Among the many desirable features of living in California are the hundreds of scenic beaches that stretch from Del Norte County in the north to San Diego County in the south. If you're in the market for a luxury house or condominium with a view of the Pacific Ocean, there are a wide range of possibilities.
The advantages of living close to a California beach are undeniable! For some home buyers, the luxury of being able to gaze out over the ocean, every day, is one of the main reasons -- if not the only one-- for buying a coastal property. Others seek homes near the beach for health and fitness benefits (both physical and mental). If you enjoy walking or jogging along the shoreline, for example, there is no shortage of beaches in California to check out. In addition to the more than 60 State beaches, which are part of the California State Parks system, there are hundreds of beaches, both large and small, to explore.
Targeting Your Search
With a little online research and the help of a seasoned real estate agent, you'll be able to locate the type of coastal or beach community that matches your lifestyle goals and your budget.
In Southern California, the four areas that offer proximity to beaches and ocean views are San Diego County, Orange County, Los Angeles County, and Catalina Island. If you're leaning toward the central California region, the counties you'll want to focus on are Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz.
The seven counties in northern California that feature ocean views, proximity to beaches, and amazing scenic vistas are San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte. In Sonoma County, the majority of beaches you'll have access to -- about a dozen of them -- are part of the Fort Ross State Historic Park.
San Mateo and Marin Counties are in close proximity to the San Francisco Bay area, and feature more than three dozen beaches -- most of which are located in San Mateo County. If you're looking for a home in the San Francisco area, those are among the areas on which to concentrate.
A few factors to consider when searching for the ideal California coastal home include proximity to major cities, climatic conditions, and the type of terrain in which you'd be comfortable living. As the result of northern California's rugged terrain, fewer accessible beaches and beachfront properties may be available in Del Norte County, Humboldt County, and Mendocino County. (That's not to say that there aren't many beautiful homes for sale now in those areas!)
Generally speaking, the coastal areas south of San Francisco offer the most access to California beaches, homes with an ocean view, and waterfront properties. However, with the right real estate agent, favorable market conditions, good timing, and a little patience, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the oceanfront gems available to you in different parts of the state!
