Del Mar, California

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Where the surf meets the turf, lies old Del Mar. Located just west of I-5 along two square miles of breathtaking coastline between La Jolla and Solana Beach, Del Mar is a cozy village that is home to the world-renown thoroughbred racetrack and county fairgrounds. This quaint historical town offers unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, natural lagoons, sandstone bluffs and untouched canyons.

Del Mar became notorious in the 1930s as the summer retreat of celebrity horseracing fans such as Bing Crosby and Jimmy Durante. The picturesque racetrack and county fairgrounds, that house large fairs, weddings and all manner of community events still draw millions of enthusiasts from around the world.

Gourmet restaurants, homey coffee shops, specialty boutiques and service businesses line Camino Del Mar, the center of downtown. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the European-style Del Mar Plaza, with an ocean-view patio and fashionable shopping and dining. Visitors and locals can step back in time at L'Auberge Hotel for romantic dining and opulent resort accommodations with the ever-present ocean view.

In recent years, Del Mar has sprouted the surrounding communities of Del Mar Heights to the East, Carmel Valley and Torrey Pines to the South and Torrey Hills to the Southeast. Some of the best hiking trails can be enjoyed at Torrey Pines Reserve and State Beach and its extension, both just south of the city. As you go east on Via De La Valle, you'll find stately ranches, growing grounds and polo fields. But the beach is what keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Del Mar is host to some of the best schools in the state. Residents are afforded an education from the Del Mar Union School District and the San Dieguito Union High School District, which includes the high-ranking Torrey Pines High School. The University of California at San Diego (UCSD) and famous biomedical facilities such as Scripps Clinic and The Salk Institute are located just south of Del Mar. Many scientists, doctors and college professors from these facilities live in Del Mar real estate.

Del Mar homes ...are primarily older beach cottages built between 1950 and 1980 dot the coastline of Del Mar. Intermingled are newer and much larger, almost mansion-like homes. Limited numbers of Del Mar condos and apartments can be found in Del Mar, although these are more common in Del Mar Heights, Carmel Valley and the surrounding communities. Average prices in 2005 for a single-family dwelling were around $1.7 million, and ranged between the high $800,000s to $5 million. Condos sell for between $400,000 to $1.6 million+. Since Del Mar real estate is highly desirable and not plentiful, it has been and will continue to be an excellent investment. Del Mar residents enjoy their casual, yet elegant lifestyle, and value their privacy by supporting the low-growth policy that keeps Del Mar real estate in high demand and preserves their charming city.