Rancho Santa Fe Properties For Sale

One of the Most Exclusive Planned Communities in Southern California

There are very few places left in the United States where homeowners can feel secure in knowing that their neighborhood will remain much the same tomorrow as it is today. From its very inception, Rancho Santa Fe in the County of San Diego adopted a Protective Covenant with specific deed restrictions for its estate-sized lots. The Ranch, as it is referred to by the locals, is designed around a Hispanic theme which draws heavily on horse ranches and citrus cultivation.

The Same Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Rancho Santa Fe is actually comprised of several distinct neighborhoods that center on The Covenant which stands pretty much the same today as it did when it was first built in the 1920’s. Although efforts have been made throughout the years to improve on the design of homes or to get a variance in the ordinances, the only ‘improvements’ which have been approved were renovations which help to maintain the integrity of Rancho Santa Fe’s Master Plan.

Median Property Value in the 92067 Zip Code

Even though it is one of the most affluent communities in the United States, owning property in Rancho Santa Fe goes well beyond income. Its unique character which is maintained year after year, decade after decade is what keeps Rancho Santa Fe’s real estate within the most expensive in the country. In 2010 the Rancho Santa Fe zip code, 92067, came in 13th place and the median home price was set at $3,055,740. However, there is a bit of a discrepancy here as not all of the homes within the 92067 zip code are actually within The Covenant’s boundaries.

Realistic Property Values in Rancho Santa Fe

Actually, there are other gated communities within the larger Rancho Santa Fe CDP (census designated place) and though they are considered to be a part of this community for purposes of census and postal service, they are not technically part of ‘The Ranch.’ As a result, the median property value when calculated by zip code also reflects the prices of homes that are not valued as highly. A close estimate would place homes within Rancho Santa Fe itself at a median value of around $4,000,000.

Place of Prominence in America’s Most Expensive Zip Codes

Keeping in mind that most statistics are gathered within the larger Rancho Santa Fe CDP, some of what you can find about this affluent residential community is based on The Covenant as well as the surrounding neighborhoods. As of the latest figures released by Forbes in 2010 in America’s Most Expensive Zip Codes, Rancho Santa Fe came in at number 13 out of 43,000 zip codes in the United States. Since properties are limited in that they cannot be split for redevelopment, there are only so many to go around. Even with the mortgage market in such dire straits, the average length of time property stayed on the market in 2010 was only 221 days. That in itself is an amazing feat when affordable homes around the nation are still listed on the MLS two years later!

Rancho Santa Fe at a Glance

Located just 7 miles from some of the nation’s most beautiful beaches, Rancho Santa Fe is ideally situated. Although it is highly residential there is an upscale area in the center of town that is home to award winning restaurants and trendy shops. The schools in Rancho Santa Fe have collectively set records for excellence in education, with two honorable mentions being the number one ranked Covenant School, R. Roger Rowe School and Torrey Pines High School, a National Blue Ribbon School.

An Equestrian Heaven

In keeping with the Covenant, there are a number of activities in the community that cater to the avid equestrian. The community is especially proud of The Rancho Santa Fe Riding Club which was founded in 1946 and is seated on 11 acres within moments of the village. Then there is the prestigious San Diego Polo Club located in the community which also boasts a lively social scene for members only. Many of the properties in Rancho Santa Fe are larger equestrian sized lots and neighbors share a common interest which further enhances the desirability of this close knit affluent community.

Rancho Santa Fe is so much more than just an upscale neighborhood and home to some of the nation’s most affluent homeowners. It is a community of like minded people who share the common goal of maintaining the Covenant which has earned it the status of a State Historic Landmark, and many homes a place on the National Registry of Historic Places. Rancho Santa Fe is truly one of the last remaining planned communities which will always maintain its place of prominence by strictly adhering to the Covenant around which it was designed.