If you’re looking to buy San Diego real estate in a neighborhood that’s safe enough to raise your kids but also funky enough for big-city fun, then look no further than Ocean Beach. A small town within the city’s business district, Ocean Beach is known for its thriving antique district, its scenic beaches and its world famous “Ocean Beach Street Fair, Chili Cook-Off and Fireworks Festival.”
Ocean Beach was founded in 1887 by developers Billy Carlson and Frank Higgins and was originally known as “Mussel Beach” for the promotional mussel roasts Carlson and Higgins hosted to draw interest to the neighborhood. After the developers sold their stake in the neighborhood, its name was changed, and Ocean Beach grew into one of the most popular spring hangouts in the city due its excellent surfing and its proximity to downtown. It’s just five minutes away, right down the Ocean Beach Interstate.
Although Ocean Beach claims a population of 70,000, it has a small-town feel because of the strong emphasis that the native OBceans (pronounced “oh-bee-shuns”) place on community. Nearly all of the businesses in the neighborhood are locally owned, and there are a wealth of public parks and piers to enjoy despite Ocean Beach’s proximity to downtown San Diego. In fact, the Ocean City Precise Plan – which prevents corporate development in the community – is the oldest piece of community planning legislature ever passed in the city of San Diego.
In addition to its popular antique district, Ocean Beach is also home to the longest concrete pier on the West Coast, a no-leash dog beach and two public schools as well as two private ones. Families and married couples make up 80% of Ocean Beach’s population.
A home in Ocean Beach can range from as low as $300,000 to as high as $1 million. Since there are very few foreclosures, it’s hard to find any bank-owned houses in the neighborhood, but it’s still considered one of the most reasonably priced communities for first-time homeowners in San Diego, especially considering its proximity to the beach and downtown.
Whether you’re a young couple or an established family, if you’re looking for houses for sale in San Diego, you should definitely consider Ocean Beach. It’s one of your best options.
