Del Mar, California is the kind of place you read about in a romance novel. It's a charming community situated along the Pacific Ocean with some of the most beautiful beaches and weather you can find anywhere. The vistas from the bluffs above the shoreline provide breathtaking looks at the water, sand, surf, and palms gently tussling through the air.

The town's center is spotted with outdoor cafe's where you might find a local businessman reading the newspaper, or professional couple having a cup of coffee before moving their separate ways for the day. One building that has become a fixture in downtown Del Mar is an English Tudor, which has always had a cafe on its most prominent corner. Diagonal from there, you will find the Del Mar Plaza.

The Plaza is very chic. It has been around for about 15 years and hosts many upscale apparel shops for both men and women. In addition, it has some very nice dining opportunities including the award winning Pacifica Del Mar, known for their unique seafood recipes.

The homes that make up "Old Del Mar" situated on the hillside above the beach and town's center are a montage of genuine beauties. Each of these is a custom home, and each has its own distinctive feel. All however, are gems in the ideal location in San Diego County.

Del Mar is where the belated Bing Crosby would invite his friends for golf, and to watch the "sport of kings," thoroughbred horseracing. 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."

Del Mar is more of a village than a city with a population of about 5,000. New Del Mar or Carmel Valley is just east over the hill that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is where all the new development and growth have been taking place in recent years. There are quite a few housing developments that have been built (and are continuing to be built) in this area. The only drawback Del Mar has is its cost of housing. The ideal location with the ideal weather in America's finest city, San Diego, comes with a hefty price tag. For those who can afford it, it is worth every penny.

The schools here are excellent. The local high school, Torrey Pines High School, scores with California's best public schools. Not far from Del Mar 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, Del Mar 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.

Del Mar is truly a wonderful place to live at any age. If you like walks on the beach, or riding a surf board, it can be done here. If you'd like to compete in a polo match on a Sunday afternoon or take a ride in a hot air balloon, it can be done here. Local residents tend to be active, fit and on the go. There is a lot to do, and almost always a friendly bit of weather.

If you're interested in moving to Del Mar, request a free relocation package. Enjoy!