19 Popular San Diego Neighborhoods: Where to Live in San Diego in 2023

19 Popular San Diego Neighborhoods: Where to Live in San Diego in 2023

Time Stamp: October 24, 2023 3:06 PM
Source Node: 2346868

13. Normal Heights

Normal Heights is a vibrant neighborhood with plenty of trendy restaurants, cafes, and lively pubs. Known for its close-knit community, Normal Heights is a primarily residential and suburban area that’s centrally located to downtown San Diego, the beach, the airport, and attractions such as SeaWorld. Residents love how pet-friendly and walkable the area is, as well as the diversity among those who call Normal Heights home. If you take a stroll down Adams Avenue, you’ll find antique shops, a handful of breweries and tap houses, and several restaurants offering global cuisines. There’s a wide range of homes in Normal Heights, from older historic homes to remodeled and modern townhomes. 

Median Sale Price: $800,000
Homes for sale in Normal Heights | Apartments for rent in Normal Heights

14. North Park

Located just northeast of Balboa Park is the trendy, laid-back neighborhood of North Park. You’ll quickly know you’ve reached the area once you see the large neon North Park sign in the middle of University Avenue, which is lined with local coffee shops, craft breweries, and plenty of casual eateries. The restaurant scene in North Park is made up of upscale pubs, delicious taco shops, trendy brunch spots, and international cuisines. With Balboa Park just a few minutes away, there are plenty of green spaces and attractions in North Park. The homes in North Park are mostly small to medium-sized single-family homes and duplexes. Many of these are historic homes that have been renovated and updated, but some still retain their original charm. You’ll also find a few apartments and condos in the area as well. 

Median Sale Price: $785,000
Homes for sale in North Park | Apartments for rent in North Park

15. Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach, often referred to as “OB,” is a beachfront community that boasts a vintage, classic Californian beach vibe. Known for its surf culture and Bohemian atmosphere, the neighborhood is made up of unique residential homes, quaint apartments, quirky shops, and casual eateries. Oftentimes you’ll find people fishing off the pier, surfing, soaking up the sun, or playing with their dogs at one of the many dog-friendly beaches. While the style of homes varies depending on the location within the neighborhood, most of the homes in OB are small, single-story houses or bungalows. Many of these homes were built in the early 1900s and have a vintage feel. 

Median Sale Price: $1,225,000
Homes for sale in Ocean Beach | Apartments for rent in Ocean Beach

16. Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beach culture. With its well-maintained boardwalk, you’ll find plenty of vendors, bars, and restaurants. Many people also run, rollerblade, and walk their dogs along the boardwalk, making it a great area to get outdoors and enjoy the San Diego sun. If the beach is too busy, residents venture over to Kate Sessions Park, where they lounge and enjoy sweeping ocean views. While the neighborhood tends to be more relaxed, Pacific Beach comes to life at night with its prominent bar-hopping scene. The homes in Pacific Beach are a mix of apartments, condos, and single-family homes. Many of the homes are beachfront properties or smaller bungalow homes. 

Median Sale Price: $1,499,000
Homes for sale in Pacific Beach 

17. Point Loma

Point Loma is known for its rugged peninsula and stunning ocean views. It’s home to the Cabrillo National Monument, the Point Loma Lighthouse, and one of the best spots to view the sunset, Sunset Cliffs. You’ll find a plethora of shops and dining options at Point Loma Marina, people fishing and surfing, and amazing tide pools here as well. But despite being a popular area for tourists and locals alike, the community feels close and tight-knit in Point Loma. The residential area of the neighborhood offers a variety of housing types and an urban feel. The homes in Point Loma are mostly single-family homes, although there are some duplexes and townhomes as well. You’ll find that there are many mid-century ranch-style homes, with a mix of new-construction modern townhomes too. 

Median Sale Price: $1,800,000
Homes for sale in Point Loma | Apartments for rent in Point Loma

18. South Park

If you’re looking to live in a neighborhood with a lot of character, South Park is a great option. The neighborhood is known for its hipster culture and unique, independently-owned shops – there are over 70 small businesses in this charming yet eclectic neighborhood. South Park is also home to many restaurants and bars, so there is always a new place to try out. You’ll find a handful of craft coffee roasteries, farm-to-table restaurants, and rustic taverns serving up some of the best burgers. However, with its proximity to Balboa Park, the area can be noisy and crowded, making parking difficult to find. South Park has a variety of housing options. You can find both older and new-construction apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes for sale and for rent. 

Median Sale Price: $1,460,000
Homes for sale in South Park | Apartments for rent in South Park

19. University Heights

University Heights is a charming neighborhood in San Diego with a small-town feel that is also close to all the amenities of a big city. The streets are lined with trees, and the architecture is a mix of Victorian, Craftsman, and Spanish Colonial Revival styles. The neighborhood is conveniently located near shops and restaurants, and it’s also just a short walk from Balboa Park. The neighborhood is also home to Trolley Barn Park, which offers plenty of open green space to enjoy on a sunny day and offers live music and movies throughout the summer. If you love cafes and coffee shops, then you’ll be glad to know that there are tons in University Heights, in addition to the handful of restaurants and quirky shops. University Heights is home to a variety of housing types, from single-family homes to apartments and condos. There’s also a mix of home styles, but the most popular styles include Victorian, Craftsman, and Spanish Colonial Revival styles. 

Median Sale Price: $749,000
Homes for sale in University Heights | Apartments for rent in University Heights

Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during October 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com during October 2023. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during October 2023.

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