Although San Diego is known for its sun, surf, and beachfront vibes, the city has so much more to offer. San Diego is one of the most diverse counties in the United States, and each neighborhood gives off it’s own vibe. Some hoods cater to artists, some to foodies, some to nightlife enthusiasts, and some still to those who love their boardwalks and board shorts. If you’re looking to buy a residence, there are so many places to choose from. Whatever your preference, here are seven of the most exciting neighborhoods for those looking to reside in San Diego.
#1 – Encinitas
Encinitas, a city of over 61, 000 residents with a small town feel is a great neighborhood if you detest plastic, and drive a Prius. Streets are wide, the residents are extremely passionate about green living, and there are no power lines visible anywhere. It’s a best of both worlds situation here. Encinitas is a laid back beach community, however, the further east you go, the quirkier the neighborhood. The closer you get to the ocean, the higher the price. Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Leucadia are both very popular beach communities within Encinitas, and each have their own personal flair and feel. Cardiff houses the infamous Cardiff Kook statue and Leucadia’s motto is “Keep Leucadia Funky.”
#2 – North Park
Southeast of downtown and bordering Balboa Park, you’ll find the diverse and eclectic uptown neighborhood of North Park. The lively streets here are stocked with locals, and lined with coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries, amazing restaurants, and craft beer pubs. The epicenter of the neighborhood is the intersection of University Avenue and 30th Street, which holds claim to being “the best beer neighborhood in the nation. The hipsters in this neighborhood know their food and drinks, and consequently, the neighborhood homes some of the best restaurants and bars in San Diego. The homes in this area are cute but surprising large, and don’t be surprised if your neighbors actually want to get to know you!
#3 – South Park
What South Park may lack in size, it makes up for with a tight-knit community of small indie businesses and events, like the South Park Walkabout, where local shops and restaurants open late and offer special deals and bites. This neighborhood, very close to North Park, pulses with shops, entertainment, and art blocks. The petite neighborhood manages to keep its cool factor high with eclectic shops and restaurants. Craft beer is also celebrated here at bars like Hamilton’s Tavern, consistently rated “best beer bar” on the West Coast, and the family friendly Station Tavern where burgers and beer are served in an old trolley station. The petite homes are some of the most adorable in the county and have a sort of old-fashioned comfy feel to them.
#4 – Carlsbad
Located in scenic North County, and known as “The Village by the Sea,” Carlsbad was named after a famous spa in Karlsbad, Bohemia. This quaint city has beautiful beaches, three unique lagoons, lots of shopping areas, and gorgeous golf courses. It also boasts the LEGOLAND® theme park, and the Flower Fields of Carlsbad Ranch that sports 50 acres of spectacular blooming flowers every spring. With new, widened, buffered bike lanes, more roundabouts, and community walkabouts and bikeabaouts around the village, Barrio, and beach areas; the idea being, to convince people to leave the car at home for errands and recreation.
#5 – Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach, often referred to as OB, is called the city where lifestyle is frozen in time, in fact, you’re more likely to see a co-op then a large chain here, and is definitely a place for the free spirited. This funky seaside town is one of San Diego’s best beach communities. It is laid back and less rowdy than it’s south neighboring neighborhoods of Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. Still, it is a great place to surf or sunbathe. OB sits on prime waterfront real estate, but the neighborhood exudes a small-town atmosphere. Where other beach communities have embraced commercialism, this town remains fiercely independent and skeptical of corporate change. The residents of OB call themselves “OBceans,” and are an extremely tight-knit community.
#6 – San Marcos
Home to award-winning San Elijo Hills and breathtaking lake, San Marcos is the leader in providing housing with a wide range of prices and designs, while being a community that takes environmental awareness to heart. The residents work hard to preserve the San Marcos Creek, ridgelines and sensitive habitat. It actively participates in state, federal and regional conservation programs as well as progressive local air and water quality programs. San Marcos is an excellent urban-rural setting with small town informality, plus easy access to San Diego city, southern Riverside and even Orange County.
#7 – Little Italy
Little Italy is a place where past meets present and is one of the more vibrant neighborhoods in the city. Once home to San Diego’s flourishing tuna fishing industry and generations of Italian families who made their living on the sea, Little Italy is now a lively neighborhood filled with patio cafés, fantastic restaurants, craft brew stops, urban wineries, art galleries, sophisticated shops, boutique hotels and the beautiful Amici Park. It’s not unusual to stroll through this walker-friendly neighborhood and be greeted with a smile and a “saluto” or “ciao bella” by a stranger. The residents here seem to believe that they are in Italy, instead of just a few minutes away from downtown San Diego, and trust us, when you’re here, you will too.
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