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Homes For Sale Rancho Santa Fe

HOME PRICES
$3M Lowest
$5.5M Average
$16.1M Highest
HOME PRICE PER SQUARE FEET
$787 Lowest
$975 Average
$3K Highest
HOME STATISTICS IN TERMS OF
4 No. of Beds
4 No. of baths
7,680 Square feet

Table of Contents

  1. Rancho Santa Fe
  2. A BRIEF HISTORY
  3. OVERVIEW
  4. HOMES FOR SALE
  5. LIVING IN RANCHO SANTA FE
  6. FIND THE BEST LUXURY HOMES

Rancho Santa Fe

Nestled amidst a stunning landscape with rolling hills and eucalyptus trees, Rancho Santa Fe is an affluent community known for having some of the most coveted luxury real estate options in North County San Diego.

Rancho Santa Fe is the perfect choice for those seeking an exceptional quality of life in an idyllic setting. Gorgeous year-round weather, breathtaking scenery, first-rate schools, incredible dining options, and many of the best recreational destinations in San Diego’s North County Coastal region combine to make it one of the best places to call home.

If you’re searching for homes for sale in Rancho Santa Fe, CA this page will tell you all you need to know about this sought-after community. We’ll take a closer look at the real estate options, the lifestyle, the best attractions, and everything that makes Rancho Santa Fe a fantastic place to call home.
 

Speak with our Rancho Santa Fe real estate experts to find your perfect property and stay ahead of the market. If you're looking for even more inventory, ask about our off-market listings.

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A BRIEF HISTORY

Rancho Santa Fe
Rancho Santa Fe was initially known as “Rancho San Dieguito” during the 1800s Spanish Colonial era. The area was originally a land grant of two square leagues (over 8,800 acres) awarded to Juan Maria Osuna, the first elected Alcalde or mayor of Mexican period San Diego.
All lands that were part of the original San Dieguito land grant were purchased by the Santa Fe Railway in 1906 to grow lumber for producing railroad ties. Around 3.5 million eucalyptus trees were planted in the land grant’s southeast section between 1906 and 1914. However, this venture proved unsuccessful as sturdier wood was required underneath railways to support the great weight and volume of the incoming trains from the west.
The beginning of Rancho Santa Fe as a residential community can be traced back to 1921 when a subdivision map was officially filed. Designed by land expert and surveyor Leone Sinnard, the map outlined parcels flowing out from the center of small lots, transitioning gradually into larger ones.
Architect Lilian Rice was hired to oversee the development of the community’s master plan. Rice supervised the design and construction of several homes along with the civic center (known today as The Village), which was comprised of offices, a food market, a schoolhouse, row houses for staff members, and a guest house. More commercial buildings were built during the years that followed. Many of the core elements of Rice’s original land plan are still followed to this day.
The Rancho Santa Fe Country Club attracted large crowds from 1937 to 1947 by organizing the Bing Crosby Clambake, a pro-am golf tournament hosted by legendary singer and multimedia star Bing Crosby.

OVERVIEW

of Rancho Santa Fe

Rancho Santa Fe encompasses approximately 6.7 square miles in the southwest region of California, less than five miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Listed as a census-designated place (CDP) in San Diego County, the community is part of the San Diego metro area and is home to a population of over 3,000 residents.

Despite being primarily residential, Rancho Santa Fe has its share of leisure destinations including a vibrant town center, several upscale shopping and dining venues, top-rated equestrian facilities, and a great selection of private golf clubs.

Rancho Santa Fe is around 30 minutes north of Downtown San Diego, giving residents easy access to many of the best shopping centers, restaurants, entertainment venues, theme parks, arts and culture destinations, and family-friendly attractions the city has to offer.

Weather

Like other communities throughout the North County Coastal region, Rancho Santa Fe experiences a comfortable warm-summer Mediterranean climate with an average of 260 sunny days annually, providing numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Due to its inland position and high elevation, the community’s location lends itself to larger variations in temperature. On average, however, temperatures in Rancho Santa Fe range from about 50°F to 80°F through most of the year, rarely going below 40°F.

Schools

Public schools serving Rancho Santa Fe are administered by the Rancho Santa Fe School District, one of the most highly regarded school districts in the state. The district operates two schools on a single site: R. Roger Rowe Elementary School for Kindergarten to fifth-grade students and R. Roger Rowe Middle School for students in grades 6 to 8. Although there are no high schools within Rancho Santa Fe, students can attend nearby public high schools such as Torrey Pines High School and San Dieguito High School Academy, both of which are served by the excellent San Dieguito Union High School District. For families planning to enroll their children in private education, several outstanding private schools are available in the area, such as:

High Bluff Academy
Lifetime Montessori School
Horizon Prep
Diegueno Country School

HOMES FOR SALE

in Rancho Santa Fe, Ca

Those interested in homes for sale in Rancho Santa Fe, CA will find an impressive selection of architecturally distinctive luxury residences equipped with a range of first-rate features. Many homes in this coveted community fully embrace the equestrian lifestyle and are situated on sprawling landscaped lots with stables, riding arenas, farrier workspaces, and other horse-keeping amenities.

Rancho Santa Fe has a reputation as a premier choice for equestrians, which is evident not only in the equestrian-focused properties but in the surrounding landscape itself. A home in Rancho Santa Fe places you minutes away from miles of scenic well-groomed trails, top-quality services, and exceptional equestrian facilities including the world-class Rancho Riding Club on Ramba de Las Flores.

In addition to offering an exceptional equestrian lifestyle, homes for sale in Rancho Santa Fe, CA deliver an unsurpassed level of privacy, elegance, and livability. Many are built with the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship and are designed to take full advantage of the area’s stunning scenery and pleasant year-round climate.

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A few examples of luxurious features you can find in many luxury homes for sale in Rancho Santa Fe, CA include:

Lush, expansive grounds with mature trees and ample privacy
Tennis, Sports, and Pickleball courts
Equestrian facilities
Gated properties or guard-gated communities
Private security patrols
Swimming pools
Browse the best selection of homes for sale in Rancho Santa Fe, CA today by taking a look at our Featured Listings.

Luxury communities in Rancho Santa Fe

Rancho Santa Fe’s Covenant is known for its equestrian properties, expansive lots, privacy, and 45 miles of private riding/hiking trails. However, many of Rancho Santa Fe’s high-end residences are located in exclusive guard-gated communities like, The Bridges, Del Mar Country Club, Fairbanks Ranch, The Crosby, and The Farms.

All luxury communities in Rancho Santa Fe offer their own unique charm, selection of impressive homes, and access to upscale amenities like clubhouses, tennis courts, gourmet fine dining restaurants, fitness centers, championship golf courses, horseback riding trails, and more.

LIVING IN RANCHO SANTA FE

Dining

Whether you’re dining with the family, catching up with friends, celebrating a milestone, or just looking to treat your taste buds, the restaurants in Rancho Santa Fe are ideal for any occasion.

Some of the top-rated dining destinations in the area include:

Mille Fleurs – Established in 1985, Mille Fleurs is an award-winning dining destination that has received numerous accolades from renowned publications like The New York Times, Food & Wine Magazines, and San Diego Magazine. A popular choice for celebrations, anniversaries, and other special events, Mille Fleurs features a sophisticated country-home ambiance with patios overlooking lush gardens, perfect for savoring their classic French and local California cuisine.
Morada – Located at The Inn, Morada treats diners to an unforgettable dining experience with its seasonal menu of creative coastal ranch cuisine paired with their impressive wine list and handpicked selection of local brews and craft cocktails. The upscale restaurant locally sourced California fare is heavily focused on comfort food with a delightful selection of surefire palate-pleasers such as rustic avocado toast, bistro steak sandwiches, gourmet burgers, lobster risotto, oven-roasted branzino, and more. 
Firenze Trattoria - In the mood for delectable Italian cuisine? Firenze Trattoria is a fantastic choice. Located in Rancho Santa Fe Plaza, this top-rated restaurant serves authentic Italian fare including pasta, soups and salads, seafood, paninis, and more in a warm and inviting setting. While every item on the menu is definitely worth a try, among their standout dishes is their melanzane rollatini, a delightful dish made with thinly sliced eggplant filled with pine nuts, ricotta, fresh Italian herbs, and bread crumbs, topped with mozzarella and rich tomato sauce.  
The Pony Room – Located in the luxurious Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, The Pony Room is an upscale polo-themed bar and restaurant serving imaginative signature craft cocktails, high-end wines, and delicious coastal ranch cuisine in a gorgeous contemporary hacienda setting. Their skilled culinary team works alongside some of the best farms in the region to source ingredients, ensuring fresh flavors year-round.
Thyme in the Ranch – One of Rancho Santa Fe’s top dining destinations, Thyme in the Ranch is a cozy café and bakery serving delightful breakfast and lunch fare and a variety of freshly baked artisan goods made with classic family recipes. Opened in 1995, this charming neighborhood café features a cozy cottage ambiance, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing feast with friends and family. 

Shopping

Looking to indulge in some retail therapy? Below are some of the best shopping destinations in and around Rancho Santa Fe:

Del Rayo Village Shopping Center – Located between the Del Mar Country Club and Fairbanks Ranch, Del Rayo Village Shopping Center is home to a terrific collection of boutiques, restaurants, and services, all within a picturesque setting. The shopping center is the home of the weekly Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market, where you can shop for a wide variety of fresh produce, flowers, prepared meals, artisan goods, and more.
Rancho Santa Fe Plaza – A gorgeous open-air shopping destination featuring a quaint European village feel with bubbling fountains, expansive open courtyards, sidewalk bistros, and walkways adorned with elegant Spanish tiles. Located less than five minutes northwest of the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, Rancho Santa Fe Plaza features an extensive collection of specialty shops, gourmet restaurants, cafés, and services. The venue also hosts a variety of special community events as well including wine tastings, art shows, performances, and more.
Cielo Village – Surrounded by Rancho Santa Fe’s undulating foothills, Cielo Village is a sprawling mixed-use development with a classic charm reminiscent of old-world Italian villages. All of the village’s quaint shops and restaurants feature elegant Spanish Revival architecture and surround a gently sloping central piazza, creating a vibrant yet laidback setting that comes alive through rich textures and colors. 

Golf

Rancho Santa Fe has established a reputation as a golfer’s paradise for good reason – residents are always minutes away from top-rated private, public, and municipal golf courses offering an exceptional playing experience for golfers of all skill levels.

The community’s most renowned golfing destination is the historic Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, home to an outstanding Max Behr-designed 18-hole golf course seamlessly integrated with the landscape’s natural contours. Opened for play in 1929, the golf course is the original home of the Bing Crosby pro-am “Clambake” tournament and a recipient of numerous accolades including the highly coveted “Distinguished Emerald Club of the World” status from BoardRoom Magazine.

Another notable golfing destination is the Del Mar Country Club, a private country club with a championship golf course designed by celebrated golf course architect Joe Lee. Set within a tranquil valley amidst cascading waterfalls and crystal lakes, the masterfully designed 18-hole golf course embraces Rancho Santa Fe’s picturesque natural beauty, treating golfers to an exhilarating playing experience.

Other notable golf courses in Rancho Santa Fe include:

The Farms Golf Club
The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe
Morgan Run Club & Resort
Fairbanks Ranch Country Club

Outdoor recreation

With its pleasant year-round weather, well-groomed trails, gorgeous parks, breathtaking scenery, and proximity to the ocean Rancho Santa Fe is a perfect place to live for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Here are some of the best outdoor destinations you can check out in the area:

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center - The San Elijo Lagoon is a 979-acre reserve offering numerous recreational activities. The reserve features seven miles of trails with varying difficulty levels, making it one of the most popular hiking destinations in San Diego County.
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve - Located around 20 minutes northeast of Rancho Santa Fe, the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve features scenic mountain overlooks, picnic areas, and over 11 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. The trails within the 784-acre reserve treat visitors to an unforgettable adventure through an enchanting natural landscape covered in mature woodlands, oak riparian, coastal sage scrubs, and a variety of native plant communities. Be sure to drop by the Interpretive Center which features a fascinating collection of artworks and educational displays.
Torrey Pines Natural State Reserve – A top destination for outdoor lovers, Torrey Pines Natural State Reserve remains one of the most pristine expanses throughout Southern California’s coastal region. Covering over 1,500 acres, the reserve is home to a myriad of natural features that have existed for centuries including maritime chaparral and Torrey pine, a rare pine species that thrives only in coastal San Diego County, on Santa Rosa Island, and offshore from Santa Barbara. Torrey Pines attracts countless visitors each year who navigate its serene trails, immerse themselves in nature, and take in the stunning scenery.   

FIND THE BEST LUXURY HOMES

for Sale in Rancho Santa Fe, Ca with Luxeally Real Estate

Enjoy an unparalleled luxury lifestyle in one of the most sought-after communities in San Diego County by working with Jeff Toth and his team of elite agents from LuxeAlly Real Estate.

As one of the area’s top boutique firms, LuxeAlly is the best of the best when it comes to assisting clients looking to navigate San Diego’s exciting luxury real estate market. The team specializes in communities Rancho Santa Fe, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, La Jolla, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, and other coveted communities throughout San Diego, and will go above and beyond to fulfill each client’s unique real estate goals.

Get in touch with Jeff Toth and LuxeAlly Real Estate today at 858.630.8997 or by leaving a message.

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