The city of San Diego itself is known as America’s Finest City. A more accurate example is the gorgeous suburb of Del Mar CA. Located 20 miles north of downtown San Diego. This affluent section is the most southern city in the North County section of San Diego. Del Mar is a fantastic small city that boasts two picturesque beaches, a racetrack, a county fair, and one of the finest high schools in America. Add all of that to an average temperature of 71 degrees, and it is obvious why Del Mar is such a jewel.
Census information puts the population of Del Mar, CA at 4,161 from 2010. The average age is 50.2 years old. Of the 2,064 households in Del Mar, 13.7% had children under 18 years of age, 44.9% included married couples. The largest age demographic in Del Mar is the 55-64 age group which makes up 35% of the population, followed by 25-44-year-old's who come in at 25.7%. The smallest age groups are those aged 18-24 years, who account for 4.9% of the population, and the 65 years and older who make up 20.8%. Finally, children under the age of 18 total 13.6% of the Del Mar population, and the amount of primary and secondary schools nearby reflect those numbers.
In 2010, the median household income in was estimated to be $120.001, about $50,000 more than the average income in all of California.
The average priced home is 2.8 million dollars. Townhouses or other attached units averaged $381,677; 2-unit structures: $353,620; 3-to-4-unit structures: $278,880; 5-or-more-unit structures: $338,455. Pricing in Del Mar is a factor of average income, location of properties close to the ocean, and available properties.
The high school graduation rate is 98 percent. Of the population, 57% are college graduates, with 35 percent obtaining a graduate degree.
35% of the population is in the education/medical field, with 22% identified as professional. 16% of Del Mar residents list real estate as their profession.
Del Mar is much more than a sleepy, little beach town. From sports to museums to concerts, Del Mar has it. Don’t let the small population size fool you. Premium events happen in or close to Del Mar. If you are a golfer, then you can’t do any better. Torrey Pines Golf Course is located just south on the Pacific Coast Highway. Home to Tiger Wood’s last U.S. Open win in 2008, the course will host the event again in 2022. It also hosts the Farmers Insurance San Diego Open, a premier stop on the PGA tour. The best part about Torrey Pines is the cost. For residents, you can play a PGA golf course for as low as $30.00 for 18 holes.
If art is something you enjoy, then the Del Mar Arts Center is for you. A non-profit organization whose sole goal is to foster awareness and understanding to the fine arts. Public lectures, poetry readings, and seminars by professionals are all part of the program at the Arts Center.
If you like horses, there is a large equestrian following in the city. Del Mar is home to the San Diego Polo Club, an eight field, 400 horse stable. Beginners are encouraged to come out and ride.
The quality of life in Del Mar is exceptional. Within minutes to the beach, downtown less than a half hour away, Disneyland less than an hour away, there always plenty to see and do. In their latest poll, 96% of those asked said they were pleased with the quality of life in the city. Just as impressive, the city officials, lifeguards, and emergency services were given an 80% satisfaction rating.
Torrey Pines High School is a well-respected educational institution, known throughout the nation. Newsweek magazine ranked Torrey Pines as the 90th best high school in the nation. Skateboard legend Tony Hawk and snowboard champion Shaun White are just two of its well-known alumni.
The two main beaches in Del Mar are Torrey Pines State Beach and Moonlight State Beach. Torrey Pines is located on the southern tip of Del Mar, just prior to making your way up to La Jolla. Moonlight is more of a local hangout. Beach volleyball, families and a relaxing atmosphere are all part of the scene at Moonlight.
Del Mar is best known for its summer season of horse racing at its famous track. The racetrack is the 2nd largest horse racing venue in the western United States, with a capacity of 44,000 people. Bing Crosby, Jackie Cooper, and Oliver Hardy were part of the original partnership group and welcomed the first people through the gate in 1937. The infamous Seabiscuit won a race here in 1938. Located within walking distance to the beach, Del Mar’s racetrack’s motto has always been, Where the Surf Meets the Turf. Del Mar is host to the Pacific Classic every year. The Classic is for horses three years old or older and is one of the largest prizes in the United States for older horses.
The racetrack and its grounds are also hosts to the San Diego County Fair for two weeks every year. It is not a small event, with 1.5 million people coming to the fair in 2012. The fair dates back to 1880 when it started as an agricultural fair.
The fair has concerts every night during the two week event drawing the biggest names in the music business. From country to Christian to hard rock, every genre of music is represented for at least one night.
Del Mar is truly a gem. Great beaches, culture, and schools are plentiful. If you come by Del Mar on opening day, don't forget to bring your hat!
