San Diego, California

What's the cost of living in San Diego, CA?

Living in San Diego is not particularly affordable. Home prices are considerably higher than the national median sale price and are predicted to increase. Additionally, many living in the downtown area have to pay homeowners association fees, used to maintain common areas in apartment and condominium complexes. San Diegans are willing to pay these elevated prices, though, often referring to the cost-of-living differences as the "sunshine tax," or the price of enjoying a year-round temperate climate.

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What's the best way to get around San Diego, CA?

San Diego is expansive, and for the most part, getting around requires a car. Residents experience congestion during rush hours in certain pockets on the main highways, including Interstate 5, which runs along the coast. But traffic in San Diego is still among the most manageable of the nation's largest metro areas.

Some residents use a local commuter train called the Coaster to travel from North County to downtown. The system is convenient for weekday commutes; however, the final train departs early in the evening on weekends, which limits its use for evening events. Additionally, San Diego has a trolley system that circles the downtown area and stretches as far south as San Ysidro. The system is undergoing an expansion of its rails to provide wider-reaching service. San Diego is also serviced by a reliable citywide bus system. While these modes of transportation provide options for residents, only 3% of the population uses them.

The San Diego International Airport is conveniently located just north of downtown and services both national and international destinations. Also, Amtrak has a line that connects San Diego to Los Angeles and beyond.  

Who lives in San Diego, CA?

San Diego is home to a relatively young population due in part to the area's ability to attract young professionals, with its higher education opportunities and big-city amenities. North County is desirable for families, thanks to quiet neighborhoods with larger homes, whereas 20-somethings are moving downtown and to communities to the northeast as a result of gentrification and the diverse entertainment options centralized in those areas.

Just under half the population in San Diego identifies as religious. A large portion of those individuals are Catholic, although other Christian sects and some Eastern religions are also represented.