What Are the Best Cities Near San Diego?
San Diego California
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10 Best Cities Near San Diego
Who wouldn’t want to enjoy San Diego’s laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, outdoor recreation, and plenty of cultural activities? When you live somewhere just outside San Diego, you can enjoy all those perks — but you’ll have the added benefit of more space and fewer hassles that come with city life. But which nearby cities are the best? Here are our top 10 cities near San Diego that just might convince you to make the big move.
The city of Carlsbad is known as "The Village By The Sea" due to its beautiful coastline and Mediterranean-like climate.
1. Carlsbad, CA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,200
- Average home value: $1.55M
- Great for: Families, schools, shopping, outdoor recreation
- Commute into San Diego: 35-minute drive
The city of Carlsbad is known as "The Village By The Sea" due to its beautiful coastline and Mediterranean-like climate. It is located in northern San Diego County, and its residents can enjoy a warm and friendly community with the best beaches.
In addition to its shoreline location, the city of Carlsbad also offers a variety of recreational activities and things to do. Its downtown area — known as Carlsbad Village — features art galleries, boutiques, and various restaurants. Those who enjoy outdoor recreation and want to play golf can take advantage of the many championship courses in the area, like the one at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa.
The Carlsbad Unified School District is also known for its continuous efforts in providing high-quality education to its students. The city has several highly regarded schools, including Pacific Rim Elementary, Aviara Oaks Middle School, and Sage Creek High School, all known for their dedicated teachers and academic programs.
| Q: Where is the best place to live near San Diego? A: Carlsbad is considered one of the best places to live near San Diego (and in the country) because of its beautiful beaches, local activities, and top-notch schools. |
2. Escondido, CA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,325
- Average home value: $858,200
- Great for: Families, retirees, entertainment, rich history
- Commute into San Diego: 35-minute drive
Located in Southern California's coastal mountains, Escondido is a hidden community surrounded by mountains. It’s about 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego and is the center of San Diego's North region.
The city's rich history has been a source of stability and charm for its residents, and you can visit its historic homes or experience it in the area's thriving downtown district. Each year, the “Cruisin' Grand” features live music, DJs, and all the antique cars you could dream of. The city of Escondido is also known for its arts and culture, which can be seen at Queen Califia's Magic Circle and the California Center for the Arts.
Solana Beach is known for its high-tech and small businesses as well as its beautiful beaches.
3. Solana Beach, CA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,875
- Average home value: $2.14M
- Great for: Young professionals, restaurants, shopping
- Commute into San Diego: 25-minute drive
Located north of San Diego, Solana Beach is a coastal town that's just over 20 miles away from the city. It's bordered by Del Mar and Santa Fe, and it's known for its high-tech and small businesses as well as its beautiful beaches.
Solana Beach is mainly centered along Route 101, and one of its most prominent districts is the Cedros Design District. This area is full of shopping and dining establishments. And there are a variety of restaurants and bars in the area that cater to varying tastes. Some of the popular ones include the Parioli Italian Bistro, the Pamplemousse Grille, and Belly Up Tavern.
4. La Mesa, CA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,475
- Average home value: $911,300
- Great for: Families, shopping, housing variety, recreation
- Commute into San Diego: 20-minute drive
The history of the La Mesa community dates all the way back to the 1800s, when it was originally an agricultural community. The name of the city, which means "table," refers to its location on a plateau.
The La Mesa real estate market has a variety of housing options that accommodate different budgets and needs. Some of these include single-family houses and modern homes, which include well-manicured yards that provide residents with the perfect amount of outdoor space.
There are various retail establishments and shopping centers that accommodate the needs of residents, as well, including the Grossmont Center, which has a variety of restaurants, stores, and entertainment spaces. And residents who are looking for fun recreational opportunities in the area can take advantage of the La Mesa Community Center that features different programs and activities for children and adults.
5. Encinitas, CA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,925
- Average home value: $1.91M
- Great for: Families, young professionals, outdoor recreation, shopping, local events
- Commute into San Diego: 30-minute drive
The city of Encinitas is known for its beautiful coastline, with several sandy areas for residents and visitors to enjoy surfing, sunbathing, and simply watching the ocean. Some of these include Cardiff State Beach, Moonlight State Beach, and Swami's Beach.
Old Encinitas is a neighborhood in downtown full of character and culture, featuring charming historic structures, trendy shops, and live music venues. Encinitas also has several different farmer’s markets you can check out every weekend, whether you’re in the mood for local produce or one-of-a-kind creations.
And one of the most popular places for outdoor enthusiasts in the area is the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center, which spans almost 1,000 acres. This area is home to various wildlife and bird-watching areas, as well as hiking trails.
| Q: What are the major cities in San Diego County? A: Aside from San Diego itself, Chula Vista and Encinitas are some of the major beach cities in San Diego County. |
6. Chula Vista, CA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,575
- Average home value: $860,000
- Great for: Families, young professionals, outdoor recreation, culture, diversity
- Commute into San Diego: 20-minute drive
The city of Chula Vista is best known for its cultural diversity and natural beauty. It is also near some of the area's top attractions, and due to its diverse population and friendly environment, it has become a popular place to live.
Residents in the city of Chula Vista enjoy a wide range of outdoor pursuits, such as swimming, biking, and hiking. One of the most popular spots? The Living Coast Discovery Center, which is situated on the waterfront and features a variety of exhibits and educational programs.
The residents of Chula Vista also enjoy a vibrant culture scene, as the area is known for hosting various cultural events, including the Chula Vista Lemon Festival. This festival draws in visitors from all around the region to don their best lemon-themed outfits, rock out to live music, participate in a lemon cook-off, and enjoy a wine and beer garden.
San Marcos is one of the fastest-growing cities in the region.
7. San Marcos, CA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,675
- Average home value: $978,500
- Great for: Families, job opportunities, educational institutions
- Commute into San Diego: 35-minute drive
San Marcos is one of the fastest-growing cities in the region. Its dedication to economic development and low crime rate make it an ideal place to live. It is even surrounded by a network of transportation, including a commuter rail line and a bus service. Rent and home prices may be pricey in San Diego’s best areas, but San Marcos is one of the most affordable cities near San Diego.
San Marcos is heavily dedicated to protecting the environment, as the city is involved in various conservation programs. It’s also home to some of the region's top educational institutions, such as Cal State University San Marcos and Palomar College.
| Q: What are the outskirts of San Diego? A: San Marcos, Poway, and Rancho Santa Fe are several communities on the outskirts of San Diego. |
8. Poway, CA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,500
- Average home value: $1.24M
- Great for: Families, countryside views, outdoor recreation, shopping, local events
- Commute into San Diego: 35-minute drive
The city of Poway is situated in the beautiful rolling hills and countryside and offers the ideal blend of suburban charm, natural beauty, and a flourishing community. It is referred to as "The City In The Country" because of its unique combination of urban and rural living.
Besides the high quality of the Poway Unified School District, the city of Poway also has plenty of recreational facilities. Some of these include its Lake Poway Park, which is full of fishing and hiking trails. Sports fans can also take advantage of the numerous athletic fields and leagues that the city has to offer.
And Poway has plenty of retail options, including the Poway Plaza, which features a variety of restaurants, stores, and services. Community events and festivals that celebrate the city's vibrant spirit are also held throughout the year, including the annual Poway Rodeo, known for showcasing Western heritage and attracting visitors from all around the region. The Farmers Market is another great place where residents gather and purchase local produce and other goods.
With a population of just under 4,000, Del Mar is also considered one of the best small cities near San Diego.
9. Del Mar, CA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,575
- Average home value: $3.67M
- Great for: Young professionals, families, beaches, shopping, car races
- Commute into San Diego: 25-minute drive
The magnificent coastal city of Del Mar is not only one of the best cities near San Diego to visit; it’s one of the best to live in as a full-time resident. One of the most popular spots is Del Mar Beach, which features sparkling blue waters and soft sand and is a great location for picnics and beach volleyball. Another popular beach is the Torrey Pines State Beach, which is south of Del Mar and features dramatic cliffs, as well as numerous swimming and surfing opportunities.
With a population of just under 4,000, Del Mar is also considered one of the best small cities near San Diego. Besides the natural beauty, the area has various attractions and amenities. One of these is the Del Mar Village, which is a vibrant downtown district full of art galleries, restaurants, and boutique shops.
The Del Mar Racetrack is another local institution that draws in visitors from all corners of the world. During the summer season, races are held at the track, and these events provide both locals and tourists with entertainment and excitement.
| Q: Which cities are close to San Diego? A: Coronado and Chula Vista are both within 20 minutes of San Diego. |
10. Coronado, CA
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,225
- Average home value: $2.51M
- Great for: Families, young professionals, beaches, waterfront homes, restaurants
- Commute into San Diego: 15-minute drive
The city of Coronado is one of the best beach cities near San Diego situated between the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. It has beautiful, top-notch beaches, such as the Coronado Central Beach, the Coronado Dog Beach, the Silver Strand State, and the Glorietta Bay Beach.
If you’re planning on living in coastal California and want to make the most out of your living situation, then you should consider purchasing a waterfront home in Coronado. There are many houses with ocean views located near the city's beaches, and they come with plenty of space and large windows.
When it comes to food, one of the best places to eat in Coronado is the Bluewater Boathouse, which specializes in various seafood dishes such as the Tuscan artichoke snapper and walnut-crusted halibut. Miguel's Cocina, a Mexican restaurant that serves up quality authentic dishes, is another hotspot in the area.
Relocate to the Best Cities Near San Diego With PODS
When you’re ready to move to one of the best cities near San Diego, PODS can help you get there. They can provide a portable moving container that's ready to be packed and loaded on your time — and in your own driveway. Then they’ll pick it up and deliver it to your new home when you're ready. It’s as easy as that!
Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
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