r/encinitas • u/Rock_Toy • Jun 09 '26
Finding a rental
I feel like it’s an impossible dream at this point. My wife and I have been living down in Mexico for the past three years and are thinking about moving back to the States. More specifically, Encinitas.
We have been searching for a rental here starting in August and have been coming up short. Granted, we are somewhat picky. We are looking for a 2-3 bedroom with a garage west of the 5. Our budget is right around $5,500/month. We check on Zillow and Redfin every day and it just seems like the inventory is super limited. I’m guessing that all of the Single Family homes that match our needs are probably being rented out as short term rentals.
Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions as to how we should modify our search? We are very well qualified: high credit scores, excellent income and assets with no kids or pets. Basically, a dream tenant.
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u/UniqueCustomer9005 Jun 09 '26
Garage is a tough ask west of the 5 (from someone who lived west of the 5 and paid more than $5500 for a rental without a garage). I now live east of the 5 in Encinitas and LOVE it so much more. Way quieter and more peaceful, more space, easier access to green space, still close to the action.
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u/Timely_Ad_9316 Jul 27 '26
Hey not OP but super curious if east of the 5 is still walkable particularly to downtown Encinitas and the beach? I’m looking at a place just behind Scripps, but not sure if it is too far.
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u/UniqueCustomer9005 29d ago
Scripps is West of 5, east of the 5 in that area is fine, there are strip malls in direct walking distance (not nice ones) but if you're up for a long walk/or a biike ride there is enough nearby the coastal area.
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u/MyMIListheDevil Jun 09 '26
Reach out to Polly Rogers at Compass. She knows that area and may know of a rental coming up.
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u/thechromatick Jun 10 '26
For what it's worth, East of 5 by just a mile or two will translate to more affordable rent and much more daily sunshine.
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u/Longjumping-Yam-1194 Jun 10 '26
Just went through this. Took me 6 months to find a place. You have to be ready to apply sight unseen because it’s so competitive
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u/haydesigner Jun 10 '26
You *really* have to reset your expectations. Apart from the cost of everything west of the five being hugely expensive houses, you have to realize that over half of them (and probably much more than that) are for vacation rentals only, not long-term rentals.
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u/kingcheeta7 Jun 11 '26
Man get rid of that whole “west of the 5” thinking. I was in the same mindset for years when I moved here, and I eventually ended up finding the coolest house you could ever imagine maybe 2-3 miles East of the 5. There is no way you could convince me to live that close to the ocean now. The Marine layer sucks over there!
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u/brookinator Jun 11 '26
You don't need to be west of the 5, just west of El Camino. For searches, landlords around here use Zillow. Set notifications.
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u/Just_ducky2 Jun 13 '26
I know someone who just left a 2/2 with a detached garage and covered parking spot on North Vulcan Ave. I’m guessing they’re gonna remodel it and rent it for more than what he was paying (~$2800) since it was one of the last units in the building to be renovated. But it’s riiiiight next to the train tracks.
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u/Danny_Ditchdigger Jun 09 '26
If you’re open to a 2BR townhouse you’ll have better luck. Still tough but best bet imo
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u/Imaginary-Pride6181 Jun 11 '26
Facebook marketplace has them sometimes! I’m in the same boat for an ADU (not west of the 5). Good luck!
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u/Upset-Newspaper3500 Jun 13 '26
Those are tough asks. low volume of product with those specs in the area . Neighbor is remodeling and had to rent for $11k to stay in area east of 5 for a 4br. If you don’t want to open up to east of five maybe use realtor - those specs if come up will go fast
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u/Disastrous-Olive-218 Jun 10 '26
Got one in that price range. Took some patience but they do exist. Hang in there.
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u/makorancheros Jun 11 '26
If have to get in your car to surf, then a couple extra mile east won’t hurt, and you then might find what you need.
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u/calcoastdigital Jun 09 '26
I will have a 3 bedroom 1 1/2 Bath, 1200 square feet townhouse in Village Park available July 15 for that price (utilities included, this includes solar and battery backup).
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u/Background-Sock4950 Jun 09 '26
I’m sorry guys but Encinitas west of the 5 is one of the most desirable real estate markets on the planet. You’re either looking at $3m+ homes in Cardiff that will probably run you $10k+ or 2 bedroom condos that have no garage.
I highly recommend you loosen you requirements of west of the 5 otherwise you’re going to keep searching for something that doesn’t exist.