Top 5 Cities to Live in San Diego County

San Diego County is a beautiful place to visit, but an even more beautiful place to live. Residents enjoy year-round sunshine, easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the US, and an easygoing and laidback pace of life that's uniquely Californian. It's a place steeped in history where the locals are friendly, and the water is just as welcoming.

This past year, millennials (and people of other generations) flocked to the city of San Diego and its surrounding areas, looking for a healthier and more outdoor-oriented life. The desirability of San Diego County as a place to call home means that house prices in some areas are relatively high.

In fact, it's home to some of the most expensive places to live in the country. But that doesn't mean that you can't find places that are affordable, as well.

If you're thinking of moving to San Diego county, you're probably wondering what some of the best places to live would be. This guide aims to tell you just that. Read on to learn a little bit about the top five cities in San Diego and which one might be right for you.

1. Carlsbad

Carlsbad, California, is a beautiful coastal town, a mere thirty-minute drive from San Diego and a little over an hour from Los Angeles. It's an affluent community with a population of around 115,000. The city boasts over 7 miles of pristine coastline, but there's plenty more to do and see than just the beach.

Carlsbad is known as the flower capital of America, and each year, a portion of the Carlsbad Ranch is turned into an amazing attraction of over 50 acres of flower-filled fields. The Legoland California theme park and the SEA LIFE Aquarium make it an amazing place for kids. At the same time, the multitude of golf courses, wineries, and great restaurants offer something for adults, too.

The average home price in Carlsbad stands at around $1.1 million, and prices are on the rise. Last year alone saw an increase of 19%.

2. Julian

Heading east and inland, you have Julian. This historic mining town has its roots in the 1870’s gold rush and is an official California Historical Landmark. With only around 1,000 people, Julian is a charming place to both visit and live.

If you're looking for something a little more low-key and down-to-earth, you won't do much better than this tiny mountain town. Here, locals enjoy an active lifestyle filled with hiking and horseback riding. The town is adjacent to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve.

At $445,000, the average house price here is much lower than the San Diego County average. But like many other towns and cities in the area, prices are increasing.

3. Del Mar

Returning to the coast, we find the wealthy enclave of Del Mar. A city of fewer than 5,000 people, Del Mar, is a close-knit community with a small-town vibe. It's a locale that offers great places to eat and shop. It is perfect for those who like to socialize.

The town is perhaps best known for being home to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and its premier horse racing track. Founded by Hollywood legend Bing Crosby in the 1930s, this upscale seaside track plays host to many events throughout the year that attract people from all over the world.

The average house price reflects Del Mar's high-end nature. At $2.8 million, it's certainly one of the higher figures you're likely to find in San Diego.

4. Chula Vista

If you're looking for something a little more affordable, Chula Vista could be a great option. The city is only a 15-minute drive from the city of San Diego and being only a 40-minute drive from Tijuana—a big plus for many residents.

Chula Vista is known as the lemon capital of the world and even hosts an annual lemon festival. The lifestyle here is relaxed and geared toward the outdoors, with jogging, surfing, and birdwatching all on offer. There is a large Hispanic population, and the city is filled with history, culture, and amazing food.

The average house price here is a little under $700,000, having risen 22.3% in the past 12 months. The population is around 250,000, and families account for a large portion of households here, so it's a great place to raise kids.

5. La Jolla

Further up the coast is La Jolla, a city of 46,000 people. This seaside town is known for a few things, seals and surfing chief among them.

The community is a mix of laidback surfers and wealthy families. There are several high schools here and the University of California San Diego, which houses the Scripps School of Oceanography.

In La Jolla, life tends to revolve around the beach. The community lays claim to 7 miles of coastline, and several different beaches are to choose from. La Jolla is also home to many upscale restaurants, bars, and shops.

The average price here is around $1.9 million. This rose by almost 12% last year.

The Top 5 Places to Live in San Diego County

There's no doubt about it: San Diego County is an amazing place to call home. Beyond the sunshine and scenery, each town offers its own personality and unique set of strengths.

If you are considering a move to this sunshiny county, it is advisable to move quickly. Demand is high, and prices are rising all the time. If you'd like assistance in securing your dream home in your dream location, we can help. Get in touch today or browse our listings now.