Neighborhood

Rockaway Beach, Pacifica, CA

Neighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood Rating
3.5 /5

Neighborhood Factors

Market Conditions

  • Neighborhood Factors
    Price
    $1.09M
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Overvalued
    $39k(2)
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Appreciation
    3%(2)

(2) City data used

At a glance

Rockaway Beach is ranked #5 of 11 neighborhoods in Pacifica with an overall score of 3.4/5. Its standout factors are public spaces (4.5/5) and curb appeal (4.0/5), at a median home price of $1.09M, which Houseberry currently rates as undervalued by about $49,000. It ranks 5th of 11 in Pacifica for schools. The trade-offs are nearby merchants (1.5/5) and safety (3.0/5), though prices run about 19% below the Pacifica median.

Neighborhood Reviews & Questions

Neighborhood Review
Key Words: Coastal Living, Tourist Attraction, Scenic Views

Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, CA, is a captivating coastal gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and a quaint, small-town atmosphere. Nestled against a picturesque backdrop of rugged cliffs and the expansive Pacific Ocean, this neighborhood is a haven for both residents and visitors seeking a serene seaside experience. The housing in Rockaway Beach varies, featuring a mix of charming beach cottages, contemporary homes, and condominiums, many with breathtaking ocean views. The architectural styles range from classic to modern, echoing the community's connection to both its history and the natural environment. The streets are lined with homes that embrace the coastal lifestyle, often accompanied by well-tended gardens and panoramic vistas. A standout feature of Rockaway Beach is its beautiful beachfront, a popular destination for surfers, hikers, and those looking to relax by the sea. The beach area is complemented by the scenic Rockaway Beach Trail, offering stunning views and a chance to explore the rugged coastline. For dining and shopping, the Rockaway Beach Plaza provides a range of local businesses, from cozy cafes to surf shops, adding to the neighborhood's charm. Another highlight is the proximity to the Pacifica State Beach and Mori Point, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, bird watching, and nature walks. The neighborhood's small size contributes to its close-knit community feel, where locals gather for events and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle. Rockaway Beach is more than just a scenic location; it's a community that embodies the relaxed and friendly spirit of coastal living. It’s an ideal destination for those who cherish the tranquility of the ocean, outdoor adventure, and a tight-knit community vibe.

See City Review for: Pacifica

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Neighborhood Amenities

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Near good merchants

    1.5

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Public Spaces

    4.5

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Curb Appeal

    4

Overall Amenities score: 3.7

Neighborhood Weather

73%
of possible sunshine
Of all the daylight this spot gets in a year, 73% arrives as sunshine - clouds and fog block the rest.
Rockaway Beach ranks 7th of 11 for sunshine in Pacifica, and it is one of the least sunny in the Bay Area. Its warmest month is September, averaging 69° highs, and it gets about 25 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low temperature
70°60°50°40°JFMAMJJASONDSep 69°
Avg highAvg low
Rank in Pacifica
7th of 11
Across the Bay Area
1st percentile
Rain per year
25 in
Warmest month
Sep 69° avg high
Summer day
53° → 66°F
Winter day
45° → 58°F
Sunshine and temperature figures are 30-year climate averages for this neighborhood's location.

Neighborhood Photos

Schools serving this Neighborhood

School NameTypeGradesHouseberry School Score
Ortega Elementary PrimaryK-5
Cabrillo Elementary PrimaryK-8
Ocean Shore Elementary PrimaryK-8
Vallemar Elementary PrimaryK-8
Ingrid B. Lacy Middle Middle6-8
Jefferson High High9-12
Terra Nova High High9-12
Westmoor High High9-12

Click links for school listing

info at GreatSchools.org

Houseberry School Score Data

from CA Dept. of Education

Houseberry recommends using these scores as only a starting point, and conducting your own investigation into what schools fit best for your preferences. School boundaries are not guaranteed and may change. It is important to contact the appropriate school district to confirm enrollment eligibility before making any decision to move to a neighborhood.

Median Price

Rockaway Beach FAQs10 answers

Is Rockaway Beach a good place to live?

Rockaway Beach ranks 5th of 11 neighborhoods in Pacifica with an overall Houseberry score of 3.4 out of 5. Its strongest factors are public spaces (4.5/5) and curb appeal (4.0/5). The trade-offs are nearby merchants (1.5/5) and safety (3.0/5).

Is Rockaway Beach safe?

Rockaway Beach, Pacifica scores 3.0 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 6th of 11 neighborhoods in Pacifica.

What do homes in Rockaway Beach cost?

The median home price in Rockaway Beach, Pacifica is $1.09M, compared with $1.35M for Pacifica as a whole. Houseberry currently rates it undervalued by about $49,000 against comparable neighborhoods.

Are home prices in Rockaway Beach rising or falling?

The median home price in Rockaway Beach, Pacifica is down about 19.7% over the past 12 months, from $1.35M to $1.09M. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.

Which schools serve Rockaway Beach?

Schools serving Rockaway Beach, Pacifica include Ortega Elementary (3.3/5), Cabrillo Elementary (4.4/5), Ocean Shore Elementary (4.2/5), Vallemar Elementary (4.2/5) and Ingrid B. Lacy Middle (3.7/5). 3 more schools are listed in the Schools section on this page.

What is the weather like in Rockaway Beach?

Rockaway Beach, Pacifica receives 73% of its possible sunshine, 7th of 11 in Pacifica. Summer days run 53° to 66°F and winter days 45° to 58°F, September is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 25 inches a year.

Is Rockaway Beach walkable to shops and restaurants?

Rockaway Beach, Pacifica scores 1.5 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 4.5 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 3.7 out of 5, 1st of 11 in Pacifica.

What is Rockaway Beach known for?

Rockaway Beach, Pacifica is associated with Coastal Living, Tourist Attraction and Scenic Views. Its highest-scoring factors are public spaces (4.5/5) and curb appeal (4.0/5).

How does Rockaway Beach compare to other Pacifica neighborhoods?

Rockaway Beach ranks 5th of 11 neighborhoods in Pacifica. It ranks 5th of 11 in Pacifica for schools (3.7/5) and scores lowest on nearby merchants (1.5/5). The next-ranked neighborhoods in Pacifica are Westview and Fairway Park.

What are the downsides of living in Rockaway Beach?

Rockaway Beach, Pacifica scores lowest on nearby merchants (1.5/5) and safety (3.0/5).

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Neighborhood Photos

Top Neighborhoods in Pacifica, CA

1st
Neighborhood Iamge
Park Pacifica, Pacifica, CA
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Park Pacifica, nestled within the coastal city of Pacifica, CA, offers a serene ... See Full Page
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Neighborhood Iamge
Linda Mar Valley, Pacifica, CA
Overall Score : 3.9
Linda Mar in Pacifica, CA, often referred to as Linda Del Mar, is a neighborhood... See Full Page
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Overall Score : 3.6
Pedro Valley in Pacifica, CA, is a hidden gem that offers a serene coastal lifes... See Full Page

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Contact Houseberry's 2026 Agent Pick for Rockaway Beach
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