Nothing says California more than the laid-back city of San Diego. From beautiful beaches to amazing entertainment this area of the state offers fun, culture, and world-class attractions.
The pristine beaches offer hours of enjoyment. Enjoy a diverse array of nightlife, art galleries, resorts and entertainment sure to keep you busy. The world famous San Diego Zoo makes its home here along with other popular spots for families, young professionals and retirees.
Known as “America’s Finest City,” thanks to its outstanding weather, museums and rich variety of restaurants. This friendly city is a popular travel destination where you can easily enjoy the ocean, take in some festivals, hear great music or learn some history.
With an average temperature of 70 degrees how can you resist this California beauty? Give San Diego some serious thought if you are looking for a welcoming vibe with a city of fun at your disposal?
San Diego Area Communities
San Diego has beautiful beachfront communities.
North Park
This trendy area is full of residential and urban offerings to the north of Balboa Park. Hipster eateries and bars along with live music and thrift shops make this a fun spot to live.
South Park
Looking for a quieter feel? South of Balboa Park, this area is a charmer. Along with its neighbor of Golden Hill this neighborhood is filled with Craftsman homes and a calmer vibe.
La Jolla
Live in a pedestrian-friendly environment in this upscale suburb full of stunning ocean views. Beach lovers make La Jolla home. Experience excellent schools, dining and outdoor recreation in this coastal spot 14 miles north of downtown San Diego.
Normal Heights
Located inland this is an action filled area with great coffee shops and bars. Residents here enjoy the perks of Adams Avenue and its fun festivals.
East Village
Located downtown this neighborhood knows how to combine modern with traditional. Varied options include Victorian homes, industrial urban options and modern high-rises.
Located downtown this neighborhood knows how to combine modern with traditional. Varied options include Victorian homes, industrial urban options and modern high-rises.
Encinitas
The eclectic feel of this area is only enhanced by having a beach setting. Located 26 miles north of downtown get a taste of Coast Highway 101 as the main thoroughfare with fun shops and eateries.
Pacific Beach
Relax in a northern suburb by the beach. Both families and millennials love the boardwalk, trendy restaurants, bars and great green spaces like Kate Sessions Park.
Carmel Valley
Known for its outstanding schools this planned community offers more affordable homes than its nearby neighbors. Easy commutes make working in the tech industry in Sorrento Valley and Torrey Pines Mesa a plus.
Top San Diego School Districts
San Diego has great schools, where your children can thrive!
Finding the right school district for your children has a major impact on their quality of life and path to success. These are the top rated school districts in the San Diego Area; if you want to delve deeper into school records and standards for the State of California, NewHomeSource has a guide to all the resources you need to find the right school for your child.
Poway USD
Students Served: 35,771
School Breakdown: 27 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 7 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 25
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Poway and parts of the city of San Diego
Coronado USD
Students Served: 3,150
School Breakdown: 2 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 24
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: The city of Coronado
Carlsbad USD
Students Served: 11,077
School Breakdown: 10 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 5 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 26
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: The city of Carlsbad
San Marcos
Students Served: 20,813
School Breakdown: 14 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 6 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 25
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: San Marcos, parts of Vista, parts of Escondido, parts of Carlsbad, parts of Encinitas, some unincorporated parts of Northern San Diego County
San Diego USD
Students Served: 129,380
School Breakdown: 152 elementary schools, 74 middle schools, and 53 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 23
Test Proficiency: Below state averages
Communities Served: The city of San Diego
Vista USD
Students Served: 25,244
School Breakdown: 23 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and 12 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 22
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in some demographics
Communities Served: The city of Vista
Valley Center-Pauma USD
Students Served: 4,087
School Breakdown: 5 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 23
Test Proficiency: Below state averages
Communities Served: Valley Center
Oceanside USD
Students Served: 21,024
School Breakdown: 18 elementary schools, 9 middle schools, and 5 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 24
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in some demographics
Communities Served: The city of Oceanside
Ramona City USD
Students Served: 5,593
School Breakdown: 8 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 5 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 25
Test Proficiency: Below state averages
Communities Served: The city of Ramona
Mountain Empire USD
Students Served: 2,831
School Breakdown: 10 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, and 10 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 17
Test Proficiency: Below state averages
Communities Served: Bankhead Springs, Boulder Oaks, Boulevard, Buckman Springs, Campo, Descanso, Guatay, Jacumba, Lake Morena Village, Mount Laguna, Pine Valley, Potrero, Tecate, Tierra del Sol
Top Employers in San Diego
Everyone from military families to professors can jump start their career in San Diego.
US Navy
The 32nd Street Naval Station is the second largest Surface Ship base in the United States, and one of the largest employers in the San Diego Area.
University of California, San Diego
The University of California, San Diego employs over 25,000 people working in the higher education sector.
Sharp HealthCare
Sharp HealthCare is a not for profit healthcare system in San Diego that employs almost 15,000 people working in the medical sector of the economy.
Qualcomm
The telecommunication giant Qualcomm has a large presence in the San Diego Area, employing almost 10,000 people in its local headquarters and research center.
San Diego Schools
The San Diego School system serves almost 132,000 students in the San Diego Area, while employing over 15,000 teachers and support staff.
San Diego Area Museums
People of all ages will love the San Diego Zoo!
San Diego Air & Space Museum
The San Diego Air & Space Museum is one of the many great museums in Balboa Park, here you can spend hours seeing advances in air and space. The Apollo 9 is amazing!
USS Midway Museum
Sit in the Admiral’s chair, see the small military accommodations and hear the stories of the amazing individuals that served on the USS Midway. This museum lives on to give us a piece of history sure to make you ponder their experiences!
San Diego Natural History Museum
Another fabulous Balboa Park museum filled with interactive activities to keep all ages engaged. The San Diego Natural History Museum is oldest museum of its kind in southern California. From oceans to animals it’s interesting!
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Preserving a collection of ships, the Maritime Museum of San Diego hosts of the Star of India, a Russian submarine and a steamboat. It’s a great museum for kids as it sparks their imaginations with fun interactive exhibits.
San Diego Museum of Art
Get lost in the beautiful art collection in the San Diego Museum of Art. A strong focus on Spanish art is a nice touch.
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
The kids will have a blast going from station to station. Learning through play is the whole point of the fun exhibits at the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum. The outside has a bubble area, sandbox and water table.
Sheriff’s Museum
This quirky museum will allow you to be inside a jail cell. Only this time, you decide when to leave. Full of old police vehicles, guns, gear and jail paraphernalia you will develop an appreciation for this profession.
Great Parks in the San Diego Area
Reconnect with nature in San Diego’s fantastic parks.
Balboa Park
You hit the mother lode with this amazing park full of museums, cultural opportunities and recreation. With 16 museums, a zoo, playgrounds, cultural centers and gardens this fabulous amenity will provide hours of entertainment.
Cabrillo National Monument
This national park features the Cabrillo National Monument overlooking the beautiful San Diego Bay. Learn the history of the city’s discovery at the museum and be sure to see the Old Pt. Loma Lighthouse built in 1854.
Old Town Historic Park
Get some insight on early life with original buildings including a schoolhouse and a blacksmith shop. As the early origins of San Diego are explored in this spot you can see what life was like back in the 1800s in what is considered to be the birthplace of California.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Beach
The stunning bluffs give unbelievable views of the sea with over eight miles of trails in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. You won’t find the twisted Torrey pine anywhere but here and on the Channel Islands nearly 200 miles north. The beach below the cliffs is a great place to play and enjoy the weather.
Mission Bay Park
With 27 miles of shoreline in 4,600 acres this park has much to offer. Playgrounds, beaches, jogging paths, horseshoes, marinas, kayaking, and paddleboarding are just a few of the amenities and attractions to have you relaxed and playing here.
Ellen Browning Scripps Park
From sea lions and seals to proximity to the boardwalk, this park is a treasure. Its unique trees look like they are straight off the page of a Dr. Seuss book. This beachside park has great spots to kick back to enjoy fun and sun.
San Diego Sports Teams
You Can Root On (Or Pretend You Don’t Care About)
Root on the Padres in San Diego!
While San Diego only has one professional sports team, the Padres provide great entertainment and fun atmosphere you find at PETCO Park. Root for the home team or tour this amazing stadium to get a behind the scenes look.
There are also college sports with the San Diego State Aztecs playing in NCAA Division I. Minor league play exists in hockey and soccer.
San Diego residents stay active thanks to amazing weather. Bike riders enjoy riding in La Jolla or Coronado to see gorgeous shoreline views and historical sights.
Get in some exercise by surfing, skating or jogging. Walk the beaches and enjoy the beautiful sunsets.
Living in San Diego
Live a life you love in San Diego!
San Diego is a popular place to call home. The tradeoffs for fabulous attractions and great weather come in the form of a higher cost of living.
The housing market asks a higher premium for these perks. With similar costs for health care, groceries and transportation living in San Diego can be a dream come true for new homebuyers.
San Diego has a lower cost of living by nearly 10% over its nearby neighbor of Los Angeles. With a lower unemployment rate than the national average, future job growth in San Diego is promising as well.
San Diego Housing Trends
Single family homes make up nearly half of the housing options in San Diego.
Median Home Price: $635,400
This area is teeming with beautiful suburbs for those wanting to be out of the fray of the big city. These fabulous suburbs offer amazing schools and excellent homes from large single family homes to easy to maintain condos and townhomes.
Growing Communities in Central San Diego
You can have the exciting, urban lifestyle in San Diego that you always dreamed about. Central San Diego has a number of new home communities, perfect for people who can’t live outside vibrant city hubs or want to stay close to San Diego’s beautiful beaches.
Communities like Civita, and Vista del Sur have your dream home waiting for you.
Growing Communities in East San Diego
El Cajon and Santee are some of the most popular cities in the San Diego Area. These thriving areas in East San Diego give growing families a wonderful place to call home, easy access to Downtown San Diego, and laid back Cali living.
If you’re ready to call East San Diego home, explore fantastic new home communities like Weston and Lake Ridge.
Growing Communities in South San Diego
South San Diego is home to numerous growing neighborhoods. This beautiful area in Southern California is a little more affordable than other homes in the area, making life in neighborhoods like Cielo Azul and Otay Ranch attainable.
Growing Communities in North San Diego
The new home communities in San Diego have moved north along the coast. Cities like Carlsbad and Oceanside give growing families a peaceful suburban home and a beautiful beachside lifestyle for anyone who loves the West Coast.
Build your new home in popular North San Diego neighborhoods like The Preserve and Pacific Ridge.
Amazing San Diego Restaurants
San Diego restaurants have everything from ethnic flair to flavorful comfort food No matter which restaurant you choose, you’re bound to enjoy a fabulous meal.
Herb & Wood
Save your special occasions for this upscale dining spot. Enjoy savory wood-fired dishes with great ambiance and service sure to please!
Enoteca Adriano
You can’t go wrong with the amazing pasta dishes at this Italian restaurant. This popular restaurant fills up early so get a reservation. Be sure to try the gnocchi or the lobster stuffed ravioli.
Born & Raised
This newly renovated restaurant in Little Italy is upscale. Feel like you’re in the Great Gatsby enjoying cocktails and a prime cut of meat. With beautiful harbor views this is a decadent dining experience.
DZ Akins Deli
Feel transported to a New York style Jewish deli when you dine on the oversized sandwiches at this eatery. Plentiful portions and delicious pastrami are on the menu here as well as homemade pickles.
Mariscos Nine Seas Seafood
There’s no need to follow this food truck from lot to lot as you’ll find it in a Target parking lot. Get some amazing seafood without breaking the bank. The fish tacos and ceviche tostadas are a must!
Nomad Donuts
This isn’t your typical glazed donut. Try the wild flavors of blueberry lavender or Irish coffee car bomb. Donuts not your thing? They also have amazing bagels!
Phuong Trang Restaurant
This hole in the wall Vietnamese food restaurant might give you the wrong impression, but one taste of the flavorful food and you’ll be hooked. This affordable eatery has outstanding wings and Pho.
Great Maple
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and this restaurant does it well! Classic breakfast fare including both savory and sweet options will have you satisfied. Plan to meet for brunch and enjoy this San Diego eatery that specializes in maple bacon donuts.
Cantina Mayahuel
It’s easy to get carried away with the flavorful Mexican dishes at this great eatery. Add some tequila, soltol or mezcal sure to give this meal some extra punch!
Sushi Ota
Hankering for some sushi? With 10 different pieces on the Tokusen Sushi entrée sure to tempt your taste buds, Sushi Ota will leave you pleasantly surprised. The down to earth feel and great fish make for a great dining option.
Menya Ultra
Get your ramen fix at this creative ramen restaurant. This restaurant is found in Japan, Taiwan and San Diego. Be brave and try some eclectic fare, or stick to the tried and true ramen options.
Hodad’s
This great burger spot provides a generous and mouthwatering burger. With a simple décor using license plates and graffiti wall stickers, you’ll fall in love with the best burger in town!
Grand Ole BBQ & Asado
You don’t have to go to Texas for great barbecue but you do have to be early to get some at Grand Ole BBQ & Asado. Try the brisket or Argentine-style asado at this outdoor restaurant.
Blind Lady Ale House
With a wide variety of beers on tap to wash down the delicious pizza, Blind Lady Ale House is the perfect spot to try great ales.
Carnitas Snack Shack
Pork, pork and more pork! Where else could you combine pork schnitzel, bacon and pulled pork into one amazing sandwich? Of course, the pork tacos are a fan favorite too!
Galaxy Taco
Upscale tacos to the sound of waves crashing means you must be in La Jolla at Galaxy Taco. A signature item is the fresh blue corn tortillas made in-house. Abundant options paired with great cocktails means you’re one happy customer!
The Balboa Bar and Grill
Hungry for an appetite-pleasing burger? The popular option includes avocado, mozzarella and salsa. Vegetarians can select a black bean patty. The common denominator is deliciousness!
The Grass Skirt
Enjoy dining at a tiki bar along the Pacific Ocean. Recommendations include the kimchi fried rice. Be brave and go for one of the signature drinks like the Lava & Ice. They include a little flame with the flair of this fun drink.
Great Attractions for San Diego Stay-cations
Explore the best San Diego has to offer!
San Diego Zoo
Truly, the San Diego Zoo can be a fun getaway. From sunrise strolls to an eight-hour VIP experience the zoo has great options to customize your visit. You can make it easy with a one hour cart tour with a guide to live large by getting up close and personal with a cheetah.
Sea World San Diego
For more than 50 years this organization has been rehabilitating animals and returning them to the wild. Get the opportunity to see some of these amazing creatures housed at the park in San Diego. For an extra thrill, ride the roller coasters and dine with orcas. This is always a fun outing for the whole family.
Harbor Cruises and Whale Watching
Cruising the harbor is a great way to get a different view of San Diego. Waterfront views and cool harbor breezes will have you intrigued when learning more about this great city. Take a cruise to whale watch or catch glimpses of playful dolphins. Take in the relaxing vibe of a cruise as a fun getaway for an afternoon or evening.
Fun Festivals
The temperate weather makes for great celebratory events over a common theme. San Diego residents revel in music, food and more at year-round festivals. From quirky options including the Mac and Cheese Festival to the fall Fleet Week paying homage to the military there is always something to enjoy. Big on holiday and cultural events, you’ll also find others like the Jazz Festival, Pride Festival and San Diego Beer Week.
La Jolla Cove and Underwater Park
From wading in the waves to staying up on the cliffs for gorgeous views the La Jolla Cove is a true treasure in the area. Take a picnic and feel the warmth of the sun on your face while being in awe of the California beauty. The La Jolla Underwater Park is an amazing opportunity to see what is going on in the sea This 6,000-acre preserve is home to sea creatures, underwater canyons and a kelp forest.
Amusement Parks
Living in San Diego means you could easily obtain season passes to some of the region’s best amusement parks. Take a nostalgic ride on a wooden roller coaster at Knott’s Berry Farm or see some amazing constructions at LEGOLAND. The smiles will be from ear to ear with these fun spots on your agenda.
Golfing
The gorgeous weather and welcoming courses make spending some serious time on the golf course quite tempting. Get your tee times scheduled for Torrey Pines with its stunning views on the Pacific coast. Try the night-lighted Mission Bay Golf Course and Practice Center. The Coronado Golf Course is a stunner with its views of downtown and the Coronado Bay Bridge. Balboa Park along with its great museums has a beautiful course as well. Grab your clubs and get ready for a fun time.
Beaches
It’s not every city that has the amazing perk of being along the Pacific Ocean with miles of mesmerizing beaches. Be sure to hang out at some of the best. Looking to surf? Try La Jolla Shores or Sunset Cliffs. Great family beaches include Del Mar Beach and Mission Beach for sand and sun.
San Diego Comic Con
This San Diego event commands the attention of thousands coming to revel in the art form of comics, movie memorabilia, pop culture, artists and celebrities. From seminars to panels pop culture fans can be in the know with previews of movies, games and more.
Shopping
From public markets to malls to upscale shopping districts and themed areas, San Diego promises to delight you with great retail therapy. Be sure to try some of the unique experiences listed below as well as fun thrifting and antiquing.
Liberty Public Market
This public market and event venue brings the best of San Diego to its clientele every day of the week. Local vendors bring their wares, produce and talents to this hopping location.
See some beautiful art. Sample a variety of food from Thai food to empanadas. Buy delicious artisanal foods, coffee, olive oils, past, desserts, wine and more. From a test kitchen to pop up dinners and educational classes there is always fun brewing at the Liberty Public Market.
Seaport Village
Stroll the 14 acres of San Diego waterfront. This dining, shopping, and entertainment area in the Bay enjoys the theme of a long ago sea harbor. With over 50 themed shops you can find loads of treasures and souvenirs.
The former San Diego Police Department has been transformed to become The Headquarters at Seaport with additional shops and upscale restaurants. Feel at ease on the cobblestone pathways, enjoy beautiful ponds and fountains and smell the sea as you shop in this special setting.
Gaslamp Quarter
Looking for something out of the ordinary? Shop the variety of chic, fashion-forward independent boutiques. The Gaslamp Quarter is located in the heart of the city with over 16 blocks of stores like Bubble Boutique and Wild Dove. With a hip and trendy feel, you will love the offerings in this historic district.
Outlet Malls
There are amazing outlets located in the area. Carlsbad Premium Outlets feature 90 stores including Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Lacoste all near the gorgeous Flower Fields of Carlsbad.
Las Americas Premium Outlets has 150 stores including Coach, Adidas and Tommy Hilfiger. Find amazing savings at this outlet as well at Viejas Outlet with 40 stores including a Gap Outlet and Carter’s Children Wear. No matter your retail therapy needs these outlets have great deals.
Places of Worship
Find the right place of worship for you and your family in Austin.
San Diego has numerous places of worship that represent a wide range of faiths and religions.
C3 Church San Diego
The C3 Church describes its worship as fresh and powerful, and has numerous locations across San Diego, so you can find the perfect location for your family.
Islamic Center of North County
For people looking for a small communityy of believers, the Islamic Center of North County delivers a peaceful space to pray, and a positive group of people.
Beth Jacob Congregation
The Beth Jacob Congregation is a full service Orthodox synagogue. Called an “Orthodox Synagogue for all Jews,” it welcomes all into a warm and loving shul.
Buddhist Temple of San Diego
The Buddhist Temple of San Diego offers attendees the chance to meaningfully connect with the teachings of the Buddha in a congregation that seeks to engage with the greater community and world.
Shiva Vishnu Temple of San Diego
The Vedic Cultural and Spiritual Center of San Diego offers a full calendar of religious services and a range of educational events.
Congregation Beth Israel
Congregation Beth Israel is the largest and oldest Jewish congregation in San Diego. It is a warm and welcoming Reform congregation that offers a home to everyone seeking a meaningful connection to Judaism.
Islamic Center of San Diego
The Islamic Center of San Diego is a beautiful place for Friday Prayers, and a great place for community events and learning opportunities.
Shri Mandir
Shri Mandir gives people the opportunity to engage with the teachings of the Sanatan Dharma scriptures.
Wat Lao Boubpharam of San Diego
The Wat Loa Boubpharam of San Diego serves as a spiritual refuge and place of worship for all Buddhist with a focus on the Theravada Buddhist traditions.
Saddleback Church San Diego
Saddleback Church invites worshipers to come as they are into a warm and welcoming environment where they can enjoy an inspiring message an beautiful music.
Other California Resources
- The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in California
- The 10 Best Places to Retire in California in 2021
- Your Guide to 2021 Closing Costs in California
- Top Master Planned Communities near Sacramento
- Top Master Planned Communities near Riverside, California
- Best Master Planned Communities in Los Angeles
- 2021 Best Suburbs Surrounding Oakland, California
- 2021 Best Suburbs of Orange County, California
- First-Time Homebuyer Programs in California
- The Best Suburbs Surrounding Los Angeles
- Top 10 Safest Large Cities in California
- Moving To Los Angeles? Our Relocation Guide Will Help
- Moving To San Diego? Our Relocation Guide Will Help
- California Sunshine Harnessed for Solar Power
- California Mandates Installation of Solar Panels on All New Homes Starting 2020
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.
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