Best Places to Live in Pacific Beach

Explore Pacific Beach Neighborhoods

Crown Point
North Pacific Beach
Castle Hills/Kate Sessions
Mission Beach
Find Your Perfect Home in Pacific Beach

When it comes to Southern California coastal living, it’s hard to find a place that better exemplifies this idea than Pacific Beach, San Diego. With gorgeous sandy beaches such as Tourmaline Surfing Park, stretching for miles, this community, positioned right along the Pacific Ocean, and hugging the man-made Mission Bay, is the perfect place to put down roots for those wanting to embrace the chill beach lifestyle that California has to offer.

PB as the locals call it not only provides some of the most scenic views in all of San Diego but is also famous for its nightlife for those looking to enjoy an endless beach party way of living. If you’re one for surfing or getting out and enjoying the great outdoors, then Pacific Beach may be the perfect place for you.

Pacific Beach is a very desirable area to live in due to its spectacular beach location, but it also offers all the amenities one could desire, including unique cafés and coffee shops, gyms and nightclubs. Some of the things Pacific Beach is known for are:

• Luxurious homes
• Many amenities
• Great restaurants
• Outdoor activities
• Stunning ocean views

Due to its proximity to the ocean, the median for Pacific Beach is higher than other areas of San Diego, with the house median falling around $1.5 million according to the realtor.com.

At the Gluch Group, we understand that moving is both an exciting and stressful time in our lives. Finding your dream home in the right neighborhood can be especially challenging in today’s competitive real estate market. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best neighborhoods in Pacific Beach to help make your search for the perfect place to live easier. Within the borders of PB are a number of notable neighborhoods that would be considered the best places to live in Pacific Beach. Among them are Crown Point, North Pacific Beach, and Mission Beach, perfect for people looking for quintessential California living.

Crown Point

Located on the peninsula along the sparkling waters of Mission Bay, Crown Point serves as a more serene place to settle in Pacific Beach for families and young professionals alike. For those who love the outdoors, particularly water sports, the options are almost endless with everything from kayaking and canoeing to surfing and jet skiing. Not only that, but there are a handful of beautiful parks such as Crown Point Park that is a fantastic destination for a family picnic or to go for a morning run or bike ride. This family friendly area is quite welcoming to newcomers and offers beautiful homes that typically run north-south, as opposed to the east-west orientation found in many other parts of Pacific Beach. Lots tend to be bigger in Crown Point, making this a great place when looking for a home.

Neighborhood Highlights:

• Location: Central Pacific Beach, positioned in the peninsula of Mission Bay
• Atmosphere: Peaceful, secluded, family-friendly, welcoming
• Home features: Larger lots, sweeping ocean views, predominantly modern and Spanish-style homes
• Home prices: $900,000 to $9 million
• Scenery: Panoramic water views of Mission Bay, lush landscape
• Activities: Quiet streets and parks, popular for cycling and water sports
• Amenities: Short drive to downtown Pacific Beach

North Pacific Beach

North Pacific Beach is one of the most desirable areas in the PB community. This neighborhood is more residential and quieter compared to the heart of Pacific Beach. It’s perfect for families and individuals looking for a more relaxed beach vibe while still being close to all the action. North PB tends to be one of the most sought after locations in Pacific Beach, as it offers both peaceful coastal surroundings near the ocean and all the conveniences of city living.

North Pacific Beach not only offers upscale ambience but also some of the best schools in the district, including Pacific Beach Elementary School. Here, you’ll find charming cottages, upscale condos, and larger single-family homes with a mix of old and new. There are many Spanish-style properties, as well as mid-century homes and modern builds.

Neighborhood Highlights:

• Location: North Pacific Beach, south of Loring Ave
• Atmosphere: Tranquil, secluded, family-friendly
• Home features: Larger lots, sweeping ocean views, predominantly Spanish-style, mid-century, and coastal cottages
• Home prices: $1 million to $10 million
• Scenery: Scenic ocean views, lush landscape
• Activities: Coastal lifestyle, water sports, cycling
• Amenities: Easy access to many amenities

Castle Hills/Kate Sessions

In the northeast section of Pacific Beach are the Castle Hills and Kate Sessions neighborhoods. Homes are situated on elevated lots through the gently rolling hills of this area and provide gorgeous views of both the surrounding city and ocean. Located just off of Kate Sessions Park, this area provides a perfect blend of luxurious living and secluded tranquility. Although farther inland than some of the other Pacific Beach neighborhoods, the trade-off is larger lots that provide a sense of privacy and exclusivity. These communities also provide excellent schooling options for all ages, with educational institutions like Sessions Elementary School and Sandbox by the Sea Preschool.

The homes in the Castle Hills and Kate Sessions area of Pacific Beach are varied, but the predominating styles tend to be Mediterranean villas surrounding by well manicured lawns, and mid-century homes characterized by the simple minimalist style. This central PB area provides quick access to all the beachside amenities, and these neighborhoods are popular with families and professionals seeking a quieter retreat with breathtaking views.

Neighborhood Highlights:

• Location: Northeast Pacific Beach, surrounding Kate Sessions Park
• Atmosphere: Secluded, family-friendly, breathtaking views
• Home features: Larger elevated lots, predominantly Mediterranean-style and mid-century
• Home prices: $1 million to $6 million
• Scenery: Sweeping ocean and city views, park-like surroundings
• Activities: cycling, running, picnics, walking, close to the beach
• Amenities: Easy access to many amenities

Mission Beach

Technically a neighboring community, Mission Beach is often grouped together with Pacific Beach due to their proximity and shared boardwalk. Mission Beach is a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay, offering dual water access to both the east and the west. This laid back neighborhood attracts beach lovers and families, as well as plenty of vacationers. Surf shops, and casual eateries can be found in the plenty, and while it’s more relaxed than central PB, it still provides plenty of opportunities for fun and outdoor activities. With its historic boardwalk, beautiful beaches and wide variety of entertainment, people who enjoy a certain hustle and bustle of beach life will do well in the Mission Beach area.

Although a lively place to be, it is also quite welcome to families and provides excellent schooling options such as Te Kohanga Primary School, as well as family friendly activities like the vintage Giant Dipper Roller Coaster at Belmont Park. Homes in this area are quite varied and range from Spanish-style as well as Mediterranean to contemporary minimalist homes characterized by clean lines as walls of glass windows overlooking stunning ocean views. Cozy coastal cottages can also be found dotted throughout the landscape.

Neighborhood Highlights:

• Location: Southwest of Pacific Beach, dual water access to the east and west
• Atmosphere: Lively entertainment, water sports enthusiasts dream, breathtaking views
• Home features: Close to the water, a mixture of Mediterranean-style and contemporary
• Home prices: $900,000 to $8 million
• Scenery: Panoramic water views, sandy beaches, historic boardwalk
• Activities: water sports, surfing, jogging, cycling
• Amenities: Easy access to many dining and entertainment options as well as other amenities

Need Help Finding The Perfect Home In Pacific Beach?

If you’re ready to find your dream home in Pacific Beach, our team at the Gluch Group is here to help. With our deep knowledge of the Pacific Beach area and commitment to finding the perfect fit for each of our clients, we’ll guide you through the entire process and make your home search as smooth as possible. Whether you’re drawn to the lively charm of the Mission Beach area, the serene coastal views of Crown Point, or the exclusive living of Kate Sessions, or the luxury and privacy offered by the best gated communities in Pacific Beach, we can help you find the ideal home in one of the best places to live in Pacific Beach. Contact us today to start your journey toward living in one of Pacific Beach’s most desirable neighborhoods.