San Elijo Hills

 

Dramatic expanses of ocean and mountain views establish a jaw-dropping visual landscape for the family-friendly community of San Elijo Hills, tucked just eight miles east from fine, golden beaches. A picturesque downtown overflowing with shops and restaurants serves as a complement to the natural terrain and encourages locals to engage in the community.

 

Built-in 2002, San Elijo Hills now contains over 3,000 homes and counting, as the development of new custom houses continues into the foreseeable future. As a modern, master-planned community, San Elijo Hills made certain to provide its residents with a more traditional town center, a focal point for socializing, shopping, and dining.

 

The high level of customization and the varying styles of the community’s distinct neighborhoods has fostered a great deal of architectural diversity. Sun-washed stucco walls and the signature red-tiled roof of Mediterranean and Spanish styles are easily found here, as are sophisticated modern brick abodes and unique custom blends of both. The most covetable homes typically come with panoramic views, elevated to allow for scenic vistas of both ocean and mountain.

 

•  Within 20 minutes of the beach and less than an hour from San Diego
• Family-oriented lifestyle
• Small-town charm with the conveniences of living near major cities
  
  

The core of San Elijo Hills is its deep-rooted, community ties, which fuel the betterment of the area and the preservation of its best features. Social events aim for the engagement of all ages and interests, and the community frequently gathers for organized entertainment including movie nights and holiday celebrations.

 

San Elijo Hills’ quaint town center is the go-to for browsing hip boutiques, picking up weekly groceries, hitting the salon, and eating out at mouth-watering restaurants. While the retail and typical entertainment might be slightly limited in this resident-focused community, San Elijo Hills is conveniently located next to cities like Encinitas, Carlsbad, and San Diego, which are full of attractions like Legoland California Resort, Sea Life Aquarium, and SeaWorld.

 

Though residents might have to go a little out of their way to find designer brands at locations such as the Fashion Valley Mall, they certainly don’t need to leave their own backyard for exceptional cuisine. TapaTapa Bar + Kitchen, for example, is all about using locally-sourced ingredients to create delicious small plates that draw from Spanish fares, like their savory empanadas.

 

California-style dishes are the star of the show at Sets Kitchen & Bar, including upscale eats such as the seared Ahi or the slow-cooked baby back ribs. For boutique wines, excellent craft beers, and a full menu of flatbreads, small plates, and cheese boards, there’s nowhere better than Vine and Tap.

 

With its dedication to enriching the lives of residents, it isn’t hard to understand why San Elijo Hills is brimming with community-driven activities, celebrations, and festivals. The Homeowners Association and the Community Association keep things lively with events such as the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, a winter special that includes visits with Santa, live music, hot cocoa, and a spectacular tree.

 

Earlier in the year is Oktoberfest, which celebrates German heritage through the eating of traditional foods, plenty of beer, and games for the kids. The springtime Easter Egg Hunt is another much-anticipated event for families, free and open to the public.

 

If you don’t want to wait for once-a-year events, San Elijo Hills delivers weekly fun in the form of community outings like the Movies in the Park series. Reminiscent of a nostalgic drive-in theater, this free special event invites residents to drive out to the San Elijo Hills Park and set up their blankets and chairs for a star-lit movie experience. Also hosted in the San Elijo Hills Park, outdoor concerts are an enjoyable experience for all ages and include a wide variety of musical styles and genres

 

San Elijo Hills is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include award-winning public schools such as:

 

• San Elijo Elementary School, K-5
• San Elijo Middle School, K-6
• San Marcos High School, 9-12
• High Tech High Schools, 9-12 

As well as notable private schools including:

 

• The Grauer School (7-12)
• Encinitas Country Day School (PK & K-8)
  
  

Map of San Elijo Hills