Carlsbad Real Estate News and Views: California: Cardiff by the Sea: Walking District

Discovering a new restaurant and having a memorable experience is always a pleasure, and in the case of a small number of Cardiff restaurants, Trattoria Postiano in Cardiff-by-the-Sea California, I was not disappointed.

Trattoria Positano delights in many ways. One can easily imagine being in Italy while dining at this friendly, family-run restaurant.

And with glimpses of the ocean and the setting sun through the palm trees (depending on where your table is) while enjoying home-made pasta, among other traditional Italian preparations, with good friends and conversation, I couldn't have been happier. Except, perhaps, actually BEING in Italy. 

My Salmone al Saltimbocca was excellent. I am a big fan of fava beans which were hidden beneath the salmon, prosciutto, potato and a wonderful sauce. The menu was extensive, as Italy restaurant menus tend to be (in my experience here and in Italy), making the selection difficult, but leaving open a wealth of future dining opportunities. 

The De Luccia family has a real gem of a place. I highly recommend a visit to a terrific Cardiff restaurant, Trattoria Postiano Cardiff-by-the-Sea California. 

Trattoria Positano is located at 2171 San Elijo Avenue in the downtown area of Cardiff. (760) 632-0111.

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If I can provide more information about Cardiff real estate 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 © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Buyers seeking an eclectic seaside community with captivating ocean views will likely want to consider the Cardiff walking district homes for sale. Cardiff California, more formally known as Cardiff-by-the-Sea, is a beachside community with a strong surfing background and presence, gorgeous beaches, a small town feel and a blend of old and new - the people, retail, and housing. 

Cardiff has two residential areas west of the 5 freeway that tend to be the most popular, (read pricey): the Walking District and the Composer District. Cardiff's Walking District is aptly named, for it is a walkable community (unless you don't like hills) west of Birmingham that allows folks fairly easy access to the downtown area and the beaches on foot - and popular with those who love to surf. 

View from a Cardiff Walking District Home in Cardiff California

Cardiff Walking District homes are diverse in style, many of which are clustered along narrow roads in grid-like fashion on the hill overlooking the ocean (Montgomery, Manchestet, Cambridge, Oxford, Edinburgh, among others). While lots tend to be small, for many the magnificent whitewater ocean views (from some homes you can see people on the beach and surfing), the proximity to the downtown area and beaches, the atmosphere and feel of the Walking District, and the eclectic nature of the area are a major draw. 

Cardiff Walking District homes range from small bungalows and ranch-style homes that have remained much the same for years, to a large number of twin homes (folks in other areas call them duplexes), and recently built or fully remodeled contemporary properties. It is truly a blend of old and new, rustic and upscale, quaint and modern, and perhaps overbuilt in some cases. 

Another attribute of many Cardiff Walking District homes is their multilevel nature: some are upside-down homes (with the main living area upstairs to capture the views), and many have multiple levels due to being built on the steep hill. If stairs are an issue, you may have a more difficult time finding a home to suit your lifestyle in Cardiff's Walking District. 

All of this results in an appealing seaside residential area that is fairly expensive, although there are exceptions. Although homes often offer those coveted ocean views, if you are seeking a true waterfront home in Cardiff - there are none (except along the San Elijo Lagoon), as the coast road and the railroad tracks run along the bluff by the ocean with homes to the east.

Cardiff's Walking District has a number of popular eateries, with Pipes perhaps the best known - it's a terrific breakfast place and you can expect lines, especially on the weekends. There is a mix of retail: art galleries, surf shops, places to get a tattoo, a wonderful wine bar (Wine Steals), VG Donut and Bakery (that's Very Good), the fabulous Seaside Market (EVERY small town needs a market like this one), and a host of other unique places to explore.

Be sure to visit Good Morning Treasures. If you are looking for national chains and upscale boutiques you may be disappointed (the Patagonia store in the old Mercantile Building may come closest from what I have seen), and most folks living here, and visitors, like it that way just fine. There are of course pressures to further develop some areas, with resistance on the part of owners who have been in the areas for years. 

Rock sculpture at Cardiff State Beach in Cardiff California (my creation)

Currently there are 16 detached (single family) Walking District homes for sale in Cardiff, ranging in price from $699,000 (a 2 bedroom short sale home) to $3.2 million (there are only 2 homes under $1 million at the moment), with an average price tag of $1.699 million ($584/SF).  There are only 12 attached Walking District homes (some are condos but most are fee simple ownership twinhomes) in Cardiff right now, ranging from $699,900 up to $1.249 million (average price is $969,362, and $529/SF). 

Cardiff's Walking District homes and community may not be everyone's cup of tea, but there is a strong appeal for many who enjoy this quaint beach town in North San Diego County. 

Take a short walking tour of the Walking District in Cardiff

Enjoy the video taken from one of these Walking District homes.

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If I can provide more information about Cardiff real estate 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 © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Sandwiched between Encinitas and the San Elijo Lagoon, Cardiff by the Sea (a.k.a. simply as Cardiff) is the quintessential Southern California beach town.

With surf shops, casual eateries (including some directly on the ocean), an easily walkable downtown (in the Walking District of Cardiff), a mix of new and old (its shops as well as its housing) and of course fabulous beaches and sunset views, Cardiff exudes a charm that rarely fails to appeal to first time visitors, and keeps folks coming back. 

Certainly residents who live here, many of them for years, enjoy the charm, ocean views, and small-town feel and comradery of a community with long surfing roots, one that is comfortable with the past and being a bit different, but with a eye to the future as well.

Cardiff is a place to discover - an eclectic blend of housing and unique shops. One place absolutely worth a visit is Good Morning, in a small colorful strip mall (neighbors include the Chamber of Commerce, VG Donuts, and a Tatoo place),  just a block from the coast road and beach.

Good Morning, a shop of many Treasures, as owner Darrell Kitaen calls it, is an amazing collection of souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, crafts, art, and a myriad of other items that remind you of the 1960s. Words fail to adequately describe this unique shop with views of the ocean, so enjoy the photos in the virtual tour below. 

Darreld was a pleasure to meet and talk with. He has been in this location for about 30 years, with his first indoor business location in the building that is now Las Olas along Restaurant Row on the Coast Highway. I had a great time hearing about his early life in Hollywood, then in Idyllwild (a hiker's paradise, by the way), and his start in the business in San Diego, first with outdoor venues on street corners and later moving indoors. Darreld has seen a lot, knows a lot, has many friends, and is someone I would consider to be pretty wise about the ways of the world. I'm not the only one - he was recently featured in an article in the star News publication, San Diego Seniors: Prime, A Lifestyle guide for the 50+ Generation. 

Walking into Good Morning, and meeting Darreld, made me smile. You will too. When you stop by, please let him how you found out about his shop. He found my video about Cardiff on YouTube, so I am returning a favor here.

By the way here's a YouTube video about Darreld made by Leah (StellaBelle).

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I have started a series of articles on Carlsbad area real estate for sale which is within walking distance of amenities including dining and shopping.

Lots of folks are interested in being able to live in certain neighborhoods and then walk to dining and shopping - something that is not always easy to do in Southern California, and in many cases comes at a hefty price, since many town centers in North County San Diego are very close to the beach. Close to the beach means high real estate prices.

But there ARE options in and around Carlsbad, and I will be featuring these over the next few weeks.

Proximity to amenities by walking can be very personal - for some, a walk of 15-20 minutes is fine, and other want a 10 minute walk.  I will be using my own knowledge of these markets plus Walkscore data.

READ more about the Walkscore here.

CARDIFF's WALKING DISTRICT

Let's start our series with perhaps the most walkable area, the Walking District in Cardiff (more formally, Cardiff-by-the-Sea).

Cardiff is a charming town on the ocean just north of Solana Beach. The town is built on the hills overlooking the sea, with many homes (those west of the 5 and some on the east side) making views AND being within walking distance of shopping, services, dining, and of course surfing and the beaches.

Quaint stores (a broad mix of retail), small business services, places to eat (Pipes cafe is THE best breakfast place around), and the Seaside Market are within 5 - 15 minutes of many homes located on the hills of the Walking District near the main commercial center at San Elijo and Chesterfield.

READ MORE:

Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Artists by the Sea Gallery in Carfiff by the Sea

Like to Walk - live in the Walking District of Cardiff

Of course what goes down must go up, so if you walk DOWN the hills to the town center and the ocean, then one must walk back up. But think of the exercise, especially after dining. Lot so folks do so, with surfboards under their arms, so you can too. A small price to play to live in a charming Oceanside town that, despite growth, is resisting becoming a gentrified tourist stop. Thank goodness.

Cardiff is not right for everyone - ya want a Starbucks? They have one. High end shopping and boutiques? Limited. Malls? Nah. 4-star dining? Nope. But the views are fabulous and the ambiance of the Walking District is unique. Terrific beaches and a host of casual fun restaurants, a number of which are oceanside.

Detached homes in Cardiff's Walking District range from Somewhat Walkable to Very Walkable (68 to 78 in terms of walk score) - pretty darn good. There are 9 detached Carlsbad homes for sale in the Walking District, from $799,000 (2 BR, 1 BA) to $1,950,000 (4 BR, 5 BA). Attached homes for sale (there are 7 - these are all twin homes, not condos) run from $625,000 to $1.425M.

Obviously walking distance is very subjective, and any prudent buyer will check this sort of thing out, if it is important to the purchase of a home. What I feel is walkable or is deemed walkable by the walk score may not quite fit with your ideals.

If you need more specific information about the Walking District or more details about particular homes or the Cardiff real estate market in general, please feel free to ask.

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If I can provide more information about Solana Beach, 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

Here’s a brief tour in my car of Cardiff, California, a wonderful seaside town just south of Encinitas.

Cardiff, more formally known as Cardiff-by-the-Sea, is a quaint small town with a history of surfing and all that entails. The Cardiff real estate market is a challenge due to pricing and somewhat limited inventory, but there is a broad mix of housing, from bungalows and cottages to ocean view contemporary homes. Be prepared for hills and small lots.

Cardiff is technically part of Encinitas and its town goverment and other operations. But Cardiff has its own zip code (92007) which sometimes confuses people.

The town itself is fairly small, with some restaurants, clothing stores, surf shops, one of the best small markets around, and a range of services, but don’t expect an upscale community with high-end boutiques and fancy eateries…and the residents and visitors love it that way.

The beaches are fabulous, surfing is terrific, views are glorious, and the somewhat crowded and close-knit community offers a lifestyle that appeals to many, but is not right for others.

Enjoy the short video tour of this charming seaside town.

Read:

Cardiff-by-the-Sea – The Quintessential Beach Town

Like to Walk? Live in the Walking District

Want to Live in a Musical Community – Try the Composer District

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If I can provide more information about Cardiff, Encinitas, 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

Do you like to walk? Would you like to live in a neighborhood where you can walk to many of the amenities you want AND to the beach?

The area of Cardiff known as the Walking District is a popular neighborhood, offering terrific ocean and white water views, within an easy walk to the beach and downtown amenities...shopping, restaurants and more (enjoy the visual tour of Cardiff as well - turn up the sound for the music).

Cardiff itself is located on the coast perhaps 20 miles north of San Diego. It is bordered on the south by Solana Beach and the San Elijo Lagoon, and the north by Encinitas (Cardiff is officially a community within the town of Encinitas but has its own zip code - 92007). The Walking District is south of Birmingham  and is bordered by the coast highway and the ocean, to the west, and Glasgow, Edinburg and Mackinnon on the east, at the peak of the hill.

This area of Cardiff (more formally Cardiff-by-the-Sea) is pretty much laid out in a grid, with a number of streets running horizontal along the hill, and several main streets running up the hill (Chesterfield for example). Because of the topography, many homes, even a few single story properties, can offer some fabulous views of the ocean, whitewater, San Eljio Lagoon, neighborhood, and panoramic coast depending on location. 

Homes tend to be fairly crowded together, with small yards, and there is a diverse mix of newly built or remodeled homes on 2-4 levels, and small cottages that have been there for years without renovation. The town has restrictions that prevent homes above a certain height, which helps to preserve some of the views. These views, and the overall lifestyle, are what contribute to the charm, and the price, of oceanside living in Cardiff.

Housing in the Walking District of Cardiff is expensive, and the inventory tends to be limited. There are both attached and detached homes, and some are condos. It is fairly common for homes to be built upside-down, with the living area (kitchen, dining, living room) on the top floor to take advantage of the best views. Currently there are 9 detached Cardiff homes for sale, priced between $995K and $2.1 million; there is a small enclave of 6 new construction homes for sale at the very top of the hill (some have partial views I believe) priced in the $1.5 million range.

There are 5 attached Cardiff homes for sale as of this writing; these range in price from $900K to $1.35 million. If building a home is of interest, there is a small house on a lot (775 SF 2 bedroom) priced at $995K which could be torn down for building, and adjacent to that is another slightly larger cottage priced at $1.2 million where you could also build (subject to town approval) a townhome. New housing is limited due to a lack of vacant land. A number of homeowners have completed dramatic remodels on their homes to better enjoy the views. Parking can be a challenge, given the small streets, although many homes offer some off street parking or a garage. There are also a number of renters in the area.

Part of the appeal of the Walking District, apart from the views, is the ability to readily walk to the beach and to the shopping and restaurants in town. While Cardiff is not known as a restaurant mecca, there are some nice eateries within walking distance (Pipes is a well known breakfast place, Trattoria Positano offers dining al fresco with ocean views, and Yogi's is a popular sports bar), but Restaurant Row (Charlie's by the Sea, The Chart House, Las Olas, to name a few), right along the beach, is a short drive and visible from the Walking District.

There is excellent surfing nearby at Cardiff State Beach or Swami's (in Encinitas just to the north), and many more shopping and dining opportunities in Encinitas and Solana Beach.

Younger children, grades K to 3, attend the Cardiff Elementary School on Montgomery; older students grades 3 - 6 attend the Ada Harris Elementary School on Windsor. Beyond grade 6 students go to the schools in Encinitas.

Whether you are planning to relocate to the area, or simply want to buy a new, or second, home, Cardiff offers a wonderful oceanside Southern California lifestyle. Check it out!

Due to its prices, this part of  Cardiff may not be in your budget if you are a first time buyer, but for some it will work. There are other more affordable areas of Cardiff with 2 and 3 bedroom condos in the $400s. Don't hesitate to ask if I can provide further information or answer any questions.