25 miles northeast of San Diego, 4S Ranch is built on the same model as traditional California communities. With tree-lined neighborhood stress, a traditional town center, a 4S Commons everyone can enjoy, and plenty of parks, this ranch hearkens back to more community-centered times. That’s not to say it doesn’t offer modern amenities though, from great shopping and dining to great schools. Surrounded by lakes and mountains, 42 Ranch also features plenty of open space and fabulous trails.

Nestled 25 miles north of San Diego lies Cardiff-by-the-Sea, also known as Cardiff. This coveted beach community has something for everyone. Whether you want to take a stroll on its stunning beach, enjoy dinner at Restaurant Row with a view of the Pacific, camp at Elijo Beach Campground, surf the Cardiff Reef, or just enjoy breathtaking views, this is the community for you. You can walk to the market, post office, and library in Cardiff so you never to miss out on the great weather.

Carlsbad is a standout community nestled along the coastline coastal just 35 miles north of the City of San Diego. It’s bordered by the ocean, mountains, and lagoons. With over 100 years of history behind it, it’s not surprise Carlsbad has cemented its claim as “The Village by the Sea.” If you love to explore, don’t miss the Carlsbad Caverns. If you love to eat out, you’ll have a wealth of restaurants from which to choose. And if you just want to relax, well… look around.

Just 20 miles north of San Diego lies Carmel Valley is a vibrant neighborhood offering great opportunities to live, work, and play. Great schools and high-end housing are major draws to young families, but there’s a little something for everyone in Carmel Valley. From beaches to golf to trails to shopping and dining, you’re sure to find something to entertain you in this neighborhood.

If you’re looking to blend small town charm with big city activities, Carmel Valley is for you. You won’t want to miss the Chili Cook-off, Summer Serenades concert series, holiday festivities at the three local shopping centers, and other local fun.

Surrounded by water and steeped in history, Coronado has been aptly nicknamed The Crown City. Pairing stunning views with beaches, parks, and golf, you just might find your dream home in Coronado but you definitely won’t be spending all your time inside it. A carefully planned community, Coronado is able to comfortable support both residents and commercial pursuits while maintaining village-like quaintness.

Plus, Coronado boasts fantastic schools, fabulous restaurants, and friendly residents! It’s a winning combination you won’t want to miss.

Del Mar (the name means “of the sea”) is located just 20 miles north of downtown San Diego. The coastal city’s special appeal is its small-town atmosphere, beautiful beaches and the Del Mar Fairgrounds, home of the famed Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Founded by Bing Crosby and his friends in the 1930s, the crooner made the charming beach community of Del Mar a household name when he and his Hollywood buddies built the Del Mar Racetrack. Del Mar is also home to stylish restaurants, a horse polo field, and hot-air ballooning.

Pacific Beach, also known as PB, is surrounded by water. With Mission Beach and Mission Bay to its south and the Pacific to its west, it’s no surprise that Pacific Beach has built its identity on being a beach town. Whether you want to bike or rollerblade along the water, shop for beachwear, enjoy a meal with an ocean view, or just relax in the sand, PB can satisfy. Plus, Pacific Beach’s nightlife scene—centered around Garnet Avenue—ensures it will continue to draw younger residents and sustain the community.

Worth Magazine, which ranks luxury communities in the U.S., has awarded Rancho Santa Fe their first place badge. It’s no surprise why. Less than 30 miles north of San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe was established about 70 years ago specifically for the wealthy. Bing Crosby happened to be one of the first homeowners. Today at “The Ranch,” even modest homes sell for well over $1 million.

Rancho Santa Fe offers a library, a resort inn, a few restaurants and stores, a post office and two public schools. Around the community, you’ll find small hills, surrounded by open fields, grazing horses and range groves.

22 miles north of San Diego lies Solana Beach, tucked between Del Mar and Encinitas. Bordered by the Pacific, golf courses, Lagoon Regional Park, and Del Mar Racetrack, Solana Beach offers its residents plenty of entertainment, attractions, and natural beauty. The local downtown is charming, mixing art galleries, antique stores, other shopping, restaurants, and resorts while still offering beach access. The schools are also notable; Solana Beach schools regularly earn marks in the high 90s. Plus, if you’re working in downtown San Diego, you can easily catch a commuter train to work and back again to your idyllic neighborhood.