Encinitas sits on the coastline of the Pacific Ocean and is embraced by the Batiquitos Lagoon to the north and the San Elijo Lagoon to the south. The Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, located on rolling hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is one of the City’s gems. Rolling hills attract Encinitas homeowners to this perfect view paradise.

Encinitas was incorporated as a city in 1986 to include five communities that take pride in their own distinct personalities. "Historic Encinitas" fills the Highway 101 Corridor that parallels the beautiful beaches and ocean. Neighborhoods have wide streets, sidewalks, and the true feeling of a town; shops, restaurants, and a converted school church that’s now the Town Hall all add to old Encinitas charm. "New Encinitas" centers on El Camino Real ("The Kings Highway" founded by the early missionaries from Spain.) This more modern development of Encinitas has shopping centers, condos and today’s suburbia.

"Cardiff-by-the-Sea" is made up of quaint homes dotting the hillsides overlooking the sea. Town center is just at the base of the hill. "Leucadia" is famous for its giant eucalyptus trees that line the main thoroughfare on the Coast Highway. Residents live in small to medium homes and cottages, those along the beach have a great view. Commerce is centered on Highway 101. "Olivenhain" (which means "olive grove" in German) boasts plenty of open horse country, pastures, and a rural way of life.

Commute to San Diego is 25 miles, difficult during rush hour. Just ten miles away are Sorrento Valley, hub of bio-tech business and the University of California, both carrying an abundance of jobs. Schools rank in the 80th 90th percentile, showing strong support for education. Recent bonds have given more funding to local schools for more technology and renovations. The city also has a community college with many classes and activities. There is plentiful land for parks, recreation centers, a skateboard park, even a bicycle stunt park. Ten beaches paint the coast of Encinitas over 6 miles of coastline and Surfer magazine named Encinitas one of the top ten surfing spots in the country.