There is no single right answer to this question! San Diego is a very diverse city and every little corner has something to offer. So the best place to live will depend on the lifestyle you want to pursue!
About San Diego
San Diego… a city famous for its blissful climate, pristine beaches, and a variety of delightful attractions for all the family. Known as America’s Finest City, San Diego was the site where Europeans first arrived on the west coast of the US. Located only 20 miles north of Mexico and 120 miles south of Los Angeles, the city is home to surf competitions, a great biotech industry, one of the largest zoos in the world, a Legoland, a handful of nightlife experiences, high ranked universities, and high-schools and many many other things. Doesn’t matter the reason you are here, you are gonna love the city.
There's a lot of different neighborhoods and what place is best depends on your personal preferences. But no matter what lifestyle you want to have there is a neighborhood for you. Here are just some examples of places where Maria Woods can help you find the perfect home.
1.Beach Lifestyle
Pacific beach
Located south of La Jolla and north of Mission Bay and Mission Beach, this neighborhood is perfect for those looking for healthy living, surf, and fun clubs. “P.B.,” as it’s known as by local residents, has paradisiacal beaches, chill bars and restaurants, and great nightlife options. In a mix of apartments and bungalows, Pacific Beach is perfect for people who love the sand and sun and wanna have fun.
Ocean beach
A surfer’s paradise, Ocean Beach is the perfect place for beach lovers. Lying on the Pacific Ocean at the estuary of the San Diego River, this neighborhood is full of California beach culture. Surf shops, yoga studios, and outdoor cafes fill “OB” streets. There’s even a dog beach for those who love spending their time with their best buddies by the sea on a sunny day. If you love beaches with a nice bohemian vibe, this diverse community is the place for you.
Point Loma
West to San Diego Bay you can find a paradise for boat and outdoor lovers. Filled with a variety of seafood restaurants and seaside hikes, Point Loma is a family-friendly center of boating culture and peace for those looking for a bit of tranquility in the great city.
Coronado
Coronado is a resort city across the San Diego Bay. Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant community, and the great Hotel del Coronado, the “Crown City” is a great place for eating Mexican and seafood. The calm beaches, the Glorietta Bay, the Silver Strand, and many more compose its charming view. If you want a life of luxury by the beach, this is the place for you.
2. Families
Solana Beach
Ranking as the best suburb of San Diego for 2020 based on the most recent Census and FBI data, Solana Beach was the first city in the US to ban smoking on its public beaches. Now it is known for its cleaner air. It’s actually a city, located north to San Diego city, with a great small-town atmosphere, stunning ocean views, plenty of restaurants, bars and parks, A+ rated schools and low crime rates. Solana Beach is the perfect place to raise a family and live a calm, happy life.
Rancho Santa Fe
A bit north to Solana Beach we have Rancho Santa Fe. This neighborhood is considered one of the best suburbs in the San Diego area to raise a family. It has top-rated schools, plenty of parks, horseback riding, golf, and a peaceful charm to it that makes all families want to stay there forever.
Carlsbad
In the North County of San Diego County, ranking among the 20 wealthiest communities of the nation, Carlsbad is a town by the beach with the 7th best public schools in the country (by Niche), low crime rates, and great weather that makes you feel home the moment you step in. If you wanna escape the big city still in a very technological place, Carlsbad is your best choice. Also, they have a Legoland!
3. High end
La Jolla
It can be scary when you hear that the average home price in La Jolla is $1.6m, but when you hear about the excellent schools, the amazing homes and views, and the low crime rates, it doesn’t seem that bad. It is also home to the La Jolla underwater park, the University of California, San Diego, and the popular hiking trails of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Fairbanks Ranch
Luxury living at its finest. That defines Fairbanks Ranch. Safe, family-friendly, and full of prestige, this neighborhood stays only minutes away from stunning beaches, world-class boutiques, and much more. And you might even find some celebrities if you pass the price of entrance. No wonder it has one of the most expensive real estates in the country.
Del Mar
Beautiful beaches, high safety, and great weather. Del Mar is a calm sea town with a stable housing market and a high income per capita. It was ranked #5 best places to live in San Diego with a livability score of 82 out of 100. This neighborhood is perfect for those seeking a tranquil life by the sea.
4. Nightlife
Hillcrest
Heart to the San Diego LGBTQ community, with a variety of restaurants focusing on ethnic cuisine, full of bars and nightclubs, this neighborhood is for those who want to have fun at night. However, the nightlife isn’t the only thing this charming town has to offer; on Sundays Hillcrest hosts a farmers market famous for the fresh products and prepared foods. It has easy access to many freeways and is close to Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo. There is no shortage of attractions here!
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys a vintage urban vibe. The 16½ block historical neighborhood located in Downtown San Diego, is home to several entertainment and nightlife venues. There are also several scheduled events and festivals, such as Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp, Street Scene Music Festival, Taste of Gaslamp and ShamROCK, a St. Patrick's Day event. It’s a great place for people who enjoy lively bars, nightclubs and fantastic restaurants. Life in the Gaslamp Quarter is never boring!
Little Italy
Located north of downtown San Diego, Little Italy used to be a sleepy little neighborhood that smelled like authentic Italian cuisine and could provide fresh ingredients for your own home-cooked Italian meals. However, the area has recently grown to harbor a flourishing nightlife scene that attracts those who want an alternative to busy downtown bars and clubs. If you’d like to have a walkable lifestyle and nightlife options that will impress both your friends and your taste buds, Little Italy is the place for you.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! If you want to know everything San Diego has to offer and find your house of dreams in a perfect neighborhood, get in touch! Our team of top real tours will be happy to assist you and show you the finest homes and neighborhoods.
