Horses on the beach: The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club begins its season in July and finishes in September, making summers even more special in this Southern California paradise.
Originally purchased as an area to develop into a luxury resort location, the stunningly scenic city of Del Mar is just north of San Diego
Horses on the beach: The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club begins its season in July and finishes in September, making summers even more special in this Southern California paradise.
Originally purchased as an area to develop into a luxury resort location, the stunningly scenic city of Del Mar is just north of San Diego. But don't worry, there is plenty to do, see and explore. There are plenty of lovely beaches, and you'll find boardwalks for strolling and boats for sailing - just a few of the options starting with B. With the benefits of year-round perfect weather, short commutes and the famous Del Mar Racetrack nearby, you'll love everything here from A to Z.
Southern California is one of the most desirable areas to live in the entire country. Of course it is: they don't have hurricanes, humidity is nearly nonexistent, earthquakes seem to incur delight more than damage and, oh yeah, there's all that fabulous weather to enjoy. This is Del Mar -- it's just a bitty strip of land hugging the coast, and the places to rent here are gosh darn close to the water. So, yeah, cost of living is higher, but you can mitigate that with a little clever planning and forethought. Start by throwing out your cold-weather clothing (or better yet, sell it online). Tank tops and flip-flops are year-round staples, and they're cheap and easy to pack. Next, learn how to cook. Dining out is a great treat, but with so much fresh, organic food here, you should take advantage and cook some up for yourself. You'll be healthier and save money at the same time.
While you're at it, know that rental homes are less common than homes for sale. Your search may take some time, and you'll definitely want to start your search off-season. All the Del Mar rental homes go up dramatically during the summer. One more thing: a car is necessary. Yes, Amtrak runs through here, and you can connect to San Diego. Plus, there are plenty of biking trails. But still, bring a car.
There aren't any distinct neighborhoods here. Del Mar, with its population of around 4,000 people, just doesn't have the room for them. There are really two areas that offer a difference in lifestyle.
On the Water: Right on or steps from the beautiful blue Pacific. Stunning views that will make you sing like a Disney woodland creature will greet you every morning. Plus, the architecture, amenities and endless luxuries are absolutely worth it.
The Eastern Edge: If you hightail it about five minutes from the water to the very border of Del Mar, you'll be on the Eastern Edge. You will still be living in one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots in the U.S.
People move to Del Mar as a culmination of a dream. Whatever the background, few will argue that spending their days dipping their toes in the sand, picking up fresh organic produce at a farmers' market and forgetting what weather feels like is somehow disappointing. Welcome to paradise.
No matter where in the small city of Del Mar you put down roots, you're basically choosing to enjoy a vacation-like environment every day, which means the beach is (at most) a few minutes away, fancy artisan shops and fine dining are plentiful, and spas and estheticians are doing big business keeping aging at bay. Before you assume it's all fancy white-tablecloth dinners and fabulous parties, don't forget about the great pizza joints, roller derby matches and taco shops. Not to mention the fact that the San Diego Fair pitches its tent here every summer.
It's no secret why people want to live here. The weather is clear, beautiful and warm nearly all the time, the sandy beaches are flat and smooth, surfers frolic in the waves, dogs play in the water and it's just a few minutes drive south on the 5 Freeway to San Diego proper. It sounds magical, because it is.
