Who Encinitas is right for.
Encinitas is a strong fit if you want surf culture to be part of everyday life. You can catch the morning waves at Swami's, spend the afternoon at Moonlight Beach and watch the sunset from the bluffs. People here tend to live outside, and it shows.
It's also a great match if you like a town with its own personality. Coast Highway 101 runs through the historic downtown, with local shops, restaurants, public art and the landmark La Paloma Theatre. Each of the five communities has its own feel, from the beach-town energy of Leucadia and Cardiff to the open, rural setting of Olivenhain.
If you love the outdoors, Encinitas gives you plenty of space to explore. The city has about 40 miles of trails, plus Manchester Preserve, San Elijo Lagoon and Annie's Canyon nearby. You can walk the beach one day, climb a ridgeline trail the next and wander through the San Diego Botanic Garden on the weekend.
Encinitas also works well if you need to get around. I-5 runs through the city, and the Coaster stops at Encinitas station for a train ride to downtown San Diego. You're also close to Carlsbad and Solana Beach, and Coast Highway 101 makes for an easy drive up and down the coast.
Before you decide, keep in mind that the five communities can feel very different from each other. Life near the beach in Leucadia isn't the same as life on a larger lot in Olivenhain, and prices can change quite a bit from one area to the next. If you're not sure where you'd fit best, I'm happy to walk you through the options and show you around.