Living in San Diego
Known for having the best weather in the entire country, San Diego is an ideal location for those who love spending time outdoors. The mild temperatures, low humidity, and ample sunshine make it optimal for outdoor activities all year round. For this reason, you will find a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle throughout the city. The city of San Diego is also in the southwesternmost region of the United States, not far from the Mexican border. You are actually close enough to hop on over to Tijuana for an afternoon margarita, yet you are still just a two hour drive from Los Angeles. Living in San Diego provides one of the best locations in the world.
Cost of Living in San Diego
As you might expect, living in paradise doesn’t come cheap, so be prepared to pay about 44% more than the national average to live in San Diego. That said, living in San Diego is still cheaper than other large metros like New York or San Francisco. You can expect to pay around $1500 for average rent while San Diegans can expect to spend an average of $488,000 to buy a home.
Excellent Job Market
Although the cost of living is high, the good news is that there are plenty of job opportunities in San Diego. The unemployment rate is 5%, which is lower than the state average, and the city’s average wages are about 14% higher than the national average. Some of the biggest industries in the city include tech, healthcare, tourism, military, and research. There are a number of Fortune 500 companies located in the city including Qalcomm, Sempra Energy, Autoliv, Microsoft, Apple, and Johnson & Johnson, just to name a few. Other top employers include Sharp HealthCare, the United States Navy, and the University of California San Diego.
Best Neighborhoods in San Diego
Whether you are looking to be right in the heart of the city or in one of the surrounding towns, there are plenty of San Diego neighborhoods to choose from.
Downtown: Downtown San Diego is a fantastic place for those who want to be close to the beach and close to all the action. Here you will find impeccable views, excellent restaurants, and a thriving nightlife scene.
North Park: North Park is a charming neighborhood with craft breweries, restaurants, and boutiques. It has more of a laid-back vibe and people enjoy walking to their destination. There are loads of great restaurants, some of which feature live musicians weekly. You will also find coffee shops, hair salons, and even record stores.
Ocean Beach: As the name suggests, this is an excellent place to live if you want a beach neighborhood. Packed with bars, restaurants, and local art shops, this is a vibrant neighborhood that features beautiful homes and premiere surf spots.
Coronado: This beautiful island neighborhood is a paradise retreat for the wealthy. It has some of the best views of downtown along with one of the best beaches in the country. If you can afford it, Coronado is an excellent place to soak up the sun and experience the culture and amazing sights of San Diego.
La Jolla: La Jolla is one of the nicest areas of San Diego, though it is also quite expensive. Packed with restaurants, bars, beaches, and beautiful real estate, La Jolla is easily one of the best neighborhoods to live in San Diego.
San Diego Schools
Known for its excellent education system, San Diego boasts some of the best schools in the state of California from preschool all the way up to college. Over 20 of the city’s elementary schools have earned the California Distinguished Schools Award Program. Furthermore, San Dieguito Union High School District, Poway Unified High School District, and Coronado Unified High School District have been named the finest high schools in the country for 2023. The University of California, San Diego is also ranked among the top 20 universities in the world.
Fun Things to Do in San Diego
One thing is for sure, there is no shortage of things to do in San Diego! The natural beauty and landscape of San Diego is breathtaking. With over 70 miles of sparkling beaches, you can spend your time swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, boating, or just soaking up the sun. Spending time outdoors is just part of the lifestyle in San Diego. There are multiple parks, walking trails, green spaces, and picnic spots where you can relax, walk your dog, ride your bike, or simply read a book.
There are also plenty of family-friendly activities. The San Diego Zoo is more than 100 acres in Balboa Park and is home to more than 12,000 animals. This incredible wildlife sanctuary is renowned for its beautiful enclosures and exhibits. The city is also home to the incredible Legoland, a perfect attraction for kids of all ages.
The city is also a fantastic place to be for those who enjoy thrilling sports, as it hosts baseball, lacrosse, soccer, and football teams. You can also watch the racing regattas at the San Diego Yacht Club or enjoy a round of golf at the premiere Torrey Pines golf course. The city is also known for hosting a variety of live music, cooking, and art festivals, so there is always something exciting to do. Not to mention San Diego’s world-class food and drink scene. Here you will find numerous places to enjoy a delicious meal as well as several local craft breweries.
Helpful guides
We have put together several guides on moving to San Diego from some popular cities. Read these for more information:
There is no doubt that San Diego is one of the most desirable places to live in the country. The beautiful weather, stunning scenery, and vast array of activities make it a top-notch destination for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. As you prepare for your move to San Diego, start by calling the professionals at Allied Van Lines. As a leader in the moving industry for more than 85 years, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle every aspect of your move. Together, we can get you packed and on your way to your new home in America’s Finest City. Call Allied today for more information about our customizable moving services and let us help you with your move to beautiful San Diego.