I hate to rain on your parade, but I don’t think such a place exists. If you are walking distance to the ocean, and restaurants then the chances are good there is also a surprising amount of crime. (mostly petty crimes like breaking into cars, occasional burglary, small time drug dealing, drinking in public) But anywhere that’s walking distance to the beach will attract both homeless and small time hustlers.
Also, anywhere that is walking distance to the beach is going to be crowded and congested.
Worth noting, in general places that are walking distance to the beach are much more expensive than ones that you have to drive.
Each area that you mention has it’s ups and downs. For instance, freeway access from La Jolla is a real pain. If you’re close to a public beach access, be prepared for thousands of people parking in front of your house every summer weekend.
So, I think it depends on how much you really can spend, and what compromises you want to make.
But, as mentioned above, Del Mar’s a good place to start your search.
Xboxboy:I hear what you are saying. Thank you all for your feedback. I do see the concern about the attraction of the beach for homeless, …. what about coronado? It’s harder to get to unless you live there so that might keep out some of the riff raff. Tha last two comments are a little harsh. I lived in san jose for 2.5 years from 1987 to 1989 and back then, schools were fairly good and the state hadn’t spent itself into so much debt. My wife won’t move permanently out of virginia, even though I would just to be in the cali climate and the “zest for life” so prevalent there. Once you get a taste, you are hooked! Paying real estate taxes does mean that I am contributing to the state to pay my load. Arrogant? I don’t quite get that one. Rich, it sounds like del mar is a big favorite. How does it compare to coronado?
