Come on In, the Water’s Warm! a Guide to Living in San Diego
By 2020, San Diego’s population will be nearly 2 million strong. As that number continues to grow, everyone’s asking the same question.
What’s so great about living in San Diego?
To answer that question well, you’d need a month. San Diego is one of the top living destinations for almost every age group. There’s something for young people, families, and even retirees.
Interested in making the move to the sunniest city in the US? Keep reading to find out what it’s really like to live in San Diego.
Best Places to Live in San Diego
There are hundreds of neighborhoods in the SD area and some are better suited to different demographics.
Here are some of the best places to live based on your interests.
1. Millennials and Young Adults
Most millennial residents live in the central and coastal areas of SD. There are a handful of neighborhoods that are both affordable and eclectic.
Pacific Beach is a relaxed, casual, and fun area. There are plenty of cheap eateries and bars, and it’s heavy on the tiki-vibes. It’s upbeat and youthful; expect lots of parties and drinking culture.
North Park is better suited to more sophisticated and established young adults. It’s full of craft beer, art galleries, thrift stores, and other hipster attractions. There’s a nice blend of urban and residential streets to choose from.
2. Families with School-aged Children
Families who appreciate an active lifestyle are often found in Carlsbad. Although it’s 35 miles from the downtown core, it has its own walkable uptown. There are awesome schools and plenty of surf spots and hiking trails.
For luxury-living, affluent families choose to live in La Jolla. There’s a wide array of prestigious private schools and gorgeous beaches. Expect fine dining restaurants and expensive retail boutiques.
Point Loma is also known for its schools and high-end living, but with a small-town feel. You’ll find lots of independent family businesses and outdoor enthusiasts. Go for a family hike at Sunset Cliffs National Park and enjoy some fresh seafood.
3. Older Adults and Retirees
Established adults are often looking for a relaxed and sophisticated lifestyle. San Diego has plenty of neighborhoods best suited to refined palettes.
To start, Mission Hills provides the perfect walkability to restaurants, cafes, and shops. Although the houses are on the expensive side, many of them are in the historic craftsman style. Many residents take walks through Pioneer Park and explore the various plant nurseries.
Another popular neighborhood for retirees is Rancho Santa Fe. This suburb is safe, clean, and conservative. There are many parks, access to the beach, and of course, the racetrack.
Every neighborhood in SD has one thing in common: they have pools. Ensure you choose a home that comes with a pool, or plan on building your own. Contact one of the many local companies for additional help in picking the right pool for you.
Food and Entertainment in San Diego
San Diego is a lively and thriving city. People come from out of town to enjoy the entertainment, and many never leave. No matter what your entertainment preferences are, you’ll have fun in SD.
To start, test your luck at one of the world-renowned casinos. Harrah’s Rincon Casino, Sycuan Casino, and the Pala Casino Resort and Spa are just a few options.
For live music, check out one of the many legendary venues. Start at the infamous House of Blues, then go to Music Box and Humphrey’s Backstage Live. There are always famous and talented artists making stops in San Diego.
San Diego’s food scene is heavily influenced by its Southern neighbor. Expect gourmet tacos and burritos, and healthy Californian options. Vegans, vegetarians, and burger-lovers can all eat in harmony in SD.
The Best Beaches in San Diego
What’s the one thing every resident of San Diego has in common? They all love the beach! And it’s no surprise why.
San Diego has some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Depending on your beach-style, there’s always some sand and sea for you.
Coronado Beach is perfect for families and pets. The northern part is dog-friendly and easily accessible despite being an island. It’s relatively flat in profile, so it’s great for kite-flying and sunbathing.
Pacific Beach is one of the most famous and most-visited in San Diego. You can surf, scuba dive, and eat at one of the many coastal cafes. It’s a lively beach full of live entertainment and summer cocktails.
Tourmaline Surfing Park is a secluded cliff-side beach great for surfing, snorkeling, and swimming. You won’t find many tourists here, but lifeguards are always on duty. The rocks make it a little hazardous to get to from the parking lot, so wear sturdy footwear.
Raising a Family in San Diego
Families want a few key things when they’re looking to move. They want low crime rates, great schools, and outdoor space. San Diego has all three in abundance.
SD is a very safe city with a crime rate 15 percent lower than the national average. Most of the crimes occur in touristy areas where drinking and partying are at hand. Families in residential neighborhoods can feel very safe.
As mentioned above, there is a multitude of fantastic schools in San Diego. Both public and private schools are notoriously well-kept and maintained. Your children will receive a superior education here.
As for outdoor space, it’s virtually unlimited in San Diego. Choose from the hundreds of stunning parks, hiking trails, and cliffs to explore. Join an outdoor fitness class, enroll your kids in camp, and enjoy the many outdoor perks of SD.
Thinking of Living in San Diego?
San Diego has something for everyone. Families, youngsters, and retirees feel at home in this sunny city.
If you’re thinking of relocating, San Diego could be your dream hometown.
A popular hobby for those living in San Diego is camping as there are tons of awesome sites nearby. Check out these camping tips so you don’t stick out like a sore thumb!
