Living a Cultural Center Lifestyle in San Diego, California

Those looking to celebrate culture will have San Diego on their lists. The city boasts almost every type of entertainment, from orchestras to dance to professional sports to one of the world's finest zoos. Additionally, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is a big draw. San Diego's scenery, climate, and lifestyle are second to none. Its bustling downtown area has a busy convention area and city parks set alongside hundreds of anchored pleasure boats. San Diego is California’s second largest city.

There are many communities within San Diego, including the exclusive La Jolla with its many fine restaurants, shops, and galleries. The climate is close to perfect - the sun shines almost every day, it is rarely too hot, and almost never too cool. The University of California, San Diego is a vital force in the community, along with the famed San Diego Zoo. The U.S. has a major base on the city’s waterfront.

Where to Retire in San Diego and Home Prices

San Diego features homes and apartments set atop hills in many different neighborhoods. There are many active adult developments to choose from in the area (see link at top left).
The main drawback to living in San Diego is the expensive housing. Starter homes tend to be in the hundreds of thousands. Fortunately there are apartments that can be had for less, either as condos or as rentals. Surrounding areas tend to be slightly less expensive, the more so as one goes away from the water. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median price of a home in the San Diego/Carlsbad area was $905,000 in the 1st quarter of 2022.

What Is Special about San Diego

• Best climate in the U.S. – only 10 inches of rain per year • Large city with a small town feel • Gas Lamp District • Urban renewal has been very successful • Mount Soledad • San Diego Zoo • Balboa Park and its museums • Torrey Pines (Public) Golf Course • UC San Diego

What Is Not Special about San Diego

 It tends to be very expensive; California traffic

Climate and Physical Environment

San Diego is one of the world’s great harbors. The city lies on deep canyons and hills separating it from many mesas, many of which are parks. The coastal plain which quickly rises to hills to the east. Sandy beaches dot the ocean.  San Diego gets about 10" of rain per year, most of which comes January thru early spring.  The May/June "gloom" period often brings fog or a marine layer/gray days.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

San Diego has much to offer for those looking for serious cultural opportunities, particularly those at UC San Diego and the many other universities in the area. The San Diego Zoo is world famous.  Don't miss the San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Museum of Natural History. There is opera, symphonies, and a growing art scene - everything you would expect in a prosperous city in southern California.

Crime

Crime in San Diego has steadily dropped to just below the national average.

Medical Facilities

San Diego has at least 10 hospitals.

Transportation

San Diego International Airport is close to city center. Coaster has rail stations in San Diego connecting to Los Angeles and Amtrak

Valuable Links

San Diego, CA

San Diego on Wikipedia

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