They’re Not Making Any More Beaches: Why Imperial Beach May Be Southern California’s Best-Kept Real Estate Secret
From the desk of Laura Lothian | San Diego News Real Estate Update
The Ah-ha Moment
Our family vacationed in Maui in the late 1990s, and I still remember the moment we strolled through Lahaina and stumbled upon a tiny beachfront house. It sat directly on the sand, complete with two curved palms and a hammock—pure postcard perfection.
As a young couple, we were in the market for a vacation home. No Zillow, no comps, no clue. We guessed $350,000, maybe $400,000. We were ready to write a check.
The real estate agent smiled gently when we asked. “$1.7 million,” he said. When we gasped, he said something I’ll never forget: “They’re not making any more beaches.”
That moment stuck with me, and years later—as a Realtor with over two decades of experience—it’s shaped how I view coastal property. Beach real estate is about more than square footage or finishes. It’s about location, and in San Diego County, that often means million-dollar-plus price tags in places like Coronado, Del Mar, and La Jolla.
But what if you’re not a multi-millionaire?
Look south—very south—to Imperial Beach, the most southwesterly city in the U.S. It’s San Diego’s last true beach town, and it’s undergoing an exciting renaissance. In 2023, 73 of 103 homes sold for under $1 million. Its most expensive sale? Just $2.5 million—Del Mar’s starting price.
In recent years, Imperial Beach has welcomed the luxury Pier South Resort, The Brigantine, Mike Hess Brewery, and a new Seacoast Marketplace with ocean-view dining. Add in the Bayshore Bikeway, Tijuana Estuary, world-class surfing, and sweeping views of the Coronado Islands, and you’ve got a beachfront lifestyle that rivals anywhere in California.
So, why isn’t Imperial Beach already Del Mar-level pricey?
One word: Sewage. Cross-border pollution from Tijuana has impacted water quality and closed beaches. But awareness is growing. The U.S. and Mexico are finally taking action. Locals, including Deborah Vance—one of Imperial Beach’s top Realtors—believe that once the issue is resolved, property values will soar.
If you’ve dreamed of owning Southern California beach property but thought it was out of reach, Imperial Beach might just be your window of opportunity.
Ready to Learn More About Imperial Beach?
Contact Deborah Vance today to explore homes, ask questions, or take a tour. The beach may not be growing—but your real estate opportunities still can.
📞 Call or Text: 619-884-8783📍 Serving Imperial Beach & Beyond
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