Oceanside

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Oceanside, CA

Area Guide

The ocean defines life in this coastal California town

Coastal Nautical Eclectic Active Diverse Creative Charming

Welcome to Oceanside, where the Pacific meets Southern California's laid-back lifestyle. This beachside community offers everything from oceanfront condos to inland residences. The historic downtown district features apartments and restored homes, while the inland areas provide residential neighborhoods with more space. Current rental data shows one-bedroom apartments averaging $2,133, with rates showing a 1.3% decrease over the past year. South Oceanside and Fire Mountain are notable areas, with Fire Mountain featuring elevated views of the coast. MiraCosta College and Camp Pendleton contribute to the area's diverse community, while landmarks like the Oceanside Pier and harbor showcase classic California coastal living.

Life in Oceanside centers on its natural beauty and community spaces. The Oceanside Pier, stretching 1,942 feet into the Pacific Ocean, stands as one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast. Residents have access to 3.5 miles of beaches, the harbor village, and numerous parks throughout the city. Downtown Oceanside features cultural attractions including the Oceanside Museum of Art and the restored Star Theatre. The Thursday night Sunset Market brings the community together with food vendors and local artisans. The historic Mission San Luis Rey, established in 1798, adds architectural significance to the landscape, while the harbor area offers water activities and dining options.

Explore the City

City Profile Image

The landmark Mission San Luis Rey was founded in 1798

Visit scenic Oceanside Harbor to watch the sailboats or enjoy its shops and restaurants

The Alex Road Skatepark covers 22,000 square feet with two bowls and two snake runs

Oceanside’s coastal Goat Hill Park is a public golf course opened in 1952

The San Luis Rey Bike Trail is more than 10 miles long and is popular with walkers and bicyclists

Rent Trends

As of December 2025, the average apartment rent in Oceanside, CA is $1,845 for a studio, $2,185 for one bedroom, $2,617 for two bedrooms, and $3,287 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Oceanside has increased by 0.8% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$2,185/month
643 Sq Ft
House
$4,139/month
1,537 Sq Ft
Condo
$3,723/month
1,004 Sq Ft
Townhome
$4,695/month
1,483 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Oceanside, CA

Transportation

64

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

37

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

46

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Mary Fay Pendleton Elementary

Public

Grades K-8

803 Students

Alamosa Park Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

497 Students

Palmquist Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

529 Students

Libby Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

388 Students

Del Rio Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

312 Students

Mary Fay Pendleton Elementary

Public

Grades K-8

803 Students

Martin Luther King Jr. Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

1,182 Students

Lincoln Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

699 Students

Stuart Mesa Elementary

Public

Grades K-8

553 Students

Roosevelt Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

779 Students

Mission Vista High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,640 Students

El Camino High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,637 Students

Oceanside High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,907 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Guajome County Park
  • Rancho Guajome Adobe
  • Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center
  • Carlsbad State Beach
  • Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center

Airports

  • San Diego International

Top Apartments in Oceanside

Houses for Rent in Oceanside

Property Management Companies in Oceanside, CA

Search Nearby Rentals

Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.