Oceanside, California

What It Is Like to Retire in Oceanside

Oceanside is a city of over 170,000 just south of Camp Pendleton on California's southern coast.  The population was only 45,000 in 1970.  Carlsbad and San Diego are to its south.  The city is famous for its beaches and the Oceanside Pier. Mira Costa College in Oceanside has more than 5,000 students. Oceanside achieved cinematic fame as the home of the pilots in "Top Gun".

Where to Retire in Oceanside and Home Prices

There are many interesting neighborhoods within the city, including many which are near the water.  There are also a growing number of active adult communities (see link at top left).
Real estate is expensive in Oceanside, depending on the size of the home and proximity to the ocean.  Zillow reports the median home value was $550,171 in early 2020.

What Is Special about Oceanside

Oceanside has fantastic beaches and a very pleasant year-round climate. Mission San Luis Rey de Francia  is one of the oldest Spanish missions in the U.S. It hardly ever rains. For folks who live living near the beach Oceanside is hard to beat.

What Is Not Special about Oceanside

The biggest problem with Oceanside is that real estate is quite expensive compared to the national norm.

Who Will Like Retirement in Oceanside

Beach lovers and outdoors people will like Oceanside. Retired military personnel will appreciate being near the busiest base in the U.S., Camp Pendleton.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Oceanside enjoys a diversified economy thanks to Camp Pendleton, Mira Costa college, some high tech industry, and Tri-City Medical.

Climate and Physical Environment

its location in southern California on the coast guarantees a pleasant temperature. The average January low is 45 and the average July high is 72.  The wettest month is January (2.4").

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Oceanside has a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Day of the Dead celebration. The Surf Museum and the beach soccer tournaments give one the idea that outdoor recreation is part of the local culture. Mira Costa College and nearby San Diego offer additional cultural opportunities.

Crime

Crime in Oceanside has been steadily dropping just below the national average.

Medical facilities

Transportation

There is a municipal airport;  A rail line, the Pacific Surfliner, runs between San Diego and Los Angeles with stops in Oceanside;  municipal bus service; the nearest commercial airport is John Wayne Airport in Orange;  Oceanside is about average for walkability when compared to other communities.

Valuable Links

City of OceansideWikitravel for OceansideRetire in California