Carlsbad: With a Mediterranean climate, booming economy and several tourist attractions, it’s no wonder so many people want to live in this coastal community. Three-bedroom two-bathroom houses start at around $375,000, though a majority of the houses are listed between $500,000 and $1 million. Newer homes and beach-front lots will also cost more.

Oceanside: Oceanside is another beautiful community in North San Diego County. It’s conveniently located 35 miles north of San Diego and has 3.5 miles of beach. Homes start at around $400,000. Buyers can find luxurious homes with beachfront property for $1 million to $1.6 million.

Vista: Vista’s affordable home prices (in comparison to neighboring cities) are just one of the reasons it has been voted as one of the best places to raise a family and retire. A three-bedroom two-bathroom home can cost less than $300,000 and there are a number of homes to choose from in the $300,000 to $400,000 price range. Town homes and condominiums are also another affordable option, with several choices available in the $200,000 to $300,000 range.

Encinitas: While its single-family detached home market might not be as extensive as other neighboring cities’, there is still a large selection of town homes and condominiums in Encinitas. Buyers can find several units costing between $200,000 and $400,000. As the price increases, generally so do the community amenities, as well as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

Escondido: Homes in Escondido are moderately priced for San Diego County. Multiple single-family homes can be found for $300,000 to $400,000. For those who enjoy the city life but want some serenity, there are several homes with pools and hill-side views for sale between $1 million and $2 million.