Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ocean Beach, CA
Thinking of moving to Ocean Beach, CA? This classic coastal neighborhood of about 11,000 residents boasts laid-back vibes, walkable streets, and a strong sense of community. Expect sunny weather 72% of the year, a median home price around $1,080,000, and average 2-bedroom rents near $2,550. Commute times are short at 23 minutes and local schools serve a well-educated population, but note that property crime rates are a bit higher here. With beautiful beaches, vibrant local businesses, and easy access to San Diego, Ocean Beach is a relaxed spot for those seeking the SoCal lifestyle.
Demographics - Ocean Beach, CA
Demographics - Ocean Beach, CA
Ocean Beach is home to about 11,000 residents with a median age of 36.5, offering a youthful and diverse coastal community. The area is predominantly White (75%), with a notable presence of non-English speakers (17.5%), reflecting a welcoming, multicultural atmosphere. High population density gives the neighborhood a lively, walkable feel.
Population:
11,000
Density:
7,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.5
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
75.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
4.0%
Others:
19.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ocean Beach, CA?
Living in Ocean Beach comes with a higher cost of living, as reflected by a median home value of $1,080,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment around $2,550. Expenses for utilities and groceries also trend above the national average, making it ideal for those seeking a vibrant beach lifestyle and prepared for premium pricing. State taxes range widely, with California’s high end reaching 13.3%.
Median House Value:
$1,080,000
Gross Rent:
$2,550
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$980
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
178.0
Grocery:
112.5
Housing:
289.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
136.0
Health Care:
109.0
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Ocean Beach, CA a safe place to live?
Ocean Beach experiences a moderate crime rate, with property crime being more prevalent than violent crime. Residents have a 1 in 364 chance of being affected by violent crime and a 1 in 42 chance for property crime, so it’s wise to stay vigilant and take standard safety precautions. The neighborhood offers a lively environment but, like many urban beach communities, requires awareness of personal and property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
275
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,380
Crime Index:
2,655
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 364
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Ocean Beach, CA year-round?
Ocean Beach enjoys a mild coastal climate with average winter lows around 50°F and summer highs reaching 76°F. With 72% of days being sunny and only about 10.5 inches of rainfall annually, outdoor activities are possible year-round. The pleasant weather is a major draw for residents seeking the classic Southern California experience.

Winter
Min:
50°F
Max:
65°F

Spring
Min:
56°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
76°F

Fall
Min:
58°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $89,500 and a family income of $105,000, with most adults having at least a high school diploma and over half holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The poverty rate is relatively low at about 11%, and the typical commute is a brief 23 minutes, reflecting a convenient and generally prosperous environment. About 18.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding to the neighborhood’s cultural richness.
Median Income:
$43,000
Household Income:
$89,500
Family Income:
$105,000
Per Capita Income:
$52,000
Income Male:
$58,000
Income Female:
$46,000
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
18.5%
Rent:
$2,550
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
3.5%
Commute Time:
23.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
52.0%
Education
How are the schools in Ocean Beach, CA?
Local families benefit from quality educational options, including public schools like Ocean Beach Elementary and access to nearby higher education such as Point Loma Nazarene University only three miles away. Area schools offer manageable student-to-teacher ratios and a well-educated populace, with 52% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The presence of private schools and colleges nearby supports a diverse range of learning opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Ocean Beach Elementary School
Street:
4741 Santa Monica Ave
Phone:
619-223-1631
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
Correia Middle School
Street:
4302 Valeta St
Phone:
619-222-0476
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.1

Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart Academy
Street:
4895 Saratoga Ave
Phone:
619-222-7252
Students:
220

Colleges
Name:
San Diego City College
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
15,000
Name:
Point Loma Nazarene University
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Ocean Beach residents have access to several major hospitals nearby, including UC San Diego Health and Sharp Coronado Hospital, ensuring quality emergency and general care. The area boasts a high physician availability at 3.1 per 1,000 people and a strong health insurance coverage rate of 91.7%. Local healthcare services are well-rated, supporting community wellness.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UC San Diego Health – Hillcrest
Address:
200 W Arbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone:
(858) 657-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sharp Coronado Hospital
Address:
250 Prospect Place, Coronado, CA 92118
Phone:
(619) 522-3600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ocean Beach, CA?
The local housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1,080,000 and owner-occupied homes making up about one-third of properties. Average rents are around $2,550 for a two-bedroom unit, and the area sees steady appreciation, with prices rising 7.2% in the past year. Rental vacancy rates are low, reflecting high demand for homes in this desirable beachside community.
Median Home Price:
$1,080,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,550
Owner Occupied Rate:
32.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Ocean Beach residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located on Normal Street in San Diego. The DMV offers all standard licensing and registration services, and more information is available on their official website. Access is convenient for both new arrivals and long-term residents.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3960 Normal St, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.