San Diego, California, is one of those few cities that conjures up a single image for just about everyone: the beach. San Diego rides up onto the Pacific Ocean, and has miles upon miles of the sandy stuff.
San Diego is more than just sunny beach fronts, though. It has some serious culture, too, from a local cuisine that blends the best of Mexico with the fruits of the sea, to a vibrant and varied nightlife.
However, while San Diego has it all, not all of its neighborhoods do. In fact, San Diego is one of the more segregated (not racially) cities around. Pick the wrong neighborhood and you might be miserable.
So, where will you live when moving to San Diego? Here are the six best neighborhoods in San Diego:
Ocean Beach (surfer hippies) – Besides the beach, which is one of the city’s more popular, Ocean Beach has many good restaurants, bars and shops. However, what sets it apart is its earthy vibe. This isn’t the place where people go clubbing after the beach; it’s where they lean back and put on Bob Marley. Ocean Beach rides up into the hills, where you can play good luck finding parking. Houses and small apartments dominate the housing scene. Prices are high.
Pacific Beach / Mission Beach (surfers bros) – This is where people go clubbing after the beach. Again, there are many great shops and restaurants around here, along with the beach, but come nighttime, the area sets itself apart as party central. Grand Ave becomes littered with the inebriated. Parking is known for not existing in the surrounding neighborhoods. Again, houses and small apartments dominate the housing scene, and, again, prices are high.
Downtown (Gas Lamp) (young professionals) – Downtown has it all, really. Jobs, food, shops, the ballpark, fancy clubs… It’s the heart of San Diego. Highrise lofts and large apartment buildings make up the bulk of the housing. Prices are higher.
South Park (broke graduates) – South Park is an up-and-coming area that’s bent on the arts. While its nightlife scene is still budding, its coffee shop and gallery scene is blossoming, watered by the availability of cheaper rents and an art-centric populace.
La Jolla (wealthy families) – La Jolla is the ritzy area of San Diego. People who buy homes here have mega money. They drive boats. La Jolla is known for its beauty and high-end lifestyle. Oh, and it has its own beach. If you can afford La Jolla, living here is not a regrettable decision. The only major con is it’s further from downtown than the rest of the neighborhoods on this list.
Normal Heights (broke college students) – Located inland, in the middle of San Diego, Normal Heights has more affordable housing yet still plenty of good shopping, restaurants and bars. San Diego State University is nearby, making Normal Heights a good neighborhood for young adults and students.
Learn more about the pros and cons of San Diego, CA.