What Are the Best Places to Live in San Diego

To help you choose and alleviate your moving stress, we’ve decided to put together a list of some of the best neighborhoods in San Diego according to different criteria. Whether you’re moving with kids, relocating alone to another state, trying to find a job before moving to another state, or looking for an ocean-front property, we’re sure you’ll find something on our list that fits your needs in this big city. Before you create your photo inventory, take a look at these places.

Best Places to Live in San Diego for Families

You found the answer to the question “Where should I move“, and now you will be relocating to one of the best cities to raise a family in the US. That’s why when putting down roots look for a home somewhere close to one of the best San Diego schools. In this case, some of your choices for house-hunting could be Del Mar Mesa, Via de la Valle, Torrey Hills, or Pacific Highlands Ranch. All these communities are served by some of the top schools in the area, so you can rest assured that your children will get the best education available. Let us take a closer look at one of them.

Pacific Highlands Ranch – A Top Pick for Your Family

Pacific Highlands Ranch is home to around 12,000 people. The median rent is close to $1,000, but the average household income exceeds $160,000. An average resident of Pacific Highlands Ranch is well-educated – almost half of the inhabitants hold a Master’s degree or higher. Some of the best public schools serving this community include Canyon Crest Academy, Torrey Pines High School, and West View High School.

You will also be happy to learn that the crime rate in the area is pretty low. You’ll have nothing to worry about when you let your kids out to play in their free time. Speaking of playtime, half of the neighborhood is preserved as a natural habitat, which means there are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. All of these facts put Pacific Highlands Ranch among the best places to raise a family in California.

Top Suburbs in Sandi

Are you getting tired of constant traffic jams, white noise, and air pollution? Maybe moving to the suburbs and permanently changing the address would be the right step for you. Just picture it: you can get a lot more land for the same amount of money, you won’t have to deal with constant crowds of tourists or move into a smaller home, and you’ll have your own personal little haven in your backyard. Luckily, Sandi has lots of great suburban neighborhoods to offer. Some places you should consider include Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Del Mar, and Santee.

Santee – The View of the Cowles Mountain

Santee has a population of just over 53,000 residents. The motto of the community is “Sustainable Santee,” which speaks volumes about the lifestyle people here lead. Some of the best outdoor things to do in San Diego can be found precisely here: from mountain biking to hiking, jogging, fishing, and walking.  This is an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts moving with their dogs. Also, one of the most popular rock-climbing venues is located here. Having a healthy and active lifestyle really isn’t difficult in Santee and it will certainly help avoid relocation depression.

But there’s more to Santee than just parks and recreation. The neighborhood boasts a higher median household income than the rest of California, while real estate prices are somewhat lower. In other words, a dollar goes further here – just one of the many advantages of moving to the suburbs. As a bonus, Santee is only 18 miles away from the downtown area, which means you won’t be lacking any amenities.

Prime Beach-Front Neighborhoods in SD

What is the point of hiring recommended and reliable San Diego movers and relocating here if you’re not planning on being close to the ocean? After all, that’s what California is all about – sandy beaches, palm trees, and a leisurely lifestyle. If this is one of the reasons why you want to move, we completely understand. In that case, some of the neighborhoods you should consider include Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Solana Beach.

Oceanside – The Real San Diego Experience

With a population of around 170,000 residents, Oceanside is definitely a popular location – and for a good reason. It provides easy access to some of Sandi’s most beautiful beaches, such as Harbor Beach and Breakwater Way. Oceanside Pier is the perfect spot for a long relaxing walk in the evening. If you’d rather spend your time in the water than next to it, give surfing a shot as soon as you unpack.

Of course, such a lifestyle comes at a considerable price. Life in Oceanside is only slightly cheaper than an average Californian community, and almost 40% more expensive than the national median cost of living. This isn’t necessarily reflected in the income of the families living here, as the median household income is pretty close to the national average.

Top Picks for a Tight Budget

Not everyone can afford to live the lavish lifestyle seen in places such as Ashley Falls, Carmel Canyon, or Rancho Santa Fe. The cost of living in San Diego is high compared to the rest of the country. However, there are still some areas where you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg just to have a decent life. Some locations you’ll want to take into consideration if you’re looking to reduce the costs of moving, include National City, El Cajon, Santee, and Chula Vista.

National City – You Don’t Have to Overpay

Let’s get one thing out of the way: National City is cheap by Californian standards. Living here will still cost you around 25% more than it would in an average American community. However, unlike the average American community, National City provides you with everything that America’s Finest City has to offer. Living here means being in one of the most walkable communities in the area, having easy access to all the amenities via two interstates, and being right next door to the Bay.

The current median home price in the neighborhood slightly exceeds $430,000, while the monthly rent for a studio apartment should be less than $1,000. Your groceries will cost less than in most other places in the state, and the same is true for healthcare.

Young Professionals’ Favorite San Diego Neighborhoods

You’ve just graduated and want to jump-start your career. Ideally, you will want to be close to the headquarters of large corporations or employers in your field of expertise. If you fit this description, some neighborhoods that should find their place on your list of top picks include Downtown, Pacific Beach, Greater Golden Hill, and Uptown.

Downtown – In the Middle of Everything

Living in Downtown means being in the middle of all the happenings, just a short walk away from some of the best restaurants in San Diego, and always having something to do on a day off. From historical landmarks to bars and clubs, there is something for everyone here. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about getting a job because there are vast employment opportunities.

The population of the city center slightly exceeds 30,000, and the average home price is around $450,000. If you’re looking to rent a place, be prepared to pay around $1,300 monthly. Most downtown households make about $58,000, and one-third of the population holds a Bachelor’s degree.

Where to Live as a Student

If you’re moving to Sandi for college, you will probably want to live close to the university you’re attending. That would simply make your life easier and leave you with more time to study, work, or rest. Depending on which school you’re going to attend, there are several locations to take into consideration: Linda Vista, Clairemont, Old Town, and Gaslamp Quarter.

Linda Vista – A Beautiful View

East of Mission Bay and north of Mission Valley, Linda Vista provides easy access to the University of San Diego. Due to this, most students decide to move precisely here. The rent is relatively affordable and the population is quite diverse. If all this, along with the vicinity of the Pacific Ocean, sounds like exactly what you’ve been looking for, it’s time to find out the cheapest way to move out of state or to get moving services and schedule your relocation.

Aside from the proximity to the University, Linda Vista can provide you with the true college experience. Nightlife options are vast, as are the shopping, dining, and outdoor options. The general safety of a neighborhood is pretty high, and the median household income exceeds $50,000.

The Most Luxurious Options

Let’s face it – no one moves here for cheap homes. The reason you’re planning your moving budget and relocating to California is that you want to take advantage of everything it has to offer – beachfront properties, year-round warm weather, and ocean breeze. If you don’t care what it costs to get all the amenities you need and deserve, your options in Sandi will be endless because the best time of the year to move here is anytime. Some neighborhoods you’ll want to take into consideration include Ashley Falls, Carmel Canyon, Rancho Santa Fe, and Torrey Pines.

Carmel Valley – Live Your Life to the Fullest

Carmel Valley is an area that encompasses some of the most luxurious neighborhoods in Sandi – Torrey View Estates, Del Mar Mesa, Ashley Falls, and Carmel Canyon all call the Valley home. This is one of the safest communities around, and it has been experiencing a decrease in crime rates in recent years. The homes here are large and luxurious. You will find some good schools here, too. A resident of Carmel Valley makes 120% more than the average American.

Of course, making more also means spending more. The average home here costs over a million, while the rent for a studio apartment exceeds $1,500. The unemployment rate is lower than 4%, and the median household income revolves around $150,000.

Have you found your new home in San Diego yet? Then donate unwanted items, lower your relocation expenses, and get down to packing tricks and moving day tips to avoid some common moving mistakes, let’s get this relocation started! Be sure to check how does car shipping works if you’re planning to transport your vehicle across the country. America’s Finest City is eager to welcome you.