Living in Oceanside

Oceanside, CA, is a beautiful coastal city that offers a distinctive fusion of relaxed beach culture and bustling urban living.

Whether you're a first-time home buyer, a young professional seeking a new challenge, or a retiree looking for a change in scenery, Oceanside offers something for everyone.

In this ultimate guide to living in Oceanside, we'll explore the pros and cons of living in this coastal city. So, whether you're considering a move to Oceanside or just curious about what it has to offer, keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

If you've gathered that living in Oceanside or anywhere else in San Diego is a good idea, our agents can help you find a great spot to call home!

Pros of Living in Oceanside

Warm Weather

For those who enjoy spending time outside, the sunny climate makes Oceanside a terrific place to call home. With an average temperature of 75 degrees, the city experiences mild winters, warm summers, and year-round sunshine. This makes it perfect for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, and golfing. To add on, a Comfort Index of 91 out of 10 shows why Oceanside ranks among the most comfortable cities to live in the country.

Outdoor Activities

You will find some of SoCal's most pristine beaches in Oceanside. Boasting a 3-mile-long beach, the Oceanside Pier and Oceanside Harbor Beach are popular spots for sunbathing, swimming, and surf fishing. Other water sports activities include kayaking, paddle boarding, as well as whale watching.

Plus the numerous parks and trails throughout the city are great for picnics, hiking, and cycling. Because it is the location of the well-known surf spot "Trestles," Oceanside is also renowned for its extensive surfing history and culture.

Low Crime

When compared to other California beachfront communities of comparable size, Oceanside has a relatively low crime rate. The FBI's recent data shows that Oceanside has a lower crime rate than the national average. With that in mind, Oceanside is a relatively safe place to call home thanks to the city's lower property crime rate.

Educational Opportunities

The Oceanside Unified School District (OUSD) serves the educational needs of the people living in Oceanside. From kindergarten through the 12th grade, more than 28,000 students attend the district’s 32 schools. And with a graduation rate of over 90%, the OUSD posts strong academic grades.

To add on, many of the district’s schools have been recognized for their academic prowess, including some that have received the awards of California Distinguished School and National Blue Ribbon School. What's more, the district posts above the state and national averages in Math and English standardized tests.

Both public schools and charter schools are available in the OUSD, giving parents a range of educational options. The district also provides education programs for kids in preschool and kindergarten. Some of the top-performing schools in the district include:

• Mission Middle School
• Oceanside High School
• El Camino High School

Cons of Living in Oceanside

Access to Major Highways Despite being sandwiched between the I-5 and the 78, Oceanside's residents may not always have easy access to these two main thoroughfares. During rush hour, traffic at the city's major highway exits is often heavy, causing lengthy delays for commuters. Given the city's coastline position, major routes may shut down during severe storms on high seas, making it difficult for people to navigate the city.

Heavy Traffic

In recent years, the population of Oceanside has been rapidly increasing, which has resulted in more traffic on the city's highways. Rush-hour commutes in particular can be difficult, with significant delays in the city's key roads including Coast Highway and Mission Avenue.

Public Transportation

The public transit options in Oceanside are limited, especially when compared to those in cities of similar size. With only a few routes passing through Oceanside, the North County Transit District bus system offers residents limited service.

Although there is a train station in the city, the service is sporadic and doesn't always link to other areas of San Diego County. As a result, residents without a car may find it challenging to get around and access employment opportunities, retail stores, and other services.

Housing Costs

The average price for a home in the country is currently around $300,000. Housing expenditures in California are around $715,000, which is more than double the national average.

At $735,000, the median home price in Oceanside is significantly higher than that of California. Rents are also high, which is not surprising given how expensive buying a property is in California. In comparison to the national average of $1,700, Oceanside's average rent is higher at $2,055.

Many people may find it challenging to afford to live in Oceanside due to the high cost of housing. For first-time homeowners and low-income families in particular, finding affordable housing options can be difficult.

However, our agents are your trusted friend in Oceanside, and we're ready to help you negotiate the best possible terms and conditions when buying or renting.

Final Thoughts

To recap, California, provides a wonderful mix of city conveniences, beach life, and outdoor recreation. The city has a great community and is a perfect place for families and young professionals to live in.

With its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and plentiful job opportunities, it's no wonder many people are considering a move to Oceanside. If living in Oceanside sounds like a good idea, VIP Realty is ready to help you find a home that is suitable for your lifestyle. Contact us today or visit our website to view our selection of homes for sale.