Living in Encinitas, CA: A Guide to Its Five Unique Communities

Encinitas has a personality all its own. It is a surf town, a garden town and a small-community town rolled into one, with a stretch of coastline that includes some of the most well-known surf breaks in Southern California. What a lot of people don't realize is that Encinitas is really five communities in one city, and each one feels a little different. Here is a local guide to living in Encinitas and how to pick the right part of town for you.

The Five Communities of Encinitas

When Encinitas became a city in 1986, it brought together Old Encinitas, New Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Olivenhain. Locals still use those names every day, and knowing them makes a home search a lot easier.

Old Encinitas

This is the coastal downtown area along Highway 101. You will find the historic La Paloma Theatre, surf shops, cafes, restaurants and Moonlight Beach within walking distance. Homes range from older beach cottages to fully rebuilt modern homes, plus condos and townhomes close to the action.

Leucadia

Just north of downtown, Leucadia has a laid-back, artsy vibe with eucalyptus-lined stretches of Highway 101, vintage shops, galleries and local eateries. Many homes sit on larger lots than you might expect this close to the coast. Browse current homes in Leucadia to see what is out there.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Cardiff sits at the south end of the city between San Elijo Lagoon and the ocean. It has its own small town center, a row of oceanfront restaurants along Restaurant Row and San Elijo State Beach campground right on the bluffs. You can search homes in Cardiff by the Sea to compare neighborhoods.

New Encinitas

East of Interstate 5, New Encinitas is where you will find many of the city's shopping centers, parks and established single-family neighborhoods. It is a practical choice for buyers who want easy freeway access and everyday convenience while staying just a few minutes from the beach.

Olivenhain

Olivenhain is the rural side of Encinitas. Think large lots, horse properties, winding roads and a strong sense of privacy. It is a great fit for buyers who want space and a country feel without leaving coastal North County.

Things to Do in Encinitas

• Swami's: One of the most famous surf breaks on the West Coast, sitting below the Self-Realization Fellowship grounds. Even if you don't surf, the view from the top of the stairs is worth the stop.
• Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens: A quiet, beautifully kept garden overlooking the Pacific, open to visitors.
• Moonlight Beach: A family-friendly beach with volleyball courts, a playground and easy access from downtown.
• San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve: Miles of trails through one of the largest coastal wetlands in the county, with a nature center along the way.
• San Diego Botanic Garden: Acres of themed gardens and walking paths in the heart of the city.
• The Cardiff Kook: The well-known surfer statue in Cardiff that locals love to dress up for holidays and special occasions.

Want more ideas? Our coastal living page covers more of the beach towns along North County's coast.

Getting Around Encinitas

Interstate 5 runs through the middle of the city, and Highway 101 follows the coast through Leucadia, downtown and Cardiff. The Encinitas COASTER station sits right in the downtown area, which makes it easy to take the train toward Oceanside or downtown San Diego. Many locals also get around by bike along the coast.

Schools in Encinitas

Elementary students in Encinitas are generally served by Encinitas Union School District, with Cardiff School District serving part of Cardiff, and San Dieguito Union High School District serving middle and high school students. Boundaries can vary by street, so confirm the assigned schools for any address directly with the district and review the California Department of Education's published data.

The Encinitas Housing Market

Prices in Encinitas depend heavily on which community you are in, how close you are to the beach, views, lot size and whether a home has been updated. A downtown condo, a Leucadia cottage on a big lot and an Olivenhain horse property are completely different conversations. For the most accurate picture, look at what is selling right now. You can search homes for sale in Encinitas or check our market snapshot for current trends.

If you already own in Encinitas, a quick home valuation is a great place to start before planning your next move.

Encinitas FAQs

What communities make up Encinitas?

Encinitas is made up of five communities: Old Encinitas, New Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Olivenhain. They came together when Encinitas became a city in 1986.

What is Encinitas best known for?

Encinitas is best known for surfing at Swami's, the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens, Moonlight Beach, its Highway 101 downtown and its relaxed beach town lifestyle.

Which part of Encinitas has larger lots?

Olivenhain is known for large lots, horse properties and a rural feel. Leucadia also has many homes on larger lots than you might expect close to the coast.

Is there a train station in Encinitas?

Yes. The Encinitas COASTER station is located downtown and offers service along the coast toward Oceanside and downtown San Diego.

How do I find out which schools serve an Encinitas home?

Encinitas is served by more than one school district, and boundaries can vary by street, so confirm the assigned schools for any address directly with the district.

Find Your Place in Encinitas

From beach cottages in Old Encinitas to acreage in Olivenhain, there is a lot of ground to cover. Our team lives and works in North County and can help you figure out which community fits your lifestyle. Get in touch with the Move In San Diego team to start the conversation.