San Diego : California
Living a Beach Lifestyle in San Diego, California
In San Diego, California the beach is a way of life, a source of pride and joy, a defining influence in people's lives. People can surf and sail, bike, run, swim, and dive along San Diego's many coastal beaches and bays. Whether you're a first-time visitor or life-long resident, The San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau encourages you to enjoy the beach and hopes our information makes your upcoming beach visit a memorable and carefree time. 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 exclusive La Jolla. 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
Your Stories about San Diego, California
Discuss this review of San Diego in the Forum
If you have suggestions on how Topretirements.com could improve these reviews, contact us.
Suggest a community that you think is a great place for this lifestyle.
Tell us Your Story about this lifestyle or city. Add a Video about it.