The three best places to live in San Diego are Coronado, La Jolla, and Imperial Beach. Here’s why!

Coronado

Coronado is the secret gem of San Diego. A quick trip from Downtown San Diego across the Coronado Bay Bridge brings you to a charming island that has something for everyone. From gorgeous beaches to a beautiful view of Downtown San Diego from the bayside, Coronado is an incredible place to visit and an even better place to live.

The proximity to the beach is unbeatable no matter where you are located on the island. Anchored by the Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado Central Beach is an iconic San Diego location. You can find all of the local dog owners over at the Coronado dog beach. It is also a quick five-minute drive from the Silver Strand State Beach where there are local campgrounds. When you’re done with your day in the sun, you can find local stores and restaurants all the way down Orange Avenue through town.

Homes on Coronado are typically single-family and tend to be pricey. The median home price on Coronado is around 1.6 million. However, the market is extremely strong on the island. It is a stable investment as homes on Coronado appreciate quickly due to the unique charm and characteristics of the market.

Coronado falls under the Coronado Unified School District. There are two high schools, one middle school, and two elementary schools as well as several specialized and unconventional schools. There are also a few private school options as well. The schools fantastic, and the island is extremely safe as well. An 11:00 pm military curfew for those under 18 years of age keeps the island quiet and friendly at night.

For those commuting into Downtown San Diego, it is a quick twelve-minute drive into the heart of Downtown. Coronado’s proximity to Downtown allows for easy access to Little Italy, the Gaslamp District, Hillcrest, and North Park. The real charm of Coronado is that you will likely never want to leave because of the friendly, welcoming culture on the island.

La Jolla

La Jolla is a seaside community known for its beautiful coastline and breathtaking views. Just north of Downtown San Diego, it lies an incredible community that exists on seven miles of the pacific coastline.

The area is home to the popular Torrey Pines State National Reserve and the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course. La Jolla Cove has incredible ocean views accompanied by a beach. High-end boutiques and restaurants line the walkable La Jolla Village. The shopping and dining options in the area are arguably some of the best in San Diego.

La Jolla real estate is different from Coronado in one major way: it has incredible views. The sacrifice is that it can be less homey in some respects. Homes in the area are also mostly single-family and are also on the more expensive side. The median home price in La Jolla is around 1.5 million.

La Jolla has a great school system as well. It is a part of the San Diego Unified School District. Most notably, La Jolla is home to a few prestigious private schools that are unmatched. Two worth noting are The Bishop’s School and La Jolla Country Day School.

La Jolla is just a twenty-minute drive north of Downtown San Diego for those commuting. There are also a number of financial and corporate jobs located in the La Jolla area. For those looking to experience a higher-end version of San Diego, La Jolla is for you.

Imperial Beach

Imperial Beach is the most southern beach community in San Diego. Located just minutes away from Naval Base Coronado, Imperial Beach has its own memorable piece of the California coastline.


The Imperial Beach community is lucky to have two gorgeous beaches to choose from. The first is located near the iconic Imperial Beach Pier, while the second is located just minutes away at the Silver Strand State Beach. Sprinkled throughout the area are local restaurants and breweries that serve the neighboring community.

The major benefit of the real estate market in Imperial Beach is that it is more affordable for those still looking to be in close proximity to the beach. The median home price is around $700K. The real charm of Imperial Beach is that if you are looking for a high-end property, you can likely find something that is beachfront.

Imperial Beach is just as safe as other areas in San Diego. The presence of the Navy has really anchored the area into being a family-friendly community. The South Bay Union School District also does a great job in Imperial Beach.

For those commuting to Downtown San Diego, Imperial Beach is a short twenty-minute drive. It is also only a ten-minute drive into Coronado. If you are looking for a quiet beachfront community, Imperial Beach will not disappoint.

Are you considering moving to San Diego? Contact the Gluch Group today! Let us help you find your dream home. Also, check out our housing market forecast for San Diego, and let us know if you have any questions.


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