destination for some of Hollywood’s brightest stars during the early twentieth century. The Stratford Inn opened in 1910 and many Del Mar landmarks still bear the Stratford name today, although the hotel site is now occupied by the luxurious L’Auberge Del Mar. The opening of the Del Mar Racetrack in 1937 by legendary performer, Bing Crosby, further solidified Del Mar’s reputation as an upscale coastal village with real celebrity star power.
Today, locals and tourists alike flock to Del Mar for its wide, sandy beaches, world-class dining, and expansive roster of seasonal entertainment. From the San Diego Fair to the horse races to the Powerhouse Park summer concert series, residents of Del Mar enjoy having a wide variety of activities available right outside their front door.
Although small, Del Mar boasts its own public school district known as the Del Mar Unified School District (DMUSD). With an overall A-rating on Niche.com, DMUSD offers quality education for elementary-aged children. On its 2022 list of the best schools, Niche also ranked DMUSD in the top twenty-five districts with the best teachers in California. Nearby middle schools include Carmel Valley Middle School. Most Del Mar high school students attend either Torrey Pines High School or Canyon Crest Academy, both located in nearby Carmel Valley. This neighborhood is also home to the private Cathedral Catholic High School.
Del Mar homes are notable for their unique design, proximity to the beach, and sunset ocean views. Although some homes are large and commanding, others are quite a bit smaller, more of a beach cottage than a luxury estate. Del Mar is not a master planned community and over the years, many existing homes have been extensively remodeled or rebuilt. No matter what style of home you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Del Mar. From Cape Cod to Mid-Century Modern to Contemporary, Del Mar is full of exceptional, stylish homes. Oceanfront Del Mar real estate also sometimes comes on the market with the price tag to match. Though it’s a small price to pay when you can walk outside your back door and be on the sand!
For a single family home in Del Mar, the median home price is $3,300,000. For a condo or townhome it is $1,370,000.
Life is better at the beach! For those that can afford it, the ability to live the quintessential Southern California beach lifestyle is one of the many things that draws people to Del Mar. You can wake up, catch a few waves, shower, and be out the door for work. In the evening, a stroll through the Del Mar village or along the sand is the perfect way to unwind.
Although life in Del Mar is generally laid back and peaceful, there’s still plenty to see and do all year long. The county’s biggest attractions all land at the nearby racetrack including the annual San Diego Fair. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club meets twice a year, in the summer and the fall, at the place where the “turf meets the surf.” In addition, numerous fairs, festivals, and sporting events visit the track facility as well. The Del Mar Village also hosts several iconic events including the Powerhouse Park Summer Concert series, the Del Mar Summer Solstice event, the Taste of Del Mar, and an array of holiday celebrations.
Love to get outside? The iconic Torrey Pines State Reserve offers challenging trails and beautiful views of the rugged San Diego coast, not to mention the rare Torrey Pine. People also love to bike through Del Mar and head up the coast along the picturesque Highway 101. Of course, many Del Mar residents spend nearly every weekend at the beach surfing, swimming, boogie boarding, and more!
Del Mar experiences mild weather all year round thanks to its coastal climate. Although winter rain and June Gloom aren’t uncommon, you can generally expect sunny days, ocean breezes, and warm temperatures on any given day of the year.
Along the main street of the Del Mar Village, you’ll find numerous upscale boutiques, restaurants, and local shops. Notable area restaurants include Beeside Balcony, Monarch Ocean Pub, Il Fornaio Del Mar, Zel’s, and Board and Brew. In addition, you can find seaside dining just steps from the sand at Jake’s Del Mar and Poseidon. If you’re in the mood for some craft beer and views, Viewpoint Brewing overlooks San Dieguito Lagoon and the Del Mar Racetrack.
At the top of the hill, you’ll find the Beachside Del Mar shopping center which has a Vons, CVS, Starbucks, and a host of other amenities you might need. You’re also just a quick drive from One Paseo and the Del Mar Highlands in Carmel Valley.
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Interested in chatting with Bern about San Diego real estate or just want to ask a local where the best sushi joints are? Reach out to Bern! He loves meeting new faces who are as passionate about San Diego as he is.
Phone: +1.858.900.1797
Location: 8390 Merge Ave San Diego, CA 92129