In this next article in the series of walkable neighborhoods we explore the affluent community of Rancho Santa Fe.

Rancho Santa Fe real estate has the reputation of being some of the most expensive in the country.

The median price of a detached home puts Rancho Santa Fe near the top of Forbes' list of the most expensive zip codes on more than one occasion (the median price of a detached home in RSF for 2008 YTD is $2.8 million, with the average over $3.5 million).

The town is unincorporated, although battle has raged recently in attempts to incorporate and thereby derive some greater measure of control over community services. The most recent attempt failed, but I suspect efforts will continue.

Like other small wealthy communities, Rancho Santa Fe lacks some of the more common services, retail and other commercial enterprises found in the coastal towns. You won't find WalMart or any similar large retail chains, nor the strip malls clustered along the coastal road in Carlsbad, Encinitas and other seaside communities. No fast food either. Indeed the commercial area of Rancho Santa Fe in the Village is rather on the small side, and privacy is highly prized. Indeed, many folks likely prefer the solitude of expansive properties along the winding streets as opposed to wanting to walk to town.

READ MORE: Rancho Santa Fe - Luxury Home Buyers' Paradise in San Diego

Rancho Santa Fe Village is clustered along several tree-lined streets (the main street being Paseo Delicias - ya gotta love that name), offering residents and visitors an easy walk from end to end due to its size. There is a fair amount of free parking along the streets (except on the day of the Rancho Sante Fe Art Affaire).

There are multiple real estate offices - not surprising, given the appeal of this wealthy community and the many large homes and estates - as well as sophisticated dining (Delicias, Mille Fleurs), galleries, small businesses catering to home design and décor and financial matters, the town library, a bookstore, coffee shop, and a school. The well known Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is at the west end of town overlooking the community park and is a popular place for dining, corporate events, and weddings.

Rancho Santa Fe real estate within walking distance to the Village is expensive, and limited. There are currently 4 homes that are Somewhat Walkable, priced from $3.7 million to $4.6 million. There are 4 attached homes for sale that are also Somewhat Walkable, priced from $1.175 million to $1.95 million.

Here are the previous articles in the Walkable Neighborhood Series:

Solana Beach Real Estate on the Coast

Del Mar Real Estate Near the Village

 Carlsbad Village Real Estate in Carlsbad, California

Downtown Encinitas

Cardiff Real Estate in The Walking District in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Carlsbad Homes for Sale in La Costa, Carlsbad

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If I can provide more information about Rancho Santa Fe, Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits