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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (760) 840-1360 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
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I have been here several times over the years and it's very nice. Great place to enjoy the ocean and relax.
Jeff
The Cardiff Walking District looks absolutely perfect. I suppose the next best thing with living in paradise would be walking through it.
What a great way to get to know your area. Thanks for the tour.
Jeff you do a fantastic job introducing us to your area! Cardiff Walking District is so lovely AND your photos are excellent and I need to take lessons from you on videos. Perfect!
LOL at your rock creation. You're an artist! =P You should have just posted that for Speechless Sunday.
Now is that path an idea of what runs through the whole community?