Oceanside, California is conveniently located between San Diego and Los Angeles in beautiful southern California. Its temperate climate provides a wealth of outdoor activities to suit every lifestyle, from golfing and tennis to jogging, biking and roller blading. With miles of scenic beachfront, the area is a haven for watersports, fishing, boating and surfing. In the winter, you can join an excursion out to sea for whale watching. Participants and spectators alike are drawn to the area for its year round amateur and professional surfing competitions. To get a better feel for Oceanside's spectacular surroundings, watch the movie "Top Gun", which was filmed here.

Oceanside is a thriving community, home to over 161,000 residents. Their median age is 33 years old, with an average household income of approximately $47,000. Home values in the area are inexpensive by southern California standards, with a median of around $200,000. Of course, beach front properties and gated communities sell for much more, and can range into the millions. The largest employment sectors in the region are manufacturing and retail, followed by professional services. It should be noted that the Camp Pendleton Marine Base is located nearby, and is therefore a major civilian employer in the region.

There are a number of unique attractions in the area. The nearby Palomar Observatory is located on the highest point in the area. Owned and operated by the California Institute of Technology, this research facility is home to the one of a kind 200-inch Hale telescope. Many looking for a spectacular location to watch meteor showers take to this hilltop to sit on a blanket and observe the natural fireworks.

With over three and a half miles of beachfront, this natural amenity is a cornerstone for recreation and tourism. The Oceanside Harbor has both casual and fine dining restaurants, and is a great place to begin a day of sportfishing or boating. The 1,942 foot long Oceanside Pier is one of the longest on the west coast, as well as an historic site. For a day of fishing, the Pier is a popular place, as no license is required to cast your line from its heights.

With its incredible beaches, Oceanside is a popular place for competitive watersports. The Globe-Gallazo Pro is a men's and women's World Qualifying Event. Pro surfers from around the world compete in this event to gain points for their annual standings. For locals, the city hosts the annual Oceanside Longboard Surf Contest. There's an age division for everyone, and it's not unusual to find entire families entering the competition in their own respective age categories. The Oceanside Yacht Club hosts an annual Charity Regatta in support of local Elizabeth Hospice. Complete with entertainment, refreshments and silent auction, the highlight of the day are the magnificent crafts that take to the waters to race. Additionally, the World Bodysurfing Championships are held each year in Oceanside. This is a chance for the best of the best to wow the crowds for the top prize.

Whether exploring historic sites like Mission San Luis Rey or Heritage Park, Oceanside offers a range of activities for folks of all ages. You can choose to spend a day exploring the Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center, the California Surf Museum, or nearby Legoland. Or, you can throw a towel on one of the many beaches and settle in to practice the art of watching the tides roll in and out. The town is a far more affordable option than many other beach communities in southern California, and offers a fun, family-friendly environment.


If you're thinking of moving to Oceanside, California, our relocation packet is yours for the asking!