Del Mar Heights

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 Del Mar Heights neighborhood, where I have lived and happily raised two children.  Having sold many homes in The Heights, I'm a neighborhood friend and expert.

DEL MAR HEIGHTS:  Convenience, Neighborhood, Schools

Overview

Del Mar Heights is a residential neighborhood just west of I-5 and right behind Olde Del Mar.  It embraces two great elementary schools, Del Mar Heights and Del Mar Hills, and is home to fun restaurants, hiking trails and shopping.  From a zoning standpoint, it is in the City of San Diego, and at the same time enjoys the 92014 zipcode and "Del Mar" designation, important to many residents with being coastal and west of the freeway. 

The Beachside Del Mar shopping center has a Vons supermarket, CVS drugstore, Starbucks, and many fun restaurants and shops.  You can walk there or make a short drive from homes in "The Heights" as well as to the Torrey Pines Reserve and Beach and the Del Mar Village and Beach.  

Only a few miles to the South are UCSD, the famed San Diego biotech business hub, Qualcomm and dozens of tech companies.  A mile to the east you'll find dozens of law and financial firms, too.  Right next to I-5, most of San Diego is only minutes away.

Brief history

Decades ago, development of Del Mar Heights was controversial, opposed by the City of Del Mar and residents concerned about density and traffic.  It was open space until "North City West" was finally approved by San Diego voters in the 60's and 70's as part of the push for post-war suburban expansion with coastal-adjacent housing.  Luckily approval required infrastructure first, so streets, shopping, and schools were built in a thoughtful way that makes living there today convenient.

Advantages and Realities of Del Mar Heights

• Shares the cachet, school district, and ZIP code of Del Mar but in the City San Diego.  Development approvals are easier in San Diego than Del Mar (more liberal Floor Area Ratio and no Design Review Board process) but views are less protected.  And living in San Diego gets you great deal at the Torrey Pines Golf Course!
• Higher prices than other parts of San Diego - premium pricing limits affordability.  Hard to find a detached single family home in livable condition for less than $2.5m. 
• Smaller commercial core — you’ll generally need to drive a short distance for larger grocery/retail or work in San Diego tech centers.

• Excellent proximity to beaches, Torrey Pines Reserve and coastal trails (great outdoor lifestyle), a short drive or long walk required.
• Top-quality local elementary school campus and family resources (Del Mar Heights School).  
• Quiet residential streets with ocean/view lots in many places; strong neighborhood identity.
• Close to Del Mar Village restaurants/shops and the Del Mar Fairgrounds / race season draws. 
• Limited supply - being fully built out, consistent demand for Del Mar housing drives expectation of future price appreciation.

Some examples to check out:

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