San Diego: A Vibrant Coastal City

Thinking of moving? Maybe you’ve had your eye on San Diego for a while now but still aren’t sure if it’s right for you. We’re here to tell you why San Diego is a great place to live, whether you’re coming here for a corporate relocation or as part of a family move. It can be stressful to move and pack on your own, which is why having a local moving company skilled in San Diego relocations is imperative.

San Diego is a great choice for anyone looking for a new place to call home. About 1.4 million people live here, a city perched on the majestic Pacific coast. It’s just 120 miles south of Los Angeles and adjacent to the Mexican border. As the eighth-largest city in the country and second in the state, San Diego is a beautiful city revered for its warm climate, deep-water harbor, and stretches of pristine beaches. It’s also a hub for the healthcare and biotech development industries.

Dubbed “the birthplace of California,” US News rates San Diego as the 36^th best place to live in the nation and 51^st in top places to retire based on quality of life, the cost of living, and the job market. If you have kids, you will love that San Diego has a top-rated school system. And if you’re looking for a job, no worries: the unemployment rate is lower than the national average.

This Southern California beach city has so much to offer, especially if you love the beach. You can sunbathe, search for seashells, sit on the sand, swim and so much more. If you’re more into art, you’ll be in heaven with the wide variety of museums and art galleries to visit, like the San Diego Air and Space Museum, the USS Midway Museum, San Diego Museum of Art, Space 4 Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and the Murals of La Jolla.

Explore San Diego's Diverse Activities

Interested in laid-back beach living? Want the hustle and bustle of the city? What about the peace and quiet of the suburbs? You can find it all here.

San Diego is home to the immense Balboa Park, which happens to be the site of the San Diego Zoo. You’ll also find many art galleries, museums, artists’ studios, farmer’s markers and gardens here. And don’t forget about its deep harbor which hosts an active naval fleet(USS Midway is open to the public).

Speaking of Balboa Park…it boasts more than 16 museums, several performing arts venues, scenic gardens, playgrounds, trails, and theaters. Don’t miss La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores Park, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Birch Aquarium and Petco Park.

You’re in luck if you’re into world-class dining, professional sports games, festivals, bars and pubs, and cultural attractions. Because San Diego covers such a large metro area, you will constantly be amazed by its maze of distinct neighborhoods that bring community members together – something you don’t often see throughout the rest of California.

Do you love to hike? Check out Torrey Pines in Del Mar. If you’re more into panoramic views, Potato Chip Rock in Poway is your destination. And for all those thrill seekers, head to San Elijo Hills for a daring trail that climbs Double Peak (the highest point in San Diego County).

Best Neighborhoods

There are lots of neighborhoods to choose from in San Diego, whether you love the relaxed vibe of the beach or the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. Here’s a look at the most popular areas.

San Diego has many nice neighborhoods, some with established history and some with new developments. The cost of living and housing rates are both high here, but this is offset by a high employment rate with a median household income of $71,481.

Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter

This area is popular with young up and coming professionals and college students thanks to its upbeat and trendy homes. But you will pay a premium for those homes! In return, you will get close access to eclectic restaurants, pubs, dueling piano bars and chic night clubs. This is an ideal place to live if you work downtown.

Pacific Beach

For the laid-back, beachy people, try Pacific Beach Drive and the Crystal Pier for its classic Southern California vibe. Known locally as PB, hit up the shore to do some surfing and bar hopping. But because it’s the beach, it can get touristy. If you don’t like tourists or crowds, try another neighborhood.

Mission Beach/Mission Bay

Featuring more than two miles of oceanfront, Mission Beach sites on a sandbar nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay. With lots of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques to choose from, you can easily find a relatively affordable rental on either side of the Boulevard. If you love the outdoors, Mission Bay Park will be a great hangout for you, home to the largest waterpark like it in the whole country. It takes up more than 4,200 acres and has 27 miles of scenic shoreline where you can swim, sail, jet ski or just sun bathe.

Normal Heights

If you’re looking for a commuter neighborhood, this is it. You get close access to Interstates 805, 8, and 15, plus access to the popular Adams Avenue, AKA “Antiques Row.” This is where you can pop in a bookstore, peruse vintage boutiques, or sip a cappuccino in a café. You will love the live music and festival scene here too. Don’t forget to check out the Adams Avenue Street Fair in September, Adams Avenue Unplugged, and Art Around Adams.

Ocean Beach

Surfers love it here. This ocean-side neighborhood boasts a bohemian look and feel. Located at the south side of the mouth of the San Diego River, Ocean Beach’s claim to fame is its wide, sandy beach.

Now that you know a little bit about San Diego, we hope you choose to make your new home here!

Contact Move Central San Diego Movers & Storage

Did you know we’re based right here in San Diego? We offer the most targeted and focused results because we live here too. To get started with a free quote, contact us at 619-775-3560.