It lies between Carlsbad and Camp Pendleton, the nation's largest Marine base, which plays a major role in the local economy. Oceanside has many distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. The older coastal neighborhood, west of I-5, has everything from condominiums and apartments to smaller houses and luxurious oceanfront homes at relatively bargain prices. The regional travel center brings Amtrak and Greyhound together in one convenient location. Highlights of the coastal neighborhood include miles of wide, sandy beaches, the 1,900-foot Oceanside Pier, and the beautiful Oceanside Harbor, the only place in coastal North County to moor a boat.
Plans are under way for a new luxury hotel resort, which promises to enhance the area.
Moving east, you will find a transitional area of homes and retail centers built in the 1950s and 1960s. This region gives way to the inland suburban neighborhoods, which are exploding with new, affordable housing. In fact, the median home price in Oceanside is only about half that of Carlsbad or Encinitas . Lots of affordable land has spawned new subdivisions in East Oceanside making the dream of owning a home come true for young families and retirees alike. New schools and shopping malls are springing up at every corner.