Oceanside is a beautiful city on the southern coast of California. With a population of over 150,000, Oceanside is the third-largest city in San Diego county. In the last 2010 census, 167,086 people have lived there. With many affordable housing options and sunny weather all year long, Oceanside is a lovely place to move to. With this moving guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about moving to the beautiful city of Oceanside, California.
Oceanside Location
Oceanside is in San Diego county and forms a tri-city area with two other cities, Carlsbad and Vista. The city is located south of the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and about halfway between the U.S. – Mexico border and downtown San Diego. Oceanside has a total area of 42.16 square miles and at an elevation of 66 ft. above sea level, it sits right on the coast of southern California. Oceanside is made up of many neighborhoods, including Canyon Vista, Dixie Village, East Side Capistrano, Fire Mountain, La Mision Village, Mira Costa, Pelican Cove, and San Luis Rey among others.
Oceanside Climate
Oceanside has a semi-arid climate, which means that it doesn’t get much rain. What it does get, though, is warm sunshine nearly every day of the year. Summers, of course, are the warmest in temperature, but Oceanside stays relatively consistent in temperature throughout the year. Usually, temperatures stay in the high 70s to low 80s degrees. Even in the winter, temperatures typically don’t get lower than the low 50s in the day and high 40s degrees at night. For this reason, San Diego County is recognized as having some of the best weather in the region, and Oceanside as well.
Cost of Living in Oceanside
San Diego county is well known as one of the most expensive places to live in America, and Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities to live in. Because of its proximity to these areas, living in Oceanside can be expensive as well. On average, Oceanside has higher property costs, including rent and utilities, and also higher costs for things like transportation and food.
The average home in Oceanside goes for around $285,000, which is above average in the country, but about the same for similar cities and the surrounding areas. The median income for a family in Oceanside is $66,939, which is also above average in the nation. On average, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Oceanside is $1,736, which is an increase of around 4% from the previous year.
Moving Resources in Oceanside
Whether you’re moving in from the next city over or from across the country, there are many moving companies who can help you. Since there are so many different companies though, it’s important that you get quotes from them before committing to any one particular service. You should consult at least three to make sure you get the best services for your money.
Schools in Oceanside
As it is a large city, there are four public school districts in Oceanside—the Bonsall Union School District, the Carlsbad Unified School District, the Oceanside Unified School District, and the Vista Unified School District. There are also a number of private schools and charter schools in the city. Some of the top schools in Oceanside include Mission Vista High School, Mary Fay Pendleton Elementary School, Bonsall West Elementary School, Ivey Ranch Elementary School, North Terrace Elementary School, Santa Margarita Elementary School, and Empresa Elementary School.
Employment in Oceanside
Historically, Oceanside has been a farming town, which is what its economy was based on. During the Second World War though, the city was heavily involved in the wartime industry. Many military personnel and their families lived in Oceanside, and there was an ammunition manufacturing factory.
Nowadays, Oceanside is a booming employment industry, with an unemployment rate of around 3.7%, much lower than the national average. The job market has grown by 1.4% in the past year, and in the next ten years, the job market is projected to grow to around 32.6%. The largest employers in Oceanside include the City of Oceanside, Genentech, Mira Costa College, Milagro Ranch, the Ocean’s Eleven Casino, Select Staffing, and the Tri-City Medical Center. Also, a large number of corporations have headquartered themselves in Oceanside, including Bergensons Property Services, Genica Corporation, and Learning Forum.
Public Transportation in Oceanside
In the city, the North County Transit District runs bus and rail public transportation for Oceanside and the districts around it. Oceanside is also a thoroughfare for the Los Angeles basin and the San Diego county, as many freeways like Interstate 5 and Interstate 15 run by Oceanside. Metrolink offers service to Los Angeles from Oceanside, and coaster trains offer service to San Diego. There are also options to travel to other places in the state through Amtrak.
The San Diego International Airport is the closest major airport to Oceanside, about 30 miles away. The airport is busy and hosts both domestic and international flights all over the world. Although Oceanside is located in an optimum area in southern California with its proximity to Los Angeles, San Diego, and the beach, travel to other areas in-state or out of state is also convenient and affordable.
Culture and Social Life in Oceanside
Oceanside has a host of famous sites and tourist-friendly locations, but even as a resident there are fun places to visit. For example, the Oceanside Pier is the longest wooden pier on the west coast of America. Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is also located in Oceanside, as well as the California Surf Museum. And best of all, the coastline and beaches of Oceanside are great places to catch some sunshine, which is really all year round!
Whether you’re moving from in-state or out of state, Oceanside is a beautiful city to move to. The charming city on the coastline beckons with its beautiful beaches, temperate weather, convenient location, and affordable housing and amenities. You will not regret moving to Oceanside, California.
