Living in Oceanside, CA | Why You Should Move There
Are you considering living in Oceanside? Do you think that this coastal city is the right choice for you and your family? Let’s find out!
Oceanside is the third-largest city in all of San Diego County. Located on California’s South Coast, this community is part of the tri-city area, along with Vista and Carlsbad.
Originally, the first European explorers arrived in the area in 1769. Spanish missionaries led by Father Junipero Serra started the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia at the location of a former Native American village. But during the 1800s, the community became a farming area.
Today, residents can enjoy easy access to plenty of gorgeous beaches. With a fitting name of Oceanside, the town has a 3.5-mile stretch of beaches that residents can enjoy. With a suburban atmosphere and affordable housing, this community is a popular choice for residents and tourists alike.
This seaside town is also a popular spot for surfers and beach lovers. It boasts palm-lined streets and the longest wooden pier on the west coast. Locals can enjoy plenty of water sports, sailing, and whale watching opportunities within this family-friendly community.
Here’s a look at nine things you should know before moving to Oceanside.
1. People of Oceanside
Like many parts of California, Oceanside has a diverse population with many different ethnic groups. With a Marine Corps base at nearby Camp Pendleton, some of the residents are members of the military. Currently, the Oceanside population is resting around 176,000 people.
Oceanside is known for having a welcoming, friendly environment. Because of its amenities and oceanfront location, families often move to the area. In fact, over 68 percent of households in Oceanside are made up of families. The town has numerous activities to keep people of all ages engaged and entertained.
2. Housing Market in Oceanside
The average price of a home in Oceanside is starting to rise. In the last 12 months, median home sales have increased about 5.9% to an average of $533,000. For a one-bedroom home, the median sales price is at $267,000. These numbers are on the lower end compared to California averages.
Following the same trend, average rent in Oceanside is also increasing. Residents living in Oceanside can expect to pay a median rent of $2,453. Once again, these housing numbers are well above the US average, but fall below the California median.
3. Cost of Living in Oceanside
Like any city in the country, the cost of living in Oceanside can vary depending on which neighborhood you live in. While Oceanside has a higher cost of living than the average American city, just about everything is still cheaper than most other parts of California.
When it comes to ranking Oceanside, housing is the main reason it has a higher cost of living. But other factors like utilities and groceries are fairly close to the national average. If you can find a good deal on a home, the rest of your living costs are fairly typical. However, one thing that does have a lower cost in Oceanside is healthcare, currently about 15% less than the US average.
4. Oceanside Neighborhoods
When you decide to start living in Oceanside, there are a few neighborhoods you can choose from. Some of the best neighborhoods in Oceanside include Henie Hills, Fire Mountain, Rancho Del Oro and South Oceanside.
Fire Mountain is a popular choice for its ocean views, large lots and thriving community. It has a safe environment with a low crime rate. Many people are drawn to the semi-rural environment and open spaces. Henie Hills is a historic community that started when the movie star, Sonja Henie, and her brother bought 1,600 acres along the coast. Now, the coastal retreat has large homes known for their excellent views and has become one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Oceanside.
If you want a safe, family-friendly community, check out South Oceanside. This eclectic community is a popular spot for for beachfront hang outs, surf shops, cafes, top restaurants, and antique shopping. Because of its safe environment, it has a peaceful ambience that constantly attracts new residents.
5. Oceanside Schools
Residents will find a number of schools to choose from in Oceanside. The city includes six different school districts that range from public to private schools. For high schools, the top options are found in the Oceanside Unified School District. Students in the area can attend Oceanside High or El Camino High for top-tier education. El Camino High regularly receives the highest rankings out of the city’s high school programs.
For nearby colleges, head to MiraCosta College or California State University San Marcos. MiraCosta is a two-year community college that offers a range of classes and programs for students. While California State University San Marcos offers some of the latest facilities and rigorous, four-year academic programs.
6. Jobs in Oceanside
A few of the top employers in the area are Tri-City Medical Center, the City of Oceanside, MiraCosta College, and Select Staffing. There are a number of other Oceanside jobs available in the countless retail shops, restaurants, transit companies, and more.
A surprising statistic is that the average person in Oceanside has a commute time of less than 30 minutes, which is quite a bit lower than the California average.
7. Things to Do in Oceanside
Oceanside has plenty of activities and events for everyone, whether living there or visiting. Local residents love the Sunset Market, a weekly market that features live entertainment, local vendors and food every Thursday. The downtown area also has plenty of antique shops, retail stores and restaurants for weekend fun.
Surfing and sunbathing are two of the best things to do when living in Oceanside. Residents can head to the Oceanside Pier to check out the longest wooden pier on the western coast of the United States, followed up by a visit to the California Surf Museum.
For a meditative walking experience and a look at some beautiful gardens, head over to Mount Ecclesia’s historic district. While fitness lovers can either watch or participate in the Race Across America, a 3,000-mile bike race that starts in Oceanside each June.
8. Places to Eat in Oceanside
If you are looking for the best places to eat in Oceanside, you will have plenty of options to choose from. You can’t go wrong with a visit to Ty’s Burger House. This local restaurant features delicious wraps, tacos, venison, and you guessed it, delicious burgers.
While Harney Sushi is the place to go for Japanese cuisine and sushi, Felix’s BBQ With Soul will impress lovers of pulled pork, barbecued ribs, and other soul food dishes. Locals can also head over to the Flying Pig Pub or the Local Tap House for pub food and beers on tap.
9. Weather in Oceanside
Known for its balmy, semi-arid climate, Oceanside weather is the envy of the rest of the west coast. It has an average high temperature that ranges from 64 °F to 77 °F. With such warm weather and inviting beaches, it isn’t surprising that this city is a favorite for surfers and ocean lovers.
Residents can relax during the warm, clear summers. During the winter, the weather is typically crisp and cool with temps hovering between the 40s and low 60s. Early June to early October will generally have the best weather for outdoor activities.
Will You Be Living in Oceanside Soon?
Living in Oceanside is a popular choice thanks to the gorgeous homes, top schools, and excellent recreational options. It offers all the amenities and ocean views of living at in a beachfront town with an eclectic blend of shops, restaurants, museums, and cafes. Residents will enjoy having a cost of living that is lower than most areas in California and some of the region’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
If you’re thinking about moving to Oceanside, we’ll be happy to have you! Please let us know if you need help along the way. We offer high-quality moving services to get you where you’re going safely and securely.