San Diego, CA, one of the largest coastal cities in the United States, is the second-largest city in California but boasts a slow pace with a very dynamic culture and personality. From legendary IPA breweries and a passion for the arts to a focus on biotechnology, San Diego, CA is the perfect location for anyone looking for diversity. Although some point out that the city’s vast size and appeal has also led to more traffic and longer commutes, the comfortable year-round sunshine and beach breeze has the real estate market booming with options for everyone.
San Diego homeowners have seen a 5% year-over-year growth in their investment over the last year alone. With a median sales price of $515,000 and a national mortgage rate of 3.7%, living in a hotbed of culture with numerous nearby activities for every age makes San Diego an affordable and desirable place to live.
With so much to see and do, the best way to learn more about this one-of-a-kind city is to hear from the locals themselves!
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What is your city’s source of pride?
“We are a big city full of diversity, open-mindedness, acceptance of people’s differences, and [have] tons of warm personality and a casual, laid-back attitude.” — Rachel Larraine, Rachel Larraine Interiors
“We are known for our friendly, down-to-earth people. San Diego is a great place to raise your children!” — Amy Green & Susan Meyers-Pyke, Coastal Premier Properties
“There are so many: We are one of the top biotech and craft brew capitals of the country. We have two of the nation’s top theater companies sending shows to Broadway. We have Comic-Con and some of the best beaches on the West Coast. We also have the best weather in the U.S.!” — Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, Jamie Gold Kitchen and Bath Design
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What makes you a true San Diegan?
“I am a fifth-generation San Diegan. My great-great-grandfather moved here in 1885 and was a real estate developer.” — Jack Crittenden, Our City San Diego
“Besides growing up here, I can say I’m a true San Diegan because I get cold when it’s below 70 degrees and depressed when the sun’s not shining.” — Rachel Larraine, Rachel Larraine Interiors
“Both of us [Amy and Susan] were born and raised outside of San Diego. Susan grew up in Los Angeles, and Amy grew up in the Midwest. But we both have been here for over 20 years and cannot imagine living anywhere else! San Diego is truly a special place, and we feel so fortunate every day to be here.” — Amy Green & Susan Meyers-Pyke, Coastal Premier Properties
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What is San Diego’s best-kept secret?
“San Diego’s geography is defined by its many canyons, which offer great walking trails and mountain biking, not to mention adding nature throughout the urban landscape.” — Jack Crittenden, Our City San Diego
“There are so many great neighborhoods here that not many people are aware of! That’s where a knowledgeable Realtor is a real asset. There are many communities that people automatically think of as great places to live, especially if you have a family, but there are many other communities that also have fabulous schools and amenities that are perhaps more affordable or easier to commute in and out of.” — Amy Green & Susan Meyers-Pyke, Coastal Premier Properties
“We have some of the best hikes in Southern California, spanning city park, coastline, U.S.-Mexican border, and desert.” — Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, Jamie Gold Kitchen and Bath Design
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What advice would you give to those moving to San Diego?
“Seek out local events to meet new people. San Diego has tons of things to do besides go to the beach.” — Rachel Larraine, Rachel Larraine Interiors
“If moving for work, you need to think about your commute time. As San Diego has grown, so has the amount of traffic.” — Amy Green & Susan Meyers-Pyke, Coastal Premier Properties
“It’s such a spread-out area, with lots of traffic and limited public transportation, so I’d look for a neighborhood close to work for the best quality of life.” — Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, Jamie Gold Kitchen and Bath Design
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What, in your opinion, is the most up-and-coming neighborhood in San Diego?
“South Park continues to improve and is helping Golden Hill, which it shares a ZIP code with.”— Jack Crittenden, Our City San Diego
“Right now, I’d say Barrio Logan; it’s where the up-and-coming artists have their art studios. But I also adore La Mesa: It’s quaint and charming and only 15 minutes away from downtown.” — Rachel Larraine, Rachel Larraine Interiors
“Coastal Oceanside. It would have been accurate to say this five years ago, but the city is still evolving. It has grown into a great coastal community with many affordable properties. It’s close to Camp Pendleton and provides residents easy access to two of the major freeways.” — Amy Green & Susan Meyers-Pyke, Coastal Premier Properties
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What is the best quintessential San Diego cuisine, and where can you find it?
“Fish tacos. Rubio’s made it famous, but Oscar’s Mexican Seafood in Pacific Beach is the best.” — Jack Crittenden, Our City San Diego
“Fish tacos for sure! You can find them at most places, everyone has their own take on them, but you definitely have to check out the ones at Puesto.” — Rachel Larraine, Rachel Larraine Interiors
“The quintessential San Diego food would of course have to be the Mexican cuisine. From the California burrito to carne asada fries, San Diego has put their own spin on classic Mexican cuisine. You can find great Mexican places all across the county from food trucks to mom and pop taco shops to upscale restaurants.” — Amy Green & Susan Meyers-Pyke, Coastal Premier Properties
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What’s your favorite weekend activity in or around San Diego?
“Mountain-biking the many trails and hanging out at the beach.” — Jack Crittenden, Our City San Diego
“For me, it’s always seeking out a festival of some kind or checking out a new artist and mingling with new people.” — Rachel Larraine, Rachel Larraine Interiors
“With our almost-always great weather, anything outside! Even if you’re not a beach person, there are plenty of great places to hike, bike, run, or just explore.” — Amy Green & Susan Meyers-Pyke, Coastal Premier Properties