National City Real Estate

Community Profile

As the second oldest city in San Diego County, National City is a diverse and populous coastal community located in south-central San Diego. According to the 2010 census the city has over 60,000 people, the majority being of Filipino and Mexican descent. It's also home to military personnel based at the naval base along San Diego Bay. For more than 100 years, National City has offered its residents a great place to call home with a booming economy and heritage.

National City Real Estate

In 1868, San Francisco contractors Frank, Warren, and Levi Kimball bought Rancho de la Nación, which eventually grew into a bustling city. Development in the area began proper in the early 19th century when the national rail system designated National City to be a terminus. After the rush to build new construction homes died down, the area was left with the highest collection of Victorian homes per capita in all San Diego County.

Many were demolished or moved, but at least 250 historic Victorian homes remain standing today. With that in mind, developers in the area strike a balance between preserving the original homes, while placing a contemporary touch on custom renovations. Newer constructions follow colloquial-style designs that help keep the area's old-world charm alive. The rich history and diversity combine expertly with the city's historical architecture and modern attractions.

Things to Do & Attractions in National City

Do you want to camp and bond with nature? The 500-acre Sweetwater Summit Regional Park is the perfect place for those who want to live in the wild for a weekend. Bring out your wild side with exotic animals as you appreciate nature and all it has to offer at the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. If recreation and exercise are important to you, cycle the 24-mile Bayshore Bikeway to get away from it all. You can even test your mettle by boating on San Diego Bay from Pier 32 Marina. For active sports, the 30-acre Kimball Park features tennis and basketball courts as well as baseball fields.

To learn more about areas’ colorful past, the National City Depot offers a glimpse of National City’s fascination with trains. Built-in 1882, the depot was the first station of the Santa Fe Railway system on the Pacific Coast. Enjoy a good dose of retail therapy in the wide selection of shops and boutiques including the Westfield Plaza Bonita Mall. Adjacent to the mall is Mile of Cars, the world’s first auto mall. Classics and supercars fans flock to the area in droves as it also doubles up as the venue for the National City Automobile Heritage Day Car Show.

For those seeking entertainment beyond the community, a ballgame in Downtown, the beaches of Coronado, or even a trip south the border into Mexico are all under 15 minutes away. National City may be the place for you if a cultural melting pot near the hustle and bustle of a city sounds appealing.

Educational Opportunities in National City

The local schools are one of the main reasons many families choose to move to National City. The area has plenty of reputable elementary, public middle schools, and one high school—Sweetwater High School. There are also two charter schools and three private religious schools that offer PreK-12 education. What's more, a new 49,508 square-foot library offers a great gathering space, a community resource center as well as countless books that will tickle your brain with a great story.

Considering buying or selling in National City? Let our local real estate agents assist you with the purchase of your next property or expertly negotiate the sale of your current National City home. As your local San Diego real estate agents, we're experts on the market dynamics unique to the California market. We'll get to work for you today!