San Diego is the picture of paradise. Nestled along the coast, this city in Southern California is known for its picturesque beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and year-round sunshine. San Diego sits just 17 miles from the Mexican border and boasts a rich cultural scene in addition to its breathtaking natural beauty.
Surfers, college students, young professionals, families, and retirees all call this popular city home. If you’re interested in joining this diverse community and starting your life in California, you’ll have to narrow down which neighborhood best suits you. Here’s our roundup of the 10 best neighborhoods in San Diego.
Pro tip: Moving to a new place? Don’t forget to change your address on important documents and accounts. Here’s the ultimate change of address checklist.
La Jolla
Downtown La Jolla [Photo by Adina Keeling]
“La Jolla” means “the gem” in Spanish, and there’s no better way to describe this luxurious San Diego neighborhood. A stunning coastline, pine trees, and rugged cliffs characterize this coastal community but don’t be fooled by the area’s natural beauty. La Jolla is a modern and upscale neighborhood that grows more affluent every year.
Designer boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and world-class art galleries display La Jolla’s wealth and sophistication. There are golf courses, such as the one at the La Jolla Country Club, oceanfront accommodations, and wellness centers. Popular restaurants include George’s at the Cove and The Marine Room.
La Jolla is also known for its vibrant art scene, with frequent art events like the annual Art & Wine Festival celebrating creativity and drawing the community together. Here’s some information about housing costs in La Jolla:
- Average rent cost for a one-bedroom apartment: Between $2,380 and $3,543
- Average home value: $2.29 million
North Park
Image courtesy of Los Angeles Times
North Park is an eclectic neighborhood known for its art scene and bustling city atmosphere. The neighborhood is dotted with vintage shops, plant stores, and yoga studios. You’ll find quirky coffee shops alongside music venues and breweries.
North Park is also a great place to go bar-hopping or see a concert. Popular concert venues include Observatory North Park and The Casbah, and some great restaurants include Tajima Ramen and The Smoking Goat.
Although the neighborhood is not along the beach, it is close to the nearby Balboa Park, full of lush gardens, winding trails, and tranquil picnic spots. North Park’s demographic is as diverse as its offerings. Young professionals, artists, creatives, and families coexist harmoniously in this vibrant community.
- Average rent cost for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,250
- Average home value: $931,614
Pacific Beach
Image courtesy of LaJolla.com
Pacific Beach, or PB, as the locals call it, is the ultimate beach town. The nightlife here is lively yet laid-back, with casual sports bars and beach-front bars. There is a boardwalk that attracts both locals and tourists and the beautiful Pacific Beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Despite its laid-back atmosphere, Pacific Beach is anything but boring. Grand Avenue, which cuts through PB, is lined with thrift stores, smoke shops, cafes, and surf boutiques. There are casual beachfront eateries, such as PB Shore Club, as well as more upscale seafood restaurants, like The Fishery.
With downtown San Diego only a 14-minute drive away, PB also offers the best of both worlds—relaxed coastal living and easy access to the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Average rent cost for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,708
- Average home value: $1.35 million
Gaslamp Quarter
Image courtesy of Visit California
The Gaslamp Quarter is the best in downtown San Diego. This neighborhood is ideal for night owls, thanks to its trendy bars, restaurants, and upscale clubs. Popular restaurants include Rockin’ Baja Lobster and La Puerta.
History lovers will also find themselves drawn to Gaslamp Quarter’s Victorian-era buildings, historic sites, and architectural marvels, which showcase the city’s rich history. Popular historic attractions include the William Heath Davis House, the Davis-Horton House, and the Old City Hall.
Most of the properties in the Gaslamp Quarter are apartments, lofts, and condominiums, catering primarily to young professionals and students who are drawn to the neighborhood’s vibrant urban lifestyle.
- Average rent cost for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,250
- Average home value: $546,352
Del Mar
Photo caption: Views of Del Mar Beach [Photo by Adina Keeling]
Del Mar is a dream come true for beach lovers. This coastal community sits along the beautiful Del Mar Beach, which attracts surfers and beach bums alike. In Del Mar’s quaint village, locals drink margaritas at Mexican restaurants, shop at beach boutiques, and or watch the sunset from an upscale oceanfront bar, such as Monarch or Il Fornaio Del Mar.
Equestrian culture is also big in Del Mar. The town is known for hosting a horse race at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Hike enthusiasts are also drawn to Del Mar’s Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, where winding hiking trails display beautiful Pacific Ocean views.
The residential neighborhoods of Del Mar boast a mix of architectural styles, from luxurious estates overlooking the ocean to charming beachfront cottages.
- Average rent cost for a one-bedroom apartment: $4,250
- Average home value: $3.59 million
Carmel Valley
Image courtesy of San Diego Magazine
Carmel Valley is a great place to raise a family. This affluent suburban neighborhood is located near excellent public schools, such as Canyon Crest Academy and Carmel Del Mar Elementary School. Sitting east of Del Mar, this neighborhood is characterized by well-planned residential developments, elegant homes, and beautifully landscaped streets.
There is also a thriving commercial area with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, such as Café Rustica and Urban Plates.
Although Carmel Valley isn’t by the beach, there are plenty of outdoor activities here. Parks and hiking trails can be found across Carmel Valley, and Del Mar and its Torrey Pines State Reserve are only a short drive away.
Carmel Valley attracts a mix of residents, including families, professionals, and retirees.
- Average rent cost for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,162
- Average home value: $1.42 million
South Park
Image courtesy of Times of San Diego
Located near San Diego’s Balboa Park, South Park is a quaint neighborhood with charming residential streets and vibrant local businesses. The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets feature a mix of historic Craftsman-style homes, bungalows, and modern homes. Cafes, local shops, and art galleries line Fern Street and 30th Street. Buona Forchetta is a particularly popular Italian restaurant in South Park.
South Park also has a strong sense of community. Events like the annual Old House Fair and the Summer Walkabout bring locals together. South Park residents are also an artistic bunch, and the neighborhood is dotted with local murals and art installations.
Just a 15-minute drive from downtown, South Park offers convenient access to San Diego’s busiest area, while maintaining a small-town feel.
- Average rent cost for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,300
- Average home value: $1.11 million
Mission Hills
Image courtesy of Marc Lyman
Mission Hills is an upscale neighborhood just north of downtown San Diego. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful architecture and well-preserved homes. Many of these homes date back to the early 20th century and boast Spanish Revival and Mediterranean styles.
These homes are surrounded by lush and well-manicured landscapes. Residents take pride in their neighborhood and organize local events, such as concerts and block parties, which can be found on the city’s events calendar. The area’s proximity to Balboa Park and its cultural attractions also adds to the neighborhood’s appeal. Tasty Mission Hills restaurants include Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar and Farmer’s Bottega.
Hiking enthusiasts in Mission Hills will enjoy the trails in Allen’s Canyon, and city folks will love the easy commute to downtown San Diego, just a 10-minute drive away.
- Average rent cost for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,895
- Average home value: $1.78 million
Point Loma
Image courtesy of San Diego.org
Point Loma sits on seaside cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the San Diego Bay, and the downtown skyline. The neighborhood, located on a peninsula, is known for its rich maritime history. The Cabrillo National Monument, which sits at the top of the peninsula, commemorates the landing of explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542. Visitors can also explore Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which served as a beacon for sailors in the 1800s
Surfers and nature lovers also flock to this neighborhood. The neighborhood is home to beautiful beaches, like Kellogg Beach and Ocean Beach, as well as stunning parks, like Bill Cleator Park and Shoreline Park. After a day of beach bathing or sightseeing, you can grab a bite to eat at the popular Mitch’s Seafood.
The district boasts a variety of architectural styles, from cottages to modern designs. Spanish Revival, Craftsman, and mid-century modern architecture can be seen in neighborhoods across Point Loma.
- Average rent cost for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,425
- Average home value: $1.1 million
Hillcrest
Image courtesy of Zumper
Hillcrest is known for its thriving LGBTQ+ community. The neighborhood hosts annual events, including the colorful Pride Parade, which draws LGBTQ+ folks and allies from across the city. Even when events aren’t being hosted, locals and visitors flock to the hip cafes, diverse restaurants, vintage shops, and art galleries that line University Avenue and Fifth Avenue. Great restaurants in this area include Great Maple and Baja Betty’s.
The neighborhood boasts a diverse community that practices acceptance and inclusivity, making it easy for newcomers to find their place here. Local events and community-driven initiatives continue to help connect locals to one another.
The neighborhood features a blend of housing types, including historic Craftsman-style homes, apartments, condominiums, and modern developments. There are also a lot of historic properties that have been preserved.
- Average rent cost for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,498
- Average home value: $813,738
Photo caption: A surfer watches the sunset in Del Mar [Photo by Adina Keeling]
Finding Inexpensive Housing in San Diego
With an average home price of $961,892, San Diego’s real estate market may seem daunting for many potential buyers. In fact, the city was recently ranked as the most expensive US city by USA Today.
While this listing presents San Diego’s most desirable neighborhoods, remember plenty of other inexpensive areas that still provide a dreamy Southern California lifestyle.
Here are some of San Diego’s cheapest neighborhoods:
- City Heights: City Heights is a very ethnically diverse neighborhood with affordable housing options, multicultural dining, and access to parks like Teralta Park and City Heights Recreation Center.
- Golden Hill: Close to downtown, Golden Hill provides a mix of historic homes, apartments, and condos. Residents enjoy local cafes, easy access to Balboa Park, and a vibrant arts scene.
- Barrio Logan: Known for its cultural vibrancy, Barrio Logan offers affordable housing, a burgeoning arts district, and proximity to chic cafes, galleries, and the famous Chicano Park.
- El Cerrito: A quiet residential neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes and apartments, El Cerrito offers more budget-friendly housing options while still being close to downtown and major freeways.
- Encanto: Encanto is a family-friendly area with a suburban feel. It features parks like Skyline Hills Community Park and Lincoln Park, providing outdoor recreational opportunities.
- Logan Heights: With a diverse community, Logan Heights is close to downtown and has seen growing interest due to its affordability and location.
Remember that another key to saving money on housing is downsizing to a smaller home. Reconsider how much space you really need to live comfortably, and consider donating or throwing away any belongings you don’t truly need. For these items you don’t want to part with, you could consider renting a storage unit or taking advantage of any peer-to-peer marketplaces, like Neighbor.
Finding Your Dream Home
For many Americans, moving to San Diego is the dream. Hopefully, you can make that dream a reality by settling into one of these top 10 neighborhoods.
The housing market is quite competitive in San Diego, so start your search as soon as possible and have any paperwork, such as proof of income, credit history, and references ready. Be patient during this process, and don’t rush any housing-related decisions. Your San Diego home is worth the wait.
