C armel Valley is an up-scale community located in San Diego County, just minutes away from Del Mar. What use to be called "Del Mar East", Carmel Valley is a new community that utilizes a public Library as its designated city hall, chamber of commerce and cultural center. Carmel Valley is perfected situated by Del Mar and Interstate 5. This is a gorgeous area near "Where the surf meets the turf". Many people visit this area and later decided to relocate to it because of its charm and sophistication.

There is a lot to do in Carmel Valley and its surrounding areas. Whether you enjoy walking along the beach, hiking, riding bikes, or just enjoying the beautiful scenery. Carmel Valley's close proximity to Del Mar allows its residence to enjoy the famous Del Mar Race Track and Fairgrounds. Carmel Valley is a booming area, where more people are relocating to each year. There are quite a few housing developments that have been built (and are continuing to be built) in this area. Carmel Valley has a vast array of affordable housing within the community. More builidings and houses are being built daily.

Carmel Valley is next to the famous Del Mar thoroughbred Club. This area is where the belated Bing Crosby would invite his friends for golf, and to watch the "sport of kings," thoroughbred horse racing. About 5 years ago the club house at Del Mar's racetrack was completely redone. It's Spanish architecture and beautiful landscaping give you the impression that you are coming up on a Spanish castle. It is situated on the Del Mar Fairgrounds and because it's only 200 yards from the ocean's inlet, it is often referred to as "where the turf meets the surf."

Carmel Valley is an incredibly desirable place to live, and real estate prices here reflect that. But home owners in Carmel Valley, like much of California, have seen an incredible appreciation of their homes' values, making real estate a solid investment in the area. As more and more people choose the temperate climate and refined yet relaxed lifestyle that Carmel Valley has to offer, this is one real estate trend that shows no signs of slowing anytime soon.

Recent real estate reports indicate that the lower end of Carmel Valley's housing market starts $350,000 for a single-family home. But real estate at this price point, especially for a single-family home, is pretty rare. In this case, the home itself is only 350 square feet. A typical three-bedroom, two-bath single-family home generally starts around the $900,000 mark, with most selling for around $1,000,000.

Of course, luxury residences abound in Carmel Valley. The city's real estate market currently tops out at just over $6,000,000 for a breathtaking six-bedroom, four-bath home with over twelve thousand square feet of living space.

The schools here are excellent. The local high school, Torrey Pines High School, scores with California's best public schools. Not far from Carmel Valley to the south, you will find the University of California San Diego. This school of higher learning has earned an excellent reputation, particularly in the sciences. It offers parents a nice option to sending their children to away to College. Aside from UCSD, Carmel Valley is commuting distance to San Diego State University, University of San Diego, California State University - San Marcos, California Western School of Law, UCSD Medical School, and a host of fine Community Colleges.

Other activities for visitors and residents alike include camping at Cardiff Beach State Park, walking the meandering trails around the San Elijo lagoon, which is a natural estuary. This beautiful scenery can be found at the city's southern most point and is available year round. There you can experience extraordinary species of birds in their natural habitat. At the mouth of this wetland area you can kayak, go diving, or a local favorite surf fishing. All these areas plus many more are just a few miles from Carmel Valley.

Carmel Valley is truly a wonderful place to raise a family. If you like walks on the beach, or riding a surf board, it can be done here. If you'd like to compete, or watch a polo match or take a ride in a hot air balloon, it can also be done in Carmel Valley. Local residents tend to be active, fit and on the go. There is a lot to do, and the famous Southern California weather allows plenty of sunshine year round. Carmel Valley is a perfect relocation community.