Learn the ins and outs of America's Finest City
Moving to San Diego: Relocation Guide
Are you considering moving to San Diego? San Diego is one of the second largest cities in California and is great for both house and business relocation. The city has mild weather and warm climates for people who enjoy the beach and sport life. It is a true paradise and a great place for house relocation as it contains universities, schools, packs, and more. Some of the best places to live in San Diego include Coronado, Camel Valley, Del Mar, La Jolla, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad and other areas where residents can enjoy both historic and modern life with great scenes.
The city has vibrant research, manufacturing, international trade, defense, and tourism industry, so there are many available jobs. There are miles of beautiful beaches. Many popular attractions. The climate is nice and idyllic.
Home to more than 100 different neighborhoods, several different parks, and an agricultural preserve, San Diego has something for everyone.
Important Relocation Highlights:
Relocation to San Diego is always a good idea. This family-centric city offers affordable living, high income, low crime, access to water sports, an outdoor lifestyle, very good universities, diverse neighborhoods, many road trips, reasonable traffic, good food, and drinks, and great year-round weather makes this a very good city to live. Make the move to the city. Living in San Diego is sure to be a pleasant experience.
- San Diego is home to a deep water port and shipbuilding yards. Home to the world’s largest naval fleet, around 15,000 local businesses rely on contracts with the Department of Defense.
- San Diego is thought to be a fairly safe area with 15% lower crime figures than many other cities in the country.
- San Diego has one of the highest median household incomes in the country, at $79,646.
- San Diego is one of the least expensive places to live in the state, with monthly rent averaging around $2,255 and the average home cost sitting at $729.000.
- With a lot of commuting options thanks to the SR 94, and a relatively low poverty rate of 13,8%. San Diego is one of the least stressed cities in California.
- San Diego offers those who live here a mild climate with approximately 140 days of sun every year.
- The area is proudly home to almost 500 different species of birds and is known to be one of the countries most “Birdiest” areas.
Best Places to Live in San Diego:
Here are the top eight places to live in San Diego in 2022.
Place | Affordability | Culture | Safety | Job Market | Education |
Carmel Valley | 7 out of 10 | 9.5 out of 10 | 8 out of 10 | 8 out of 10 | 10 out of 10 |
Torrey Hills | 7 out of 10 | 9 out of 10 | 10 out of 10 | 8 out of 10 | 10 out of 10 |
Rancho Bernardo | 7 out of 10 | 9.5 out of 10 | 7.5 out of 10 | 8 out of 10 | 10 out of 10 |
Del Mar Mesa | 7 out of 10 | 9.5 out of 10 | 10 out of 10 | 8 out of 10 | 10 out of 10 |
Solana Beach | 10 out of 10 | 9 out of 10 | 7 out of 10 | 8 out of 10 | 10 out of 10 |
Torrey Pines | 8.5 out of 10 | 9.5 out of 10 | 8.5 out of 10 | 9 out of 10 | 10 out of 10 |
Rancho Penasquitos | 10 out of 10 | 10 out of 10 | 8.5 out of 10 | 8 out of 10 | 10 out of 10 |
University City | 6.5 out of 10 | 9.5 out of 10 | 8 out of 10 | 7.5 out of 10 | 9 out of 10 |
Finding the right place to live in San Diego may not be easy. However, making a note of what you want can help you determine which area is right for you.
- Torrey Pines and Rancho Penasquitos are the safest areas
- Carmel Valley, Rancho Bernardo, Del Mar Mesa, and Torrey Pines are cultural hot spots.
- The schools are known for being very good in all of the above areas of San Diego.
- Torrey Pines has the best job market.
- Solana Beach and Rancho Penasquitos are the most affordable areas.
A little more about each area:
Carmel Valley – Carmel Valley is an area that is comprised of countless parks, homes, shopping, entertainment, and great schools. The Valley’s name is derived from the Carmelite Sisters of Mercy who established a monastery and a farm here in the early 20th century. Considered to be one of the newest neighborhoods, Carmel Valley is known for its exceptional schools and neighborhoods.
Torrey Hills - Originally known as “Sorrento Hills”, Torrey Hills was renamed in 2001 and is known for offering good access to the 56 freeway. Thought to be fully built, this neighborhood is full of a lot of coffee shops and parks making it ideal for young professionals.
Rancho Bernardo – Thought to be the ideal neighborhood for those who are retired and families, Rancho Bernardo is full of rolling hills and canyons. Home to an annual carnival and the area's oldest winery, the area also houses a lot of corporate headquarters.
Del Mar Mesa – Developed in the early 2000s, and containing more than 90 acres of protected habitat, Del Mar Mesa is also home to some stunning archaeological finds. With an average age of 38 years, this neighborhood is considered to be ideal for families.
Solana Beach – Solana Beach is a coastal neighborhood that is home to beach activities. Close to Interstate 5, the area has a laid-back feel and is ideal for young families.
Torrey Pines – Considered to be a laid-back community, Torrey Pines is home to a lot of offices and even more parks and open spaces. This makes it ideal for those who love the outdoors. With highly-rated local schools, the area also has a lot of entertainment facilities.
Rancho Penasquitos – Full of equestrian trails in addition to biking and hiking trails, Rancho Penasquitos’ name derives from the name of the 1st Mexican land grant in the area. Those who live in this neighborhood will need to depend on their cars as public transportation isn’t what it could be.
University City – University City is bordered by Miramar and La Jolla. Home to railroad tracks that pass through Rose Canyon, the area is typically residential and is ideal for families. Home to many bird species, and vernal pools, this neighborhood could be the right neighborhood for you if you love the outdoors.
Business Relocation: Important Notes
The city has a thriving business scene. According to a Forbes magazine report from 2014, San Diego is the best city in the United States for launching a startup company or a small business. A high-tech industry marketing consortium has dubbed the city "Technology's Perfect Climate".
- The major industries are manufacturing, research, international trade, tourism, and defense;
- The city council offers business incentives;
- Expedited building and development permit approvals;
- Highly educated workforce;
- The United States Navy is the largest employer, followed by the University of California, and Sharp HealthCare.
Make moving to San Diego California easy with these useful tips.
- Stay organized. Moving is stressful because of logistics management. There is so much to do, after all. Create a to-do list. Plan both the departure and the arrival. It will be smooth if you plan well and stay organized.
- Seek relocation assistance from your employer. Negotiate if you have to. Get quotes for San Diego from professional moving companies (truck rental, packaging, transportation expenses, storage, etc.) and give your employer a detailed estimate. Many employers will agree to reimburse or finance the move.
- Know the cost of living in San Diego. The living cost varies significantly for each city in the US. The salary will compensate for the cost. But it is still important to have an idea about what to expect in the new city.
- Notify your utility suppliers about your move. You will be living in San Diego. So how much will the utilities cost in your area? How much will you have to spend on groceries every month?
- Approach local or long-distance San Diego moving companies for quotes. Budget for everything, including storage and cleaning costs.
- Look after your important documents. Keep them safe in a bag. You should know where they are precise. Best, carry them yourself at all times.
- Spend time with your friends and neighbors. Organize a party so you can say your goodbyes. Ask them to help you pack.
- Proper box labeling is very important. You will know which box contains what exactly. It will be very frustrating and time-consuming if you have to open them all to find small things.
- Rent storage space. Unpacking and settling down can also be stressful. You don’t have to do everything in a day. Space it out. Keep some items stored in a safe storage facility. Fetch them when you are ready and settled down.
Things to do in San Diego:
Things to do | Address | Opening Hours | Entry Fee |
USS Midway Museum | 910 N Harbour Drive, San Diego, CA 92101-5811 | Mon-Sun 10 am – 5 pm | $18.00 to $26.00 |
San Diego Zoo | 2929 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA, 92101 | All Days: 9 AM to 6 PM | $52 to $62 |
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park | 1253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92107-4015 | All hours | Free |
Balboa Park | 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101-1660 | All hours | Free |
La Jolla Caves | La Jolla, San Diego, CA | Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9 am – 4:30 pm, Wed 9:30-4 pm, Sat-Sun closed | Prices available upon booking |
Prices are correct at the time of writing. There are many things to do in San Diego, however, the above chart shows some of the most popular destinations.
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