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Located north of San Diego in Southern California, Encinitas is on a rugged coastal terrace along the Pacific Ocean. The city is separated into New Encinitas and Old Encinitas by a low-lying coastal ridge. On the north side of the city, Encinitas rises to striking coastal bluffs. Also, to the north is the Batiquitos Lagoon. To the south, there’s the beautiful San Elijo Lagoon.

Encinitas has a reputation that ping-pongs back and forth between a sleepy seaside community and one that’s vibrant and artsy. Anyone packing up a storage container and moving here will find that the truth lies somewhere in-between. While there’s certainly a laid-back, chill vibe to Encinitas, there’s also an active, wildly artistic, wonderfully engaged community.

The charming, beachy city of Encinitas is defined by its coastal cliffs and relationship with the Pacific. There is a huge surfing community of locals who can walk out their front doors and easily walk to the beach every morning.

Swami’s, an Encinitas beach, is rated as one of the top five surf locations in the world, and is mentioned in a verse of The Beach Boys’ song, Surfin’ U.S.A. There are also countless surf shops in Encinitas. One of the most notable Encinitas landmarks is The Magic Carpet Ride, known by locals as the Cardiff Kook. It’s a 16-foot bronze statue of a surfer, and the nickname is a derogatory term for wannabe surfers because the surfing form of the statue is so bad. The Kook is beloved by the community, who dress it up for holidays and more.

In 2011, a mosaic of a surfing Virgin de Guadalupe was illegally installed on the north concrete support wall of the train bridge on Encinitas Boulevard, called The Surfing Madonna. Locals fought hard to keep the public art even though it was illegally installed.

The coastal locale of Encinitas makes it one of the great seafood destinations along the SoCal coastline. Everything from seaside surf shacks to high-end seafood restaurants are available, serving up amazing dishes that are inspired by the rich diversity of the state. Of course, you’ll need to look along the coastline for hidden gems!

Aside from seafood, Encinitas has a rich cuisine scene, complete with Mediterranean spots, classic burger joints, Caribbean restaurants and steakhouses, among others.

Encinitas is a great example of why so many people want to move to Southern California. Along with its sunny ocean views, beachy town center and incredible surfing, Encinitas’ location on the coast of the Pacific brings a tempering influence to its climate. The weather is exactly what you think of for Southern California, with average high temperatures in the upper 70s in the summer and the mid-60s in the winter, and the average low temperature never falling below the mid-60s in the summer and the mid-40s in the winter.

Encinitas is full of cultural opportunities beyond surfing and hiking. The Lux Art Institute, San Diego Botanic Garden, San Dieguito Heritage Museum and Encinitas Historical Society are all located in Encinitas. Charming downtown Encinitas is a classic California beach town that hosts many regular events throughout the year. Visit the historic La Paloma Theater, a Spanish Colonial Revival-style movie theater for a show.

Throughout the year, Encinitas plays host to dozens of special events—most of which are open to the public and a wonderful experience to attend! In April, there’s a two-day street fair that takes over downtown Encinitas. Then, in May, the Deep Pit BBQ festival is held at San Dieguito Heritage Museum. Later in the year, in November, a full-day fall festival takes over downtown Encinitas. And, of course, there’s an Oktoberfest celebration just one month earlier, in October.

The estimated population of Encinitas is 62,713, and the median age of Encinitas residents is 43. The median household income of residents is $113,175. If you’re looking to buy a home in the desirable community of Encinitas, the estimated median property value is $913,700.

If you’re looking at these figures with wide eyes, you’re not alone! Encinitas has exploded in popularity over the last decade, with both incomes and property values growing by 8% and 5%, respectively. People are flocking to this area to settle down in a place that’s reminiscent of paradise.

If you’re moving to Encinitas with school-aged children, the first thing you’ll want to know about are the schools. Encinitas is served by three different school districts: the Cardiff School District, Encinitas Union School District and the San Dieguito Union High School District.

Cardiff School District consists of just two elementary schools: the kindergarten through third grade Cardiff Elementary and third through sixth grade Ada Harris Elementary. Encinitas Union consists of nine elementary schools, while San Dieguito Union High School District is a much larger school district, which serves students in South Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Fairbanks Ranch, Solana Beach and Carmel Valley in San Diego County, along with Encinitas.

There are tons of famous names that hail from Encinitas, across many different areas of pop culture. Perhaps the most well-known and most-celebrated is skateboarding legend Tony Hawk. In fact, many of the world’s best skaters have called Encinitas home, including Rune Glifberg and Mike McGill.

Actor Richard Dreyfuss is from Encinitas, as is actress and model Emily Ratajkowski. Eddie Vedder, lead singer of Pearl Jam, also hails from Encinitas. Many other musicians, actors and artists have called Encinitas home, contributing to the city’s reputation for arts and artistic expression.

Whether you’re moving to Encinitas for the sleepy seaside vibes, the laid-back surfer culture or the amazing diversity of food, arts and entertainment, it won’t take you long to get settled in. Encinitas is a wonderful place to call home and an area that’s rewarding across every facet of life. There’s always something to do or see, and the climate makes year-round living comfortable and relaxing. Hit the beach, pull up a chair at a local eatery, catch a wave or visit the Surfing Madonna. However you choose to spend your days in Encinitas, you’re home.