San Diego, a large city exceeding 960 km² in area and home to over 1.3 million residents.
As a densely populated area, San Diego’s metro areas and neighborhoods offer different lifestyles and modern conveniences. Even more significant is the affordability of these areas, which vary.
While many places within San Diego have easy access to the beach since the city lies along the Pacific Coast, a few other places don’t offer such views.
Hence, deciding where to live in San Diego is not always easy. With each neighborhood having its own flair and perks, you may need some guidance to make your pick.
Let’s take a look at these 5 places in San Diego to call home that will blow your mind.
Quick Overview
- La Jolla — Most Upscale Coastal San Diego Area
- Little Italy — Best Unique and Varied Food Scene
- Hillcrest — Most Diverse and Inclusive Area
- Carmel Valley — Most Family-Friendly Neighborhood
- East Village — Most Walkable and Bike-Friendly Area
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La Jolla — The Jewel of San Diego
Making a constant appearance in the best places to live in San Diego is the upscale neighborhood of La Jolla.
If you have ever wanted to live where the Pacific Ocean becomes your backyard, La Jolla is your answer. Crowned “The Jewel of San Diego,” La Jolla is hands-down one of the most beautiful places to live in San Diego.
The sparkling coves, rugged cliffs, and beaches that dot the area contribute to its natural beauty and scenery, in addition to the Mediterranean-style homes. La Jolla is perfect for ocean lovers, luxury seekers, and those craving a mix of nature and high-end living.
As home to the University of California, San Diego, La Jolla attracts the best minds in science and big companies like Pfizer.
So, for professionals, students, and families, this neighborhood provides it all—amazing schools, fine dining, boutique shopping, and nature trails.
- Population: 28,412
- Median Household Income: $164,551
- Average House Rent: $7,908
- Median Home Value: $2.3 million
- Known For: La Jolla Shores, upscale living, The Cove, and Birch Aquarium
Little Italy — Urban Charm with Food More than Pasta
There is nothing little about Little Italy’s food corners or the walkable urban life that comes with living here.
Little Italy is calling your name if you love the kind of chic, cosmopolitan vibe that mostly appeals to young professionals and the young at heart.
A stroll along downtown reveals one of the nicest neighborhoods in San Diego, with a vibrant restaurant scene, handcrafted pasta, craft cocktails, and cozy cafes.
On weekends, the streets come alive with farmers’ markets and boutique shopping, making it a social hotspot. So, if you are a social butterfly, you might just consider Little Italy a Havana.
Despite its central location, Little Italy feels like a welcoming community where people tend to know each other by name.
Here’s the kicker: although it’s a pricey neighborhood, the endless array of restaurants and festivals make it worth it for those who want to be in San Diego’s cultural core.
- Population: 3,531
- Median Household Income: $86,400
- Average House Rent: $3,642
- Median Home Value: $783,500
- Known For: Authentic Italian dining and an active nightlife
Hillcrest — The Colorful Hub of San Diego
Are you looking for a place to live in San Diego that bursts with personality, diversity, and a whole lot of heart? Any San Diego movers worth their salt will tell you that Hillcrest is your place.
Known as San Diego’s LGBTQ+ hub, Hillcrest welcomes individuals from all walks of life.
Plus, if you’re interested in a chilled-out lifestyle, there are streets lined with unique boutiques, vintage shops, and hipster cafes.
Heads up, some of the best brunch spots you will ever find in San Diego are right here in Hillcrest. Not missing the energetic nightlife, bars and clubs here are famous and as inclusive as it gets.
Among young professionals, Hillcrest has cemented its place as one that offers a needed balance between relative affordability (compared to the beachside neighborhoods) and social life.
You should know that artists thrive a lot in this neighborhood!
- Population: 33,000
- Median Household Income: $79,500
- Average House Rent: $2,800
- Median Home Value: $900,000
- Known For: LGBTQ+ friendly, energetic nightlife, farmers’ market, vintage shopping
Carmel Valley — Family-Friendly Suburb
Carmel Valley is one of the best places to live with your family in San Diego. If you want a peaceful suburban life with all the modern conveniences, Carmel Valley is an absolute dream.
Located inland, this family-friendly neighborhood has top-rated schools, pristine parks, and safe streets. It’s a newer part of San Diego, so homes here are modern, spacious, and perfect for growing families.
Carmel Valley is all about convenience — it’s just minutes from shopping centers and recreational facilities and a short drive to the beach.
The area is quieter than most other popular places in San Diego. Moreover, it’s where to live in San Diego if you prioritize safety, as both violent and property crimes are almost non-existent here.
Carmel Valley’s crime rate is lower than the national average, with no incidents of rape, murder and only about an average of 2 cases of vehicle theft reported annually per 100,000 residents.
- Population: 33,422
- Median Household Income: $189,485
- Average House Rent: $3,907
- Median Home Value: $1.4 million
- Known For: Family-friendly atmosphere and modern homes
East Village — The Trendy Downtown Playground
Downtown San Diego scores again with a place that warms the hearts of urban dwellers who love being in the thick of things.
East Village offers that buzzing downtown vibe with an artsy coolness around it.
Home to Petco Park; as an outdoor enthusiast, this means you will only be steps away from the excitement of Padres games. Add this to the tons of lively bars, rooftop lounges, and trendy eateries here, and you will have a truly urban experience.
East Village has developed rapidly in recent years, exuding a youthful and energetic vibe that attracts young professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs.
If you are into loft-style living, edgy galleries, and industrial-chic buildings, you will fall in love with this place.
It may not be the cheapest downtown option, but East Village is where to live in San Diego for a unique urban experience worth exploring.
- Population: 40,000
- Median Household Income: $66,626
- Average House Rent: $3,053
- Median Home Value: $625,000
- Known For: Petco Park, rooftop bars, and the creative scene
Conclusion — Best of San Diego
While most of these where to live in San Diego areas may be high-end in terms of affordability, the quality of life remains unmatched.
For beachside bliss, La Jolla is your jolly place to be. What you don’t get in a diverse meal table in La Jolla, Little Italy more than makes up for it.
However, if you crave a little urban excitement, don’t forget to circle East Village on your San Diego map. Carmel Valley is where you and your family can feel the safest and still have access to amenities suitable for a family.
Hillcrest is certainly the place to be for that rainbow splash and all-inclusive environment.
So, draw the curtains on your search and make your pick among the best places in San Diego you can live in.
