With a beachside location, beautiful weather, and a laid-back vibe, it’s no wonder San Diego, California, has been dubbed “America’s Finest City.” Spanning 372.4 square miles, its history goes back to 1769, with the establishment of a fort and mission. Today, canyons and hills separate mesas, creating a hilly terrain and pockets of natural, open space. Its median age is 35.2 (2022), with tourism, research, manufacturing, international trade, and military and defense-related activities driving its economy.

San Diego’s residential areas are filled with several styles of homes, including Victorian, American Craftsman, and Mediterranean Revival. Homebuyers can expect an average price of $968,370, up 14.5% over the past year (Zillow, 2022). The city also hosts year-round events, such as San Diego Restaurant Week, the San Diego County Fair, and the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival, to fill up many calendars.

Major thoroughfares include I-5, which provides access to downtown, and the oceanfront Pacific Beach neighborhood. Bankers Hill, a quiet area filled with condos, is adjacent to the highway. I-8 lies north of the Hillcrest area – which is packed with cafés, bars, bookshops, and boutiques – and the Mission Hills neighborhood’s million-dollar Craftsman homes.

Beautiful coastline, charming historical districts, and green space: There’s lots to love about San Diego.