Best Streets for Oceanfront Homes for Sale in Carlsbad CA
and Beyond
Some Carlsbad buyers are particularly interested in living on the ocean, and have the budget to do so.
Are you looking for oceanfront homes for sale in Carlsbad?
While these properties are limited, there are currently some good opportunities for acquiring an ocean-front home for sale along the North San Diego County coast in Carlsbad, as well as in communities to the south including Encinitas, Solana Beach and Del Mar.
Most buyers are aware of the costs of ocean front homes, but limited supply, and demand, can cause prices in some areas to far exceed what home buyers might expect or hope for, and what their budget will allow. The choice, then, is to be close to the beach, perhaps with views, for a much lesser price, and there are a number of homes in a range of prices with great ocean views.
RESTRICTIONS AND REGULATIONS
Be aware that in addition to the City of Carlsbad, the California Coastal Commission weighs heavily on any modifications or enhancements to properties that fall within their jurisdiction, the coastal zone, along and near the beaches – improvements to the property, stairs, and seawalls, among other issues may be reglated. Environmental concerns and conservation are important in the coastal area and are usually strictly enforced, and permits take time! Other communities have their own restrictions regarding what can be done with ocean-front properties, including adding stairs to the beach…extremely difficult, if not impossible, to do these days.
OTHER OCEAN-FRONT LIVING ISSUES
In addition to restrictions that may be imposed by the City of Carlsbad, or other jurisdictions, and the Coastal Commission, buyers should be aware that ocean front living brings other potential issues and costs – erosion to the bluff or land from waves and wind; increased wear and tear and deterioration on the home exterior due to moisture, wind and blowing sand; increased home-owners insurance and property taxes; often more marine layer and ground fog, heavier winds, and cooler temperatures. Is ocean-front living worth it? From having had a home on the water back east, I can tell you that it is!!
Some homes will offer steps directly to the beach which enhances the value, and obviously provide great access to getting those toes in the sand. Buyers should be aware that beaches are public so you can expect people walking along the beach in front of your house, as well as possibly on the street the homes are located on to gain access to the ocean. Some areas may not offer public beach access (e.g., Terramar) which adds to the privacy.
Here's a list of some streets where you will find oceanfront homes in Carlsbad.
Ocean Street near Carlsbad Village (take a tour down this ocean frontage road)
Tierra del Oro (in Terramar) – small community with a section on the west side of the Coast Road which is ocean-front with a wonderful beach
Terramar Beach
Shore Drive (also part of the Terramar neighborhood)
Carlsbad Boulevard (Coast Highway) – There are a few homes on the Coast Road (Terramar) that offer direct beach-front living, but many homes along this stretch of road are on the east side of the road, so while they may have great views they are not true ocean front.
CURRENT CARLSBAD OCEAN-FRONT HOMES
Here are several current ocean-front single family detached offerings in Carlsbad that are sure to impress:
On Ocean Street – a 3,587 SF beauty with 6 bedrooms and 1 optional bedroom, 4 full baths and 2 half baths, with glorious views for $7,300,000.
On Carlsbad Boulevard (the Coast Road) – an 8,000 SF ocean-front gem with direct access to the sand, with 5 bedrooms, 1optional bedroom, 6 full baths and 2 half baths. Priced at $11,495,000
In Terramar – a 3,410 SF beach-front home (stairs to the breakwater) with 3 bedrooms, 1 optional bedroom, 3 full and 1 half bath, priced at $5,450,000.
OTHER OCEAN-FRONT PROPERTIES
Further south in Encinitas/Leucadia, Neptune Avenue offers some of the best ocean-front/bluff top living, with homes currently priced from $3.8M to $13,888,000 (a new custom built contemporary, next to another custom home at $12,900,000). Here’s a quick drive down Neptune Avenue (one-way street heading north); there are some terrific beaches in the area – Moonlight, Grandview, Stone Steps and Beacon’s.
Solana Beach bluff homes on Pacific Avenue right now range from $3,299,000 to $10,950,000
In Del Mar a coveted area is the Del Mar Beach Colony (Ocean Front Street) and the gated Sandy Lane community next door, with prices currently from $6,998,000 to $35,000,000. The most expensive MLS sale to date in San Diego County was in this community, at $48,150,000 in 2007.
Given the limited opportunities for ocean-front properties, and given how the MLS works, a custom search is likely the best way to find the right property at the beach.
If beach-front living is of interest, please reach out to me at (760) 840-1360 so we can further discuss your needs and interests, explore the inventory currently available, and start watching the market for ocean-front homes that fit your budget and lifestyle.
