Del Mar, California

For the homebuyer with a thirst for small town living, the city of Del Mar offers two square miles of coastal land with breathtaking canyons and hillside homes. Located in San Diego County just 20 miles from downtown San Diego, Del Mar real estate is at a premium, with a median home value of $1,225,000 and a home appreciation rate of 23.8%, well above the national average. Add to this the temperate climate, sandy beaches, exemplary schools, and distinguished local attractions, and the city of Del Mar becomes irresistible to the homebuyer with discriminating taste.

The climate in Del Mar is ideal for year round comfort and relaxation. Each year sees an average of 264 days of sun and just 43 days of precipitation, for an average of 13.9 inches of rain per year. The average temperatures in January dip to a moderate 42 degrees, while the average high in July is 84, perfect for surfing on the beach or lazing by the pool.

Among other attractions, Del Mar is home to two gorgeous beaches, the Torrey Pines State Reserve, and the famous Del Mar Racetrack, where “the turf meets the surf,” the inspiration for a song made popular by entertainer Bing Crosby. Residents and visitors alike enjoy exhilarating swimming and surfing, quiet walks on the beach at low tide, and fine dining and shopping with the feel of an upscale community. Due to the low crime rate of Del Mar, its citizens feel secure in this village of approximately 5,000 residents. The city also enjoys a low level of pollution, adding to the comfort of living in such a prime community. Del Mar is know for its fabulous ocean views which residents can enjoy from several other outdoor recreational settings, including James Scripps Bluffs Preserve, Seagrove Park, and nearby Torrey Pines Public Golf course.

The rapidly growing Del Mar Union School District consists of seven exemplary elementary schools and takes pride in the achievements of its students and teachers, focusing on character development as well as academics. The District boasts a pupil/teacher ratio of 17.0, lower than the county and state average, for an excellent quality of education. Based on a scale of 200-1,000, Del Mar Union School District students scored 900 on the 2004 Academic Performance Indicator. Beginning with the 2004-05 school year, the District implemented the “Character Counts” program, dedicated to strengthening the character of young people through the development of the six “Pillars of Character” – trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The Del Mar District strives to teach the whole child through academics, character training, and the fine arts.

The city of Del Mar, Spanish for “by the sea,” possesses a rich history. Beginning as a tent city in 1882, it was named by Ella Loop, wife of Del Mar founder Theodore Loop. Loop soon formed a partnership with Jacob Taylor to sell 40x150 foot housing lots, which initiated interest in the area and resulted in the formation of South Coast Land Company's resort featuring the Stratford Inn as its central attraction. The city's population boom came in the 1920's, when it acquired electricity from San Diego Gas and Electric. In 1959, Del Mar residents decided to incorporate with a five member council rather than remain a part of the city of San Diego. With its oceanfront properties and winding streets, Del Mar remains a jewel of fine living along the Pacific Coast.