Ultimate 2022 Guide to Living in Coronado | Why You Should Move There
Looking for the most beautiful beaches, waterfront properties, resort-style living and all the amenities you could want? Then you should consider moving to Coronado. A small island city off the coast of San Diego, Coronado offers the best of beach living to the West Coast’s most affluent natives. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know before buying or renting a home in Coronado, from schools and demographics to the best neighborhoods and local activities.
Who Lives in Coronado
Coronado is best known as a tourist city and a top destination for well-to-do professionals seeking resort-style living. In total, the city is home to about 24,000 people, with a median age of 37 and an average household income of $142,000 per year. About two-thirds of people living in Coronado are married, and 40% of the local population is made up of families with kids under the age of 18.
Coronado is evenly split between homeowners and renters. The city is also relatively split when it comes to education. Just above 20% of Coronado residents did not attend college; 27% completed their Bachelor’s degree, and another 25% went on to attain a graduate-level degree. Eleven percent of residents here speak Spanish, either primarily, or in addition to speaking English. The main area code in Coronado is 619, and the main zip codes are 91932, 92118, 92135, 92155, and 92178.
Coronado Cost of Living
Living in Coronado means you’ll pay some of the highest living expenses in San Diego. The median home value in Coronado is $1.3 Million, and 68% of all homes in Coronado sell for more than $1 million. In contrast, less than 5% of all homes in Coronado sell for less than $500,000. Renters will also have to pay a hefty price to live in Coronado; the median rent asked in the area is $2,268.
While housing is the most expensive aspect of moving to Coronado, other local amenities are also costly. Goods and services, groceries and utilities all cost more here than the American average. Fuel here costs about 30% more than the national average, so commuters will want to keep an eye on transportation costs when settling in Coronado.
Schools in Coronado
Public schools in Coronado are part of the Coronado Unified School District. The main high school in the area is Coronado High School, which has a 9/10 rating from GreatSchools.org. The school offers a challenging course load, including options for Advanced Placement studies and a STEAM program to encourage exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. The city is also home to the Coronado School of the Arts, which provides 200 students with “intense pre-professional” studies.
Best Coronado Neighborhoods
Wondering where you should live in Coronado? The city is made up of several distinct smaller neighborhoods, each with its own unique style. To help you get started on your home buying journey, here are a few of our favorite areas in Coronado.
- The Shores: For the best in beachfront property, you’ll want to look at the beautiful homes in Coronado’s Shores neighborhood. Three local theaters provide ample entertainment for any night out.
- The Cays: If you own a boat or yacht, The Cays is the Coronado neighborhood for you. Some homes in the Cays have their own private docks, while others further back enjoy large plots of land and access to The Cays Yacht Club’s marina. The neighborhood also has beautiful parks, including an off-leash dog park for you and your furry best friend.
- The Village: The core of Coronado Island, the Village is the city’s center of commerce and entertainment. The Village is a perfect option for people who want to be able to walk or bike to the beach, local restaurants and more.
Coronado Jobs
As we mentioned, Coronado attracts affluent professionals, many of whom make at least $100,000 per year. The most common specialties in Coronado are in Real Estate, Science & Technology, and Public Administration. Residents of this city also have easy access to the larger economy of San Diego (both the city and the county!), which is a growing hub for the country’s top tech startups and healthcare companies.
What’s the Weather Like in Coronado?
If you love sunny weather, moving to Coronado might be perfect for you. This SoCal city benefits from 265 days of sun every year, which is significantly more than the national average of just 205. The average temperature here usually stays between 50-77 degrees but can swing as high as the mid-80s or as low as the 40s. Similar to most of San Diego County, Coronado rarely sees snow, and the area only gets about 10 inches of rain per year. In short, Coronado is a California paradise on the water!
Top Attractions in Coronado
Hotel Del Coronado
Founded in 1888, the Hotel Del Coronado has more than a 130-year history as a San Diego icon, and one of the most well-known beachfront resorts in the nation. In addition to being an excellent example of Victorian architecture, the hotel is the second-largest wooden building in the nation. Over the years, celebrities and Presidents alike have visited the Hotel Del, including the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, Marilyn Monroe, Jimmy Carter and more. The Hotel Del has also been featured in films like The Stunt Man and Some Like it Hot.
When it opened, the Hotel Del was the largest resort in the world, and it continues to strive towards excellence with beautiful rooms and suites, multiple dining options and a variety of upscale amenities for guests. Pet-friendly accommodations welcome visitors with dogs of all breeds and sizes and resort stores offer boutique shopping, while the onsite spa provides luxurious massages and treatments that bring visitors back time and again.
Coronado Beach
Coronado beach spans 1.5 miles along the San Diego Bay and is one of the most famous beaches in America. The area first came to prominence when the beach was featured in the 1958 hit film “Some Like it Hot,” Coronado Beach is frequently ranked at the top of the list for beaches by numerous magazines and websites.
The Beach itself runs from the front of the Hotel Del Coronado to the area in front of Sunset Park, where the beach is open to locals and their dogs, too! The beach is wide and flat, making it perfect for everything from wakeboarding to beach walking and sunbathing. Be aware, the beach can get crowded between locals and tourists, so aim to get here early in the day to find good parking and the perfect spot on the sand.
Coronado Beach is also where you’ll often find Bill Pavlacka, also known as “The Sand Castle Man.” Famous for his beautiful sand structures and sculptures, The Sand Castle Man works with the sand on the beach to create a new art piece every day. Want to know where to find him? It seems his favorite area is right in front of the Hotel Del.
Coronado’s Best Restaurants
Miguel’s Cocina
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Craving classic Mexican cuisine? Stop by Miguel’s to satisfy your every desire! The menu includes everything from burritos and enchiladas to sizzling fajitas, all served with rice and beans for an unforgettable experience.
- Hours: 9AM–9PM Sunday-Thursday, 9AM–9:30PM Friday-Saturday
- Website: http://miguels-cocina.com/
- Address: 1351 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
- Phone: (619) 437-4237
Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill
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Enjoy a romantic evening along the water when you visit the Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill. Fresh seafood is brought in daily for preparation by the restaurants expert chefs, with signature dishes like Rock Lobster Tail and Lemon Pepper Mahi Mahi.
- Hours: 11:30AM–9PM Monday-Thursday, 11:30AM–9:30PM Friday, 11AM–9PM Saturday-Sunday
- Website: http://www.bluewatergrill.com/locations/coronado.php
- Address: 1701 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118
- Phone: (619) 435-0155
Brigantine
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For casual dining that will leave you wanting more, take a trip over to Brigantine on Orange Avenue. Choose from pub-style large or small plates, or try the classic Oysters Rockefeller while enjoying the restaurant’s friendly atmosphere.
- Hours: 11AM–10PM Monday-Thursday, 11AM–10:30PM Friday-Saturday, 10AM–10PM Sunday
- Website: http://www.brigantine.com/
- Address: 1333 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
- Phone: (619) 435-4166
Moving to Coronado
Coronado Island is a premier destination, whether you’re coming for a few days, or settling here to stay. For more information on living in and around San Diego, check out the articles and guides on our blog.
If you need help moving to your new home in Coronado, trust Move Central to make your experience effortless. To get started, give us a call today!