Local Highlights

What Are the Best Neighborhoods to Live in San Diego?

The Common Team
Posted on August 30, 2021
Updated on August 9, 2022

Learn more about the best neighborhoods in San Diego and pick one to call home

As you learn more about living in San Diego and all the fun things to do there, you’ll quickly discover why many people choose to settle in this city. If you’re planning to move to this Southern California spot, you’ll want to find the perfect San Diego neighborhood to call home. This is where a little research can help you find whether you want to live in the Downtown San Diego neighborhood or somewhere else in San Diego County like La Jolla.

If you’re wondering where you should live in this city overlooking the Pacific Ocean, we’ve got you covered. Using our guide to the best neighborhoods in San Diego, you can learn more about the most popular parts of town and decide where to live as a San Diegan.

Downtown San Diego offers proximity to the popular Gaslamp District

You might be surprised to learn that the Downtown San Diego neighborhood isn’t very populated. In fact, Niche.com reports that less than 40,000 people live in this part of the city. However, that doesn’t mean that this isn’t a great neighborhood.

In terms of housing, the Downtown neighborhood primarily offers apartments and rental properties. Although, the median rent is lower than in many other parts of the city. You can also find tons of great things to do in the area, including visiting the nearby San Diego Zoo in the Balboa Park neighborhood. Many people also enjoy checking out the fun bars and nightlife in the neighborhood’s areas like the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and East Village.

La Jolla offers natural beauty and safe surroundings

As one of the safest neighborhoods in San Diego, La Jolla is incredibly popular among families. You’ll find this seaside neighborhood just northwest of Downtown. You’ll know you’re there once you see the rugged coastline and the beautiful homes. There are some apartments available to rent, but the median rental price is high compared to other parts of the city.

Another reason why La Jolla is one of the best neighborhoods in San Diego is its proximity to the ocean. La Jolla Beach is a popular place for families to spend the day, while La Jolla Cove is a great place to watch sea lions. You can also find a wealth of local shops and restaurants.

Pacific Beach is a coastal city that provides beautiful beach views

Between Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find one of the best neighborhoods to live in San Diego. Pacific Beach offers chill vibes, which makes it popular among everyone from surfers to students. Pacific Beach’s close proximity to San Diego Bay gives you access to plenty of fun water activities as well.

As far as housing goes, most of the offerings are apartments. However, the area still feels like a combination of a suburban and urban environment. During the week, you can expect this neighborhood to be relatively quiet. Once the weekend rolls around though, you’ll find plenty of parties and bar crawls in the area.

There’s a good reason Ocean Beach is one of the best neighborhoods to live in San Diego.

Across from Mission Bay, you’ll find a gem of a San Diego neighborhood called Ocean Beach. If you’re looking to enjoy the charm of a beachside neighborhood without the weekend party vibes of Pacific Beach, you’ve found the place for you. You’ll also love that the peaceful area comes with a price tag that’s more affordable than La Jolla.

Natural beauty abounds in Ocean Beach, which means you can enjoy breathtaking ocean views while doing activities like swimming, surfing, and fishing. Ocean Beach is just north of the San Diego Bay and Sunset Cliffs and is close to Point Loma, giving you access to some of the most beautiful beaches. As you stroll through this part of town, you’ll discover everything from antique stores and surf shops to brewpubs and organic markets.

National City is a diverse community with affordable living prices and lots to do

Located just a 10-minute drive south of Downtown San Diego, National City is well-known for its rich history, diverse community, and ongoing revitalization.

Here, you’ll find something for everyone: nature lovers appreciate being close to Coronado Island or spending time in local Kimball Park, foodies rave about local gems like Napoleone’s Pizza House and Niederfrank’s Ice Cream, and families find it convenient for its close proximity to plenty of schools and jobs, including the Naval Base. If you’re looking for the best San Diego has to offer – from sun to sea and a great community – National City has you covered.

North Park is great for young professionals, while young families love South Park

For young professionals, one of the best neighborhoods in San Diego is North Park. You’ll find it northeast of Downtown San Diego and next to Balboa Park. One of the main perks of living here is that you won’t need a car. Almost everything from coffee shops to craft breweries is within walking distance on University Avenue.

Once young professionals start having families, many of them make their way to South Park. As the name suggests, you’ll find this neighborhood south of North Park. This great neighborhood offers tree-lined streets and many single-family homes surrounded by parks and coffee shops.

You’ll be right at home in San Diego, California

If you think that this city is the perfect fit for you and you’re ready to become a San Diegan, we can help you get settled. When you move to this Southern California area, you can enjoy all the fun things to do in San Diego County as a part of your daily life. Common at Parco, our first home in San Diego, opens in National City in September 2021. Featuring fully-furnished coliving suites and studios alongside conventional apartments, Common at Parco offers easy access to a vibrant community and beautiful amenities.

To learn more about Common at Parco, head to our website. You can also join the waitlist to be the first to know when tours are available.

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