Cardiff-By-The-Sea is a beach community located 25 miles north of San Diego, nestled between San Elijo Lagoon to the south and rolling hills to the east. Cardiff-by-the-Sea is known by the locals as Cardiff. It has warm sunny days and cool evenings which prevail throughout the year. Along with moderate temperatures, Cardiff has breathtaking views along 2 miles of pristine Pacific Ocean coastline, a 900-acre ecological reserve, world class surfing and residents who take pride in their community. Cardiff is one of five communities comprising the city of Encinitas.
The five communities making up the city of Encinitas are Olde Encinitas, New Encinitas, Olivenhain, Leucadia and Cardiff-by-the-Sea incorporated into the City of Encinitas in 1986.
• Olde Encinitas: A small beachside area featuring a mix of businesses and housing styles. The Encinitas welcome arch, the famous surf break Swamis and the early 20th century La Paloma Theater are located here. Olde Encinitas is divided from New Encinitas by a low coastal ridge
• New Encinitas: A newer region which features a golf course, many shopping centers, and is composed of larger tract homes.
• Olivenhain: A semi-rural region in eastern Encinitas, composed of mostly single family homes, an active 4-H Club, and several private equestrian facilities. Olivenhain connects to Rancho Santa Fe via Encinitas Blvd.
• Leucadia: A coastal community of the city. Leucadia features tree-lined streets and boulevards. The community features art galleries, unusual stores and restaurants, along with single family homes and views of the ocean.
• Cardiff-by-the-Sea: Encinitas’ southernmost oceanfront community, this community was named after Cardiff Wales in 1914 and features streets named after British cities and classical composers.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea History
J. Frank Cullen, a painter from Boston turned developer, founded Cardiff-by-the-Sea in 1910. Hector McKinnon, who settled here in 1875, cultivated the land and was the only farmer between Oceanside and San Diego along the coast. Cullen bought the land from McKinnon and began selling plots.”
There are different accounts about how Cardiff received its name. Frank Cullen originally wanted to give his little town a Spanish name. Nevertheless, his wife persuaded him to name the community ‘Cardiff’ after her native Cardiff, Wales.”Cardiff101.com suggests that a German musician named Victor Kremer, who was developing the area above Birmingham, added ‘by the Sea’ to Cardiff’s name. This addition may have been inspired by the song ‘By the Beautiful Sea.’ Additionally, many streets in Cardiff are named after places in the British Isles.
In 1912, Clarence Cole established a kelp works along the bluffs of San Elijo Lagoon, which provided the area with an industry other than farming. This same year, Cullen built an ocean pier and a hotel overlooking the ocean. This was followed by the establishment of the Cardiff School District in 1913, the first Cardiff Library opening in 1914, and the addition of a post office and train station in the 1920’s.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Historical Median Home Sales
Source: Data compiled by DataQuick / www.dqnews.com
Cardiff-by-the-Sea Beaches, Park & Recreation
Cardiff is a very active outdoor community and has some of the finest beaches, parks and recreational facilities in all of California.
Cardiff Beaches
Some of the best surfing beaches in San Diego and Southern California:
- Pipes offers a fun, peaky surf break north of the campground, attracting swimmers, sunbathers, and surfers alike.
- The beach at San Elijo, located right in front of the campground, is perfect for families.
- Cardiff Reef is a pleasant little beach park and surf spot at the southern end of the campground, where the cliffs taper off.
- Just south of the San Elijo Lagoon river mouth, George’s is a popular spot, part of “Restaurant Row.” Restaurants like Chart House, Pacific Grill, and the Beach House are perched above the beach along Highway 101.
Cardiff Parks
The campgrounds at San Elijo State Beach are on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean below. Near the entrance of the state beach is a camp store, snack bar and the Eli Howard Surf School, which offers surf camps, weekend surf schools, surf lessons and surf rentals. South of San Elijo State Beach is Cardiff State Beach, which does not have the same level of amenities, but offers a beautiful beach for surfing, beachcombing or hiking in the sand. Cardiff Sports Park is located on Lake Drive and also known as Lake Drive Sports Park. This park offers baseball fields, soccer fields, picnic tables, and a gazebo that visitors can reserve for special occasions. Encinitas Community Park, partially located in Cardiff, features a 13,000-square-foot skate bowl, a 2-acre dog park, and several fields for soccer and baseball.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea Housing Market: An Overview
Cardiff-by-the-Sea is a picturesque coastal community in North County San Diego known for its relaxed surf culture, stunning ocean views, and variety of housing options. Whether you’re looking for an affordable condo or a luxury beachfront home, Cardiff offers a diverse range of properties that cater to different lifestyles and budgets.
Diverse Price, Size, and Style
The housing market in Cardiff is highly diverse, with options ranging from attached townhomes to expansive single-family residences.
Attached Homes
Attached homes, including condos and townhomes, typically range from $461,000 to $560,000. These properties vary in size, from 792 to 3,314 square feet, offering affordable entry points for first-time buyers or those seeking low-maintenance living near the beach. Many of these homes are conveniently located near Cardiff’s beaches, shops, and restaurants, making them ideal for a walkable, coastal lifestyle.
Detached Homes
Detached single-family homes offer a wider range in price and size, from $600,000 to $3.8 million. These homes vary from small 265-square-foot beach cottages to large 8,432-square-foot luxury estates. Larger properties often feature ocean views, modern finishes, and spacious outdoor areas designed for entertaining. The architectural styles are diverse, from mid-century bungalows to contemporary homes with open floor plans and panoramic ocean views.
Neighborhoods
Cardiff is home to several distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own character. The Walking District is highly sought after for its beach proximity and ocean views, often commanding premium prices. In contrast, the Composer District is known for its quiet, family-friendly atmosphere, larger lots, and range of home styles, from older cottages to new, custom-built properties.
For those looking for breathtaking views, homes along Cardiff’s bluffs provide some of the most desirable oceanfront properties. These luxury homes offer expansive views and direct beach access, catering to buyers seeking high-end coastal living.
Why Cardiff?
Living in Cardiff-by-the-Sea means enjoying an outdoor lifestyle with some of the best surfing, beaches, and parks in the region. The community is close-knit, offering residents a small-town feel with easy access to neighboring cities like Encinitas and Carlsbad. Cardiff’s local dining scene and vibrant culture only add to its charm, making it a highly desirable place to live.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea Rental Market Overview
The rental market in Cardiff-by-the-Sea stands out due to its high 12.4% vacancy rate, which is well above the national average. However, this elevated rate is not necessarily a sign of low demand; rather, it reflects Cardiff’s appeal as a seasonal destination with many homes used as vacation rentals or second homes.
Seasonal Occupancy and Vacation Homes
Around 9.8% of the housing in Cardiff is seasonally occupied, driven by the town’s popularity as a coastal vacation spot. Many homeowners use their properties as short-term rentals during peak tourist seasons, especially in summer. As a result, rental rates often spike during high-demand months, making it challenging for long-term renters to find affordable options. Outside the peak season, some vacation homes sit vacant or are available at lower rates for longer-term tenants.
The presence of vacation homes contributes to the overall vacancy rate, as these properties are frequently left unoccupied during off-peak months. This seasonal fluctuation defines Cardiff’s rental market, with many properties being available only part-time.
Long-Term Rental Demand
Despite the influence of vacation homes, there is steady demand for long-term rentals in Cardiff. Families, professionals, and retirees are drawn to the area for its beachside lifestyle, strong sense of community, and excellent schools. Long-term rental options range from condos to single-family homes, but rental prices are generally higher than average due to the coastal location.
As home prices in Cardiff continue to rise, long-term rentals offer an alternative for those who want to live in the area without buying a property. The limited availability of year-round rentals and the influence of short-term vacation rentals mean that demand for long-term leases remains competitive.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea’s rental market is shaped by its mix of vacation homes and long-term residences. The 12.4% vacancy rate and 9.8% seasonal occupancy highlight the town’s dual role as both a year-round community and a popular vacation spot. For renters, Cardiff offers a range of opportunities, from short-term stays in vacation homes to long-term rental options in a highly desirable coastal location.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea Neighborhoods
Cardiff is made of 13 distinct areas:
Berryman Village: Detached 52 homes
Cardiff Cove features 176 attached units
Cardiff Highlands offers 73 detached units
Cardiff Park provides 79 detached units
Composer District Upper and Lower: Detached 608 units. The Composer District derives its name from 15 streets named after famous composers – Rubenstein, Chopin, Bach, Mozart, Verdi, Rossini and Liszt, to name a few. Streets in the Composer District tend to wind gently up and down the hills, offering sneak peaks of the ocean just a few blocks away, and a broad mix of housing in a range of styles. Access to the ocean, while close, is not straightforward due to the presence of railroad tracks and the coast road. Specifically, the nearest road that crosses these barriers is Chesterfield, located in the heart of town. Nevertheless, beach-goers and surfers typically navigate winding paths and cross the tracks and road with relative ease.
Ocean Crest Estates: Detached 37 units
Park Place: Attached 628 units
Poinsettia Heights: Detached 482 units. East side of I-5
Sandy Point: Detached 107 units
Sea Crest: Detached 92 units
Sea Village: Detached 108 units
Seaside: Detached 44 units
Walking District: Detached and attached 932 units. Walking District area derives its name from the close proximity to the beach and downtown amenities, including shopping and restaurants. The Walking District lies south of Birmingham, with the Coast Highway and the ocean to the west and Glascow, Edinburg, and Mackinnon to the east, at the peak of the hill.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea Elementary Schools
CARDIFF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
1888 Montgomery Avenue
Cardiff, CA 92007
760-632-5890
www.cardiffschools.com
Cardiff Elementary School
1808 Montgomery Avenue
Cardiff, CA 92007
760-632-5892
Ada W. Harris Elementary School
1508 Windsor Road
Cardiff, CA 92007
760-632-5894
Cardiff-by-the-Sea Middle/High Schools
SAN DIEGUITO UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
2150 Village Park Way
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-944-1892 | dg.sduhsd.net
Oak Crest Middle School
675 Balbour Drive
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-753-6241
Earl Warren Middle School
155 Stevens Avenue
Solana Beach, CA 92075
858-755-1558
San Dieguito High School Academy
800 Santa Fe Drive
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-753-1121
La Costa Canyon High School
1 Maverick Way
Carlsbad, CA 92009
760-436-6136
