san diego best places to live
Introduction
San Diego is a great place to live, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re a single person looking for a fun, social city with plenty of things to do, you’ll probably want to head up the coast and check out Los Angeles. If you’re a family with young kids and are looking for more affordable housing options, though, San Diego might be the perfect place for you!
We’ve come up with our top picks for the best places to live in San Diego if you’re a single person (or if you’re part of a couple) and if you have kids. We’ve considered affordability, safety rating, local schools, and proximity to other major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
mission hills
Mission Hills is a great place to live. It’s located in the southern part of San Diego, between Old Town and Mission Valley. It has a safe feel, with plenty of parks and open space. The schools are great and the cost of living is reasonable. There are many restaurants and shops nearby, plus easy access to both the beach and the airport (although you might want to drive via I-5 instead).
hillcrest
Hillcrest is a great place to live for singles, families, and people looking for affordable housing. With so many things to do in the area, you’ll never be bored. If you’re single, Hillcrest offers some of the best bars in town—like Chico’s Tacos and Hillcrest Brewing Company—and plenty of places to meet new people at events like South Park Thursdays or PrideFest. It’s also close enough that you can easily get out of town on a weekend trip when it gets too boring!
If you have kids, don’t worry: there are plenty of parks nearby where they can run off their energy running around with their friends (or chasing butterflies). Plus there are tons of activities parents can do together without spending much money at all! You could spend hours walking around Mission Hills trying on clothes at thrift stores… Or maybe just go shopping together so nobody feels left out?
And if what really matters most is affordability then look no further than this neighborhood because it has exactly what we’re looking for at an affordable price point: $500k-700k will get us into either old houses or condos near schools/parks/shopping etc.. And if we want something newer then maybe up towards $1M but with lower taxes because our income isn’t high enough yet so saving money would be very helpful in buying an investment property here instead – especially since I’m planning on retiring soon.*
north park
North Park is a great place to live. The neighborhood is known for its wide variety of restaurants and shops, as well as its proximity to Balboa Park and downtown San Diego. Homes in North Park range from $600K-1M, making it a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable neighborhood that’s still close to everything. If you’re planning on staying longer term and want even less hustle/bustle than Mission Hills offers (which is saying something), then this might be the perfect fit for your family!
little italy
If you’re interested in Little Italy, you’re probably not alone. This is one of the most popular and densely populated neighborhoods in San Diego, so it’s no surprise that it has a bit of everything to offer. Whether you’re looking for a place where your family can enjoy the outdoors or somewhere where young people can live close to their favorite bars and restaurants, Little Italy has options for everyone.
Additionally, if you’re ready for some culture but don’t quite feel like leaving your new home base yet? That’s okay—these restaurants serve up some of the best Italian food around! We recommend stopping by Tony’s on F Street first before heading out on an adventure with friends.
university heights
University Heights also has a lot to offer, including good schools and parks. It’s a great place to raise children as well, but it’s also ideal for singles and couples looking to live close to the beach. University Heights’ proximity to Mission Bay Park makes it an attractive option for retirees as well. If you’re attending San Diego State University or UCSD, University Heights is close enough that you can walk there in about 15 minutes or take a bus or trolley (get an MTS pass!).
University Heights has something for everyone: young professionals, college students, young families and couples just starting out. And thanks to its proximity to Balboa Park and Hillcrest—two of San Diego’s most popular neighborhoods—you’ll be able to explore all the city has to offer without having too much trouble getting around town!
point loma
Point Loma is a peninsula, and the home of several attractions: the San Diego Zoo and Sea World, as well as four museums. The most well-known of these is the San Diego Maritime Museum, which features exhibitions on San Diego’s maritime history as well as a number of ships that have been permanently docked since they were retired from service. It also offers tours through its historic vessels during the summer months. If you’re looking for more than just an afternoon spent at one museum or another, Point Loma has plenty to offer – take advantage!
del mar heights
Del Mar Heights is one of the best places to live in San Diego. It’s got a lot of restaurants and shops, which makes it a great place for people who like to go out and have fun. The beach is also only about five minutes away from the neighborhood, so if you want to spend time at the beach with your family or friends, this is the perfect spot for you!
The schools nearby also have very good ratings on their websites. In addition, Del Mar Heights has lots of parks close by where kids can play when they get bored at home after school or during summer vacation!
You’ll feel safe living here because there are police officers patrolling the streets all day long looking for criminals who break into homes while everyone else is away working hard. It’s important that we take care protecting ourselves against these bad guys so they don’t think twice before doing something terrible again someday soon!
Here are some great places to live in San Diego, California.
The city of San Diego has a lot to offer, but the challenge is finding the right neighborhood. There are more than ten districts in San Diego and the city keeps growing. It’s important to choose the best location for you and your family so that you can have an easy commute, access to good schools and public spaces, and amenities such as grocery stores and restaurants nearby.
Below are some areas that are great for families with children:
- Mission Hills – This neighborhood is located near Balboa Park and has charming homes that range in price from $500K-$1M+. The community is safe with plenty of green space for kids to play outside safely without traffic concerns on busy streets or sidewalks full of pedestrians. In addition to being close by many museums (including one dedicated solely towards children) there’s also Balboa Park which hosts many events throughout each year ranging from art exhibitions to concerts! If college sports aren’t your thing but MLB games are then this might be a perfect fit since Petco Park is less than 10 miles away!
Conclusion
There you have it, those are some of the best places to live in San Diego. We hope you enjoyed the article. I hope this list has helped save you time and energy in your search for a great place to live.
Best Neighborhoods in San Diego for Singles & Young Professionals
Are you thinking about moving to San Diego? With incredible weather year-round, beautiful sandy beaches, an energetic nightlife, and mouthwatering cuisine you won’t find anywhere else, it’s no surprise that San Diego is a dream home for single and young professionals! Want to know which area is the perfect fit for your lifestyle? Check out this list of the best San Diego neighborhoods for singles and young professionals!
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Gaslamp Quarter
Photo via @danny.dq
- Home Price: $189,600 median purchase price; $1,030 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 47% of San Diego neighborhoods
One of the best places to live in Downtown San Diego, the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter is a perfect neighborhood for those looking to live right in the middle of the action. Well-known for its dining and entertainment options, the Gaslamp Quarter offers residents over 200 restaurants, nightclubs, galleries, and shops to explore! What makes the Gaslamp Quarter one of the top neighborhoods in San Diego for young professionals, though, is that the area offers cool condos, townhomes, and apartments to rent or own at an affordable price.
Things to Do in Gaslamp Quarter
See live performances from top musical acts like Lindsey Sterling and comedians like George Lopez at the historic Balboa Theatre. Create a costume of your favorite character and celebrate your favorite franchises during Comic-Con International at the San Diego Convention Center. Attend scheduled seminars and events, or browse the gallery during open hours to see contemporary artwork from local artists at Sparks Gallery. Travel to Trailer Park After Dark and try the famous Kitchen Sink Tots. Grab a Triple Threat Burger at American pub Werewolf. Taste a little bit of everything from salsa flights and Octopus Tacos to Downtown San Diego’s largest tequila selection at Volcano Rabbit. Or enjoy bottle service, live music, and laser light shows at one of the best nightclubs in San Diego, Onyx Room Nightclub.Search FormFIND AN EXTRA SPACE STORAGE FACILITY NEAR YOUSearch by Zip
Hillcrest
Photo via @realrachellamar
- Home Price: $462,358 median purchase price; $1,384 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 12% of San Diego neighborhoods
Known for its friendly atmosphere, walkability, and being the heart of San Diego’s LGBTQ community, Hillcrest is one of the best places to live in San Diego for singles and young professionals. The area is filled with eccentric restaurants and bars, and often hosts live events like the Pride Block Party throughout the year. As for real estate, Hillcrest offers commuting professionals townhomes and apartments with easy access to Downtown San Diego via the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System.
Things to Do in Hillcrest
Shop the Hillcrest Farmers Market for their wide selection of locally-grown organic produce. Celebrate the LGBTQ community at San Diego Pride, which is one of the largest pride parades and festivals in the U.S. Dance the night away or see a drag show at Rich’s—the best dance club in Hillcrest and top gay nightclub in all of San Diego! Tour the historic Marston House, where you can browse the on-site museum and explore gardens sprawled across five acres. Savor Mediterranean dishes like Lamb Ragout at insideOUT. Try a Costa Azul Taco, Plato de Chile Relleno, and other Mexican fare at La Vecindad. Share a Bronx Deluxe or another specialty thin-crust pie at Bronx Pizza. Discover a delicious menu of American cuisine like Baja Oysters and Steamed Clams at Trust. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Chocolat, which serves sugary treats like gelato and dessert crepes.
North Park
Photo via @agentderekfreese
- Home Price: $440,667 median purchase price; $1,222 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 41% of San Diego neighborhoods
Northeast of Balboa Park, North Park offers residents a variety of green areas in SoCal, including Juniper Canyon and Switzer Canyon. Residents in this popular SD neighborhood aren’t just into outdoor recreation, though—North Park is a hub for all things craft beer, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and local art. Plus, with this San Diego neighborhood’s location near I-805, its location gives you quick access to other areas of San Diego for even more things to do, and makes it a convenient commute to and from work.
Things to Do in North Park
Learn about aviation history at San Diego Air & Space Museum. Jam out to DJ sets or live performers, and dance the night away at one of San Diego’s best country music clubs, The Observatory. Grab your friends and neighbors and attend one of the many neighborhood events, like the farmers market, book fair, and more! Check out the first arcade bar in San Diego with over 20 rotating craft beers at Coin-Op Game Room. Listen to live music and sample craft cocktails at U31 Bar. Make a reservation at The Smoking Goat and have the PEI Mussels with a glass of wine for an authentic European dining experience. Try modern twists on classic Vietnamese dishes like Roasted Bone Marrow and Beef Carpaccio at Shank & Bone. Chow down on Salisbury Steak and Eggs or Biscuits & Gravy for breakfast at Working Class. Or grab a slice of the Margherita or Classic Combo Supreme pizza at Tribute Pizza.
Ocean Beach
Photo via @catrinasellsob
- Home Price: $671,220 median purchase price; $1,551 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 15% of San Diego neighborhoods
Ocean Beach is a beachfront San Diego neighborhood known for its Bohemian vibe and excellent surfing spots. This walkable neighborhood offers streets lined with amazing restaurants, organic grocery stores, and eclectic shops, making it easy to find whatever you need within walking distance of your home! Housing options include chic apartments, single-family homes, one-bedroom duplexes, and more just blocks away from the water. With beautiful ocean views, lots of things to do, and plenty of shopping, Ocean Beach truly has it all.
Things to Do in Ocean Beach
Splash under the sun, ride the waves, or catch some rays at Newport Avenue Beach. Get to know the history behind your new neighborhood by taking a self-guided historic walk through the area. Immerse yourself in German culture at Oktoberfest on Ocean Beach Pier. Enjoy a night out on the town at Winstons Beach Club, featuring live music, dancing, and tasty draft beers. Gather a few friends to play billiards at The Tilted Stick. Savor a healthy breakfast of Turmeric Latte and Smoked Salmon Plate at The Little Lion Cafe. Visit Bo-beau and order the Crispy Brussels Sprouts or Brown Butter Seared Diver Scallops. Try the California Burrito or any of the other delicious offerings at Mike’s Taco Club. Stop at Azucar for treats like Salted Toffee Oatmeal Cookies, Guava Pastries, Cuban Rum Cake, and Tiramisu.
Pacific Beach
Photo via @rachaelsdrealtor
- Home Price: $612,228 median purchase price; $1,816 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 17% of San Diego neighborhoods
Nestled between La Jolla and Mission Bay, Pacific Beach is one of the best neighborhoods in San Diego for singles and young professionals! For entertainment, you’ll find everything from cool surf shops and beach bars to sandy shores and more, especially along the famous Crystal Pier. Meanwhile, there are a lot of beachside real estate options, including unique bungalows and apartments. What makes this San Diego neighborhood so desirable, though—other than its gorgeous beach views—is its low unemployment rate, which is ideal for young professionals moving to San Diego.
Things to Do in Pacific Beach
Party under the sun at the annual Pacific Beachfest, which is full of local food vendors, live music performances, and unique art displays. Flex your surfing skills at Tourmaline Surfing Park: a surfing-only beach that’s perfect for riding epic waves. Rent bikes or rollerblades and cruise along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk while you take in the San Diego sunset. Check out the goldfish races and sip on a Redbull Vodka Slushy at Pacific Beach Shore Club. Gather your friends, dust off your cowboy boots, and shake it up on the dance floor at Moonshine Beach. Indulge in the English Fry Up when you dine at Waterbar for brunch. Sip on mimosa flights all day, and order one of the restaurant’s many flatbread pizzas, like the BBQ Chicken, at Crushed. Try the Grilled Fish Tacos with corn skillet at Pacific Beach Alehouse. Or get your fix of Southern-style barbecue on the West Coast at Iron Pig Alehouse.
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