Encinitas, incorporated in 1986, encompasses Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and Olivenhain in addition to the original Encinitas area.  The area is famous for its six miles of beaches--Swami's is well known for its waves and Moonlight Beach is a gathering place for locals and tourists.  Two lagoons bracket the city--Batiquitos Lagoon forms the northern boundary and San Elijo marks the southern edge.  The city is about 22 miles away from San Diego, and many residents make the commute on either I-5 or the Coaster every day.

Encinitas offers a variety of housing from the older coastal cottages that can be found along the 101 Highway, to the Village Park bedroom community along the main shopping route of Encinitas Boulevard, to the spectacular luxury homes of Encinitas Ranch, Country Rose, Knightsbridge, and Bello Mar.  Planned communities such as Quail Gardens and Coast Point offer mid-priced single family homes while Saxony, Summerhill, and Cambria boast newer condominium homes, some with ocean views.   Maravu offers some of the area’s most beautiful, newly constructed spanish style houses.

Many of the area’s largest and most impressive homes are in Olivenhain.  An upscale town featuring spectacular homes and incredible ocean views, Olivenhain literally means "Olive Grove" in German.  Much of the area’s agricultural past has given way to new, single-family homes situated on hilltop estate communities.

"New Encinitas" is the fastest growing community in the area.  Known as the "El Camino Real Corridor," New Encinitas has witnessed explosive residence growth in the past 10 years. The town has a variety of commercial and service businesses, new homes and large shopping centers. It is a popular region for families who are attracted to the suburban lifestyle, new housing, and highly rated schools.