California Real Estate Blog

Surf, beachfront street fairs, and great year-round climate - these are just some of the highlights in San Diego. In fact, there are countless things you can do in this city! Imagine how pleasing it can be if you spend time at untainted beaches and then dine outdoors with the beautiful waterfront scenery. The unique neighborhoods of San Diego exhibit something suitable for everyone. They can range from luxurious to wide-ranging and arty.

Throughout time, San Diego has been extending with lots of various communities that can be called home. Hence, before you decide to relocate to San Diego, you might want to learn first the best neighborhoods to live in San Diego.

Best San Diego Neighborhoods

1. Hillcrest

Hillcrest is a favorite of the locals. This place is classically LGBT-friendly. Featuring a cheerful and bustling environment, this neighborhood is packed with bars and restaurants. The location of this place is also just a few distances away from the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. It has a beautiful nightlife setting and displays lively, pedestrian-favorable streets. You will know that you are about to enter Hillcrest once you see rainbow flags hanged in restaurants and shops.

The all-embracing neighborhood has been known for its activist roots. You will not see exclusive, swanky high-rise units just as those that you commonly see in Downtown San Diego. Nevertheless, this neighborhood has a lot of smaller, beautiful apartment complexes featuring a laid-back vibe.

2. Ocean Beach

If you want to experience a laid-back vibe in San Diego, then you should consider living in Ocean Beach. The neighborhood is just a few distances away from Hotel Del Coronado and SeaWorld. Moreover, Ocean Beach is strongly grounded in a patriotic, offbeat community possessing an optional vibe that gives significance to relaxation and enjoyment.

You can check around the surf shops or bike around the area. You may also want to grab a sandwich or taco on any of the eateries that are occupying the street near Newport Avenue.

The entire beach town within San Diego is quite pricey. Thus, it is good to highlight that Ocean Beach is one of the cheapest beachfront areas that you can enjoy. You cannot expect high-rises units in Ocean Beach. Rather, you will see smaller townhomes, condos, and extraordinary beach cottages gathered in the northwestern part of the neighborhood.

3. North Park

North Park is popular for being uncommonly diverse in culture. It was even published that this neighborhood possesses all the elements for a good school. It exhibits art galleries, contemporary bars with handicraft local brews and cocktails, eateries, and boutiques. This neighborhood is very famous among hipsters, young professionals, and students. You will enjoy several activities in the area. There is a farmer’s market happening every Thursday with more than 35 vendors. You will also enjoy the annual North Park Lions Club Holiday Parade and the huge music festival known as “North Park Music Thing”.

Just like the nearby neighborhoods, North Park is particularly walkable. There is also an available infrastructure that is designed for biking.

4. Carlsbad

Embracing the beautiful view of the coastline, the neighborhood of Carlsbad has been considered an extravagant enclave. People living in this place love the natural beauty that surrounds them. They also appreciate the numerous sophisticated amenities and the community-friendly environment.

Thoughtfully called by the locals “The Village by the Sea”, Carlsbad creates a welcoming feeling as it boasts its beautiful sandy beaches, extraordinary lagoons, and secured natural spots. Locals in the area are pleased by the natural beauty of this neighborhood and they never fail to maximize the amazing California temperature by spending more time outdoors.

People here love to go to the beach. There are hiking trails, too, that you can look into the Lake Calavera Nature Preserve. You can also find a few world-class golf courses here since golf is an important deal here.

>Moreover, Carlsbad is walkable. People here love to roam around. You can always find an interesting thing to do in this area. You can go to the Sealife aquarium or check the Legoland resort. Festivals and events are also celebrated throughout the year, providing the locals the opportunity to gather together.

5. Mission Valley

More valuable than being just a neighborhood in San Diego, Mission Valley provides a peaceful and family-friendly community that surrounds the San Diego River. Moreover, Mission Valley is also considered as the home to extravagant apartment communities with sophisticated amenities such as large gyms and resort-inspired pools. It is also the location for the Fashion Valley Mall.

Compared to other neighborhoods that are featured here, Mission Valley is not walkable. It is more soothing and suburban. Nevertheless, the location of this place is great. It will only take 10 to 15 minutes to reach the San Diego beaches.

If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful neighborhood, Mission Valley is the best place to go. Considering its wide-ranging size, you can see numerous apartments at different price rates.

6. Encinitas

Encinitas is a rushing and zesty coastal town with a current population of around 60,000. There are more than 6 miles of stunning, big coastline here. Swami’s Overlook and Moonlight Beach are famous surfing beaches in the area.

This neighborhood is a place to an incredible historic downtown that both business owners and residents worked hard to conserve. The downtown is packed with many surf shops, restaurants, record stores, and sidewalk cafes.

7. City Heights

City Heights is considered to be a progressive and distinct community overflowing with residents from different parts of the world. This steep community sits near San Diego State University together with a few major freeways – particularly the 805, 94, and 15.

Although many homes in the neighborhoods of San Diego are condos, City Heights is one of the few neighborhoods where the price of the single-family homes in the market is below $400,000. People who are planning to buy a condo can find options with a rate that starts from $200,000.

8. Midway District

Just like the Mission Valley, Midway District offers a suburb feel. A lot of people choose to live here because of its accessibility. There is easy access to the San Diego International Airport, the interior of San Diego, as well as easy entry to the beach.

Although you can occasionally find single-family homes in the housing market, you will see that most of the houses here are condos. Condos in Midway District cost roughly $400,000 and as much as $750,000.

9. Point Loma

Being one of the most prominent neighborhoods in San Diego, Point Loma is best for people who are searching for a peaceful and relaxing residential place with incredible seafood. Some apartments in this neighborhood are just a walk away from ocean views and Mission Bay. Here you will see accommodations inland blended with older condos, in-home units, and small apartment complexes.

Conclusion

There you have it! You now know the best neighborhoods to live in in San Diego. There is quite a selection, which means that it can be confusing for you to determine which neighborhood is the best. Whatever neighborhood you choose, there will always be endless outdoor activities and sunshine.

Take time to discover the traits of the different neighborhoods mentioned above. Surely, all neighborhoods that are featured here offer residents comfort and fun.