Oceanside, CA

The coastal city of Oceanside, California, with nearly four miles of coastline, offers one of the best real estate bargains in the state. From beachside condominiums to luxurious custom homes with real estate, the homebuyer has a varied selection of housing from which to choose within the city's 42 square miles and more than 62,000 housing units. Oceanside is located on Interstate 5, one mile east of the Pacific Coast, in the North County area of San Diego County, with a population of just over 173,000. The city lies just 35 miles north of San Diego and 83 miles south of Los Angeles, giving Oceanside close proximity to two major cities, with major transportation routes available in all directions. Add to these qualities the moderate year-round climate and reasonable cost of living, and Oceanside becomes one of the most desirable places to live in the country. In fact, the city of Oceanside has been named the fifth most desirable place to live in the world, and the second most desirable in the nation!

The city of Oceanside had its beginnings in the late 18 th century as a Franciscan mission to the Native Americans in the area, the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia. Although the mission declined during the 1800's, the great advantages of this area were well known. Land in the area was granted to two brothers in 1841, after which it changed hands several times. It wasn't until 1883, when the California Southern Railway opened the beach area of San Diego County for development, that the real history of Oceanside began. A small town had grown up around the mission, and a local storekeeper and a former government surveyor staked out their land claims in what is now the heart of Oceanside. The city began a rapid period of growth and was incorporated in 1888, with an approximate population of 1,000. Grand hotels were opened, as well as a bank and several churches. The railroad brought new buyers to town, and by 1920 a paved road ran through Oceanside to connect San Diego with Los Angeles. The population continued to grow through the first decades of the 1900's, including the years of the Great Depression. The Navy built Camp Pendleton Marine Base on the borders of Oceanside during World War II, which further boosted the city's growth and brought it from a sleepy little town to a modern city. The following sixty years have seen the city add a hospital, the Oceanside Small Craft Harbor, a downtown transit center, and a brand new Civic Center.

Although tourism and the proximity of Camp Pendleton have certainly aided the economic growth of Oceanside, the city enjoys a diverse range of trade, including construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. Property tax is one of the lowest in the country. Job growth is expected to increase by 17%, and unemployment is lower than the national and state averages.

Education in Oceanside is directed by the Oceanside Unified School District, which contains 22,000 students in 17 elementary schools, three middle schools, two comprehensive high schools and two alternative schools. With a competitive salary and benefits, Oceanside Unified School District is able to attract and keep high-quality teachers and staff. The District has become known as one that has raised student and staff expectations and boosted student performance remarkably in a short period of time, offering a variety of programs at all grade levels to enhance the student's experience and education.

Major annual events in Oceanside include a beach-opening celebration every June; the Summer Seagaze Concerts in the outdoor Amphitheater; and a Rough Water Swim and Harbor Days Celebration every September. Oceanside's annual Mission Christmas Faire is held during the month of November and it's Parade of Lights in the Harbor, each December.

Recreation abounds in Oceanside. Of course, the beach offers a variety of activities for the family, from building sand castles to boogie boarding, sailing, and sunbathing. Golfing is also a year-round pastime, with several courses available for all ages. Oceanside also boasts 43 city parks, where residents can have picnics, roller blade, hike, or simply relax in the sun. Several museums and nature centers offer programs for year-round activity, as well as walks and hikes. The historical Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, known as “The King of the Missions” is open daily throughout the year. The Oceanside Pier is the longest wooden pier on the west coast of the United States. Because of its proximity to all of southern California, many famous attractions are nearby, including Legoland, SeaWorld, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Residents of Oceanside are never at a loss for something interesting and exciting to do.

The city of Oceanside offers all the conveniences of living in a large metropolitan area, while maintaining its coastal beauty and autonomy. Homebuyers of all walks of life will find a beautiful, quality place to call home in Oceanside!