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. Few new homes are constructed—more common is remodeling of the older 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. The latest figures show 2,584 total housing units, with more than half owner occupied. 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.
Del Mar General Facts
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 eclectic 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. With winter temperatures ranging from 43º to 68º and summers from 62º to 82º, Del Mar’s climate is ideal all year long. In its colorful history dating back to the 1800s, 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.
Del Mar History
In August of 1882, Theodore M. Loop, the contractor and engineer on the California Southern Railroad train, built his home just north of San Diego. His wife named the town “Del Mar,” meaning “of the sea.” Colonel Jacob Taylor, who had built his home at Rancho Penasquitos, met Loop and they built a town when Taylor bought 300+ acres in 1885—the official founding year of Del Mar. Taylor saw the town as a seaside resort and Mecca for the rich and famous, and proceeded to build the Casa del Mar hotel, dancing pavilions and the Del Mar Store. Builders developed a new subdivision on land adjoining Del Mar to the east in 1887 establishing Del Mar Heights. In 1910 the Hotel Del Mar opened its doors and attracted Hollywood stars who also enjoyed the pier, bath house, golf course and train depot. AMTRAK ceased service to Del Mar in 1995 when the station moved to Solana Beach. When the 22nd District Agricultural Association sought a location for the San Diego County Fair, it settled on a 184-acre site in the San Dieguito Valley. The first Del Mar Fair opened in 1936 with 50,000 people in attendance. Opening day of the mile-long oval racetrack built within the fairgrounds occurred one year later. Many of the celebrities who frequented the races purchased homes in Del Mar, including Pat O’Brien, Jimmy Durante and Desi and Lucy Arnaz. Del Mar incorporated as a city in 1959, and it soon had a fire department and lifeguard department. From the 1960s to the 80s, the emphasis moved to protecting the environment and beautifying the city. Seagrove Park was developed and the Historical Society was formed. The city established a cosmopolitan profile, attracting artists, writers and small businesses.
Del Mar Demographics
With an average age of 45 and an average household income of $119,000, more than 4500 residents make their home in Del Mar. Two fine libraries serve the area—one in downtown and the newer one in Carmel Valley, providing residents with exceptional educational opportunities and community meeting facilities. 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 Points of Interest and Events
The Del Mar Race Track and County Fairgrounds are the #1 attraction in this fair city. The Del Mar National Golf Course provides an 18-hole championship course winding among coastal hills, narrow valleys and sloping meadows. A driving range just east of the fairgrounds is open throughout the year for amateurs and pros alike. The Saturday farmers market serves as a showplace for the freshest produce and local crafts and a great meeting place for residents and their dogs. From its start as a power plant in the early 1900s to its life as a nightclub in the 1950s, the Powerhouse has always been a landmark in Del Mar. Beaches have long been a great attraction to Del Mar and the River Mouth is a broad expanse with plenty of space for volleyball games and a gathering place for dogs. The northern half of Del Mar City Beach, from 15th Street to the River Mouth, affords great swimming, intermediate surf and easy access at every block. A dirt path paralleling the train track on the bluff is a favorite of walkers and joggers, who can enjoy miles without encountering a car or crossing a road.
- NUMBER1EXPERTS™ 
