Olde Del Mar

W

DEL MAR:  What area fits you?

"Del Mar" encompasses many neighborhoods, each with their own personalities, zoning specifics, and strengths. Do you know the details of Olde Del Mar, Del Mar Terrace, Del Mar Heights, the Beach Colony and Rural Del Mar?  I have lived and worked in this area for decades, and happy to answer any questions you may have.  Today, I am going to talk about the Olde Del Mar neighborhood, where I've lived for the last 7 years.

Olde Del Mar: A Delightful Coastal Village

The heart of the City of Del Mar, sometimes called Del Mar Village, Olde Del Mar includes hillside properties gazing down on the ocean, trendy restaurants, hotels, and shops along Camino Del Mar, duplexes and townhomes near Stratford Court, and homes near and on the bluff looking out over the ocean, as well as Sea Grove and Powerhouse Parks.

A Brief History of Olde Del Mar

Development of Del Mar began in 1885 when the railroad arrived with developers eager to exploit its perfect weather and coastline.  Cottages on 11th-15th street and the original Stratford Inn attracted wealthy Southern Californians.

Legend has it that the curvy streets on the hillside were laid out by letting horses pulling wagons leaving a trail of flour determine the best way to get up the hill.  The Racetrack was built in 1936 and attracted Hollywood celebrities like Bing Crosby who stayed in the beach cottages and the re-built Stratford Inn and financed development of the downtown.

The City of Del Mar was incorporated in 1959.  Resistance to overdevelopment started in the 60's and solidified Del Mar's emphasis on retaining its village character, low density housing with lots of trees, and a pedestrian-oriented downtown.  

What's it like to live in Olde Del Mar?

There are many qualities that make it feel like living in paradise:

• Walkable coastal lifestyle with privacy and welcoming community.
• Scenic beauty, low buildings, quiet streets with limited short term rentals.
• Stable, strong property values.

Things to consider:

• Very high real estate prices - entry level of $3-4 million and prices rise exponentially near the ocean with a recent record breaking sale just under $50 million on the ocean front.
• Narrow streets, limited parking with seasonal crowding - it's a wonderful, sought-after tourist destination.  Pay attention to parking signs, as parking tickets are easy to get!
• Permissible floor area ratios around 25% of lot size and strict design review can make development challenging and time consuming.

Top-Tier Schools

         Del Mar Union School District, with award-winning schools and recently rebuilt, known for academic excellence and strong community culture.

• San Dieguito Union High School District - Students progress to outstanding middle and high school options including Torrey Pines HS and Canyon Crest Academy, known for great academics, athletics, and arts programs.

It Makes a Village

Del Mar residents tend to embrace nature, have interesting backgrounds and enjoy a quieter, walkable lifestyle with gourmet food options, feeling part of a village.  They also frequent beautiful parks and beaches that welcome visitors from all over the world!