San Diego Design Series: Venturing Through North County
As the name suggests, North County is a collection of towns and communities in the north most part of San Diego. North County, in many ways, has been the hidden gem of San Diego real estate within the last 10 years. As the development of this area has increased, the already rare coastline real estate supply has become even more limited and further increased the demand. Overall, North County has a very relaxed and laid-back atmosphere that acts as both a surfer’s paradise and a place for young professionals to settle down with their families. The youthful vibe from the emerging community gives North County a refreshing and unique essence.
North County has much to offer with a variety of venues and activities across its many communities. Along with its many restaurants and shops, Del Mar has a strong presence in equestrian sports. It comes with little surprise that Del Mar is therefore most know for the Del Mar Race Track that has attracted competitors and spectators to take part in the excitement of horse racing since it was built by the Thoroughbred Club in 1937. Similarly, Del Mar attracts people from all across southern California to the annual Del Mar Fair that has become a tradition of family fun for many to enjoy.
Cardiff, Encinitas, and Leucadia all add to the equation of the North County’s appeal with their restaurants, shops, and bars that attract the many young professionals that reside within the community. The city of Carlsbad has more of a suburban dynamic, which is a little less expensive and appeals more to families. Keeping up the North County lifestyle, Carlsbad has a quaint downtown with lots of characters full of boutiques, eateries, and bars.
An overlying theme of North County is its impeccable appeal for surfers and beachgoers. This is especially true for the quaint beach town of Solana Beach. Along with its gorgeous beaches, Solana Beach is home to the Credos Design Center for both the public and designers. The Cedros Design Center is a town treasure that creates an exciting experience for shopping by offering styles across the board. From ultra-modern to antique, the Design Center offers something to satisfy everyone’s personal style and preference.
With all of these different aspects impacting the community, it is of little surprise that their residential design preferences follow suit. North County is among the communities of San Diego that act as the premier place for custom-built homes. Personal style has a huge impact on the homes of North County that gives the area a nice variety. On one street you might see a blend of a dozen different styles, such as Craftsman, Tuscan, Spanish, and Super Modern. Many of these preferences may be a reflection of the landmarks and architecture used throughout North County. For example, the California Mission, San Luis Rey captures the historic Spanish and Mexican style of early settlers of North County, which is still very much alive today. The Oceanside Pier has also become a well known hot spot. So much so that, the beach life has found its way into many homes in both design and decor. The young community of North County brings about many modern design preferences as well as a blend of many other styles that come from influences all over the county.
Overall, North County has a countless number of things to do for beach-side locals and adventuring tourists. The urban, yet beach dynamic creates an experience one can only find in the communities of North County. Take a stroll down the residential communities along the coast for some serious home design inspiration. Also, take a look at some J Hill project in North County that we have completed.
