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- San Diego at-a-glance
- What it’s like to live in San Diego
- Economy and job outlook in San Diego
- Real estate in San Diego
- The top neighborhoods in San Diego
- How to get around in San Diego
- School and education snapshot
- Weather and climate in San Diego
- 10 can’t miss things to do in San Diego
San Diego At-A-Glance
You’re not the only one. Over 3.2 million people call San Diego home. The city maintains some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. L. Frank Baum was inspired by Coronado’s Hotel Del when creating Emerald City. And, San Diego is known for creating wildly popular food staples like the California burrito and carne asada fries.
The city’s residents make San Diego the eighth largest in the country and the second largest in California. Yet San Diego has a comfortable, small town atmosphere. San Diego’s neighborhoods have a culture as rich as its population. From picturesque, beach homes in La Jolla to modern, downtown condos in the East Village, you’ll find your place in the city and a home perfect for you. Not sure where to start? Read our guide to top San Diego neighborhoods, then consult our list of best San Diego realtors to help make your search easy.
San Diego is also known for popular, annual events such as Comic-Con International, which takes place every July. The San Diego Film Festival, San Diego Fashion Week, KAABOO Festival and the Del Mar Races.
San Diego City Essential Resources
San Diego Essentials City of San Diego website Everything you need to know about living in San Diego. Chock full of useful resources, including information about the City of San Diego government, budget plans, employment…
A Laid-Back, Welcoming Vibe With Award-Winning Culture
San Diego is known for its laid-back, welcoming vibe. Because of its food, nightlife, and theater scene, people from all over the country migrate to the West Coast to call the city home making it that much easier for strangers to quickly turn into friends.
The city also has access to some of the freshest seafood in the world, which chefs take advantage of with daily catch specials and high-grade sushi menus. The city thrives on local produce and food sustainability with area gardens and farms contributing to restaurant menus.
Restaurants pop up in San Diego so often, it’s tough to keep track of all the new openings. Top chefs and award-winning culinary talent take pride in their food and choose the city as a place to expand their careers. Old Town has some of the best, authentic Mexican food in the city complete with ladies making fresh, homemade tortillas in the windows to entice people passing by.
From downtown nightclubs to live music showcases to piano bars and dives, the city offers an upbeat tempo for everyone. Most of the nightlife occurs downtown in the city’s famous Gaslamp Quarter or in the uptown neighborhoods of North Park, South Park, and Normal Heights.
San Diegans are crazy about theater and why wouldn’t they be with the historical theater options (both indoors and outdoors) available. Whether you fancy a hit Broadway play at the San Diego Civic Center, wish to enjoy local talent at La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park or seek a more intimate atmosphere at Coronado Playhouse, the city’s cultural buzz is alive and well.
San Diego Economy is More Robust Than Ever
San Diego is a military city and much of its economy is made up of military- and defense-related activity, in addition to international trade, tourism, medical, and manufacturing jobs, all which are listed as top industries.
Not only is the local economy growing and remaining strong, but many companies and start-ups are choosing San Diego as their headquarters. Major employers include 32nd St. Naval Base, Barona Resort & Casino, Kaiser Permanente, and SeaWorld San Diego.
Unemployment rate: 3.4% (as of August 2022)
Average weekly wages for all industries: $1,311 (as of August 2022)
The Most Livable (and Expensive) City in California
San Diego has a plethora of rankings to prove its popularity: 12th best city to live in the United States and the 4th most livable city in California. The news isn’t all roses. America’s Finest City is also one of the most expensive places to live in the world. The average cost of living is $2,797, and the median salary is $5,969, which is enough to cover expenses for just over two months.
According to the California Department of Finance, the San Diego region is growing at a rate of approximately one percent, or an average of 30,000 people moving to the city each year. Median rent for an 875 sq. ft. one-bedroom apartment in San Diego is a whopping $2,916, and the median home prices continue to break records at $891,746. Stiff competition combined with a small home inventory will continue to drive up prices in Southern California.
