San Diego 75 Excellent
San Diego Livability #128 ranked city in California#3,790 ranked city in the USARanks better than 87% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in San Diego

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

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What's it like Living in San Diego?

San Diego is a big city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 1,414,545 people. With a population density of 4,341 people per square mile, San Diego is well above the nation's average density level. More than a quarter of the residents of San Diego identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 22% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. In San Diego, only 49% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in San Diego, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 25 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in San Diego, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in San Diego and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.

San Diego, CA receives 77/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #104 in California and #2,448 in the USA. Based on this score, San Diego would be considered a very livable city! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, San Diego has been rewarded with high marks for education (A+) and employment (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in San Diego. The following was graded with a discouraging score: cost of living (F).

Living in San Diego offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, San Diego provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in San Diego are: San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, and SeaWorld San Diego.

Assuming that San Diego meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in San Diego. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in San Diego are simply unattainable. The median home price for San Diego homes is $629,500, which is 53.8% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in San Diego, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.5, which is 17.2% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around San Diego

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How Do You Rate The Livability In San Diego?

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Compare San Diego, CA Livability

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      San Diego transportation information

      Statistic San Diego California National
      Average one way commute25min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.0%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.5%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.6%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.8%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.9%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home10.5%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The San Diego, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).