6 Best Places in San Diego for Families to Live in 2022 | 2023
Picking a place to raise your family is crucial for parents. You must consider the schools and crime rates, but also look at quality of life issues like access to public parks, museums, zoos, and other family-friendly entertainment. San Diego offers many neighborhoods who fit the bill for those seeking an exceptional home life.
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Every neighborhood and suburb in San Diego is different and produces its own vibe, so it pays to look around to see what feels right for you and your family. Below are the top six best places for families to live in San Diego.
Here’s a quick rundown of our list:
1. Solana Beach
Solana Beach takes the number one spot as the best San Diego neighborhood for families on two different reviews. There are numerous reasons for the distinction. The suburb is small with only 13,362 in population, so it is easy to get to know your neighbors and fit in. It is a rich area with the average family averaging $103,864 in annual earnings. That is the second highest in the area. The unemployment rate is a low 3.8 percent and the poverty rate is equally low at 4.9 percent.
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The median home price in Solana Beach is just over $1 million and the median rent is $1,892. Most people in Solana Beach, around 58 percent, own their homes. The community consists of both young professionals and retirees. Residents are mostly conservative, which is unique because most San Diego neighborhoods lean liberal.
The schools in Solana Beach are exceptional, making it a great place to raise kids.
Search for Solana Beach homes, townhomes, and condos here…
2. Coronado
Those families not ready to buy may want to consider Coronado to live. With a population of 24,852, this suburb is welcoming to renters. A little more than half of its residents rent with a median rent of $2,268. This is another rich community with the median household income hitting around $92,413. It is community with a lot of diversity and a mix of retirees and young professionals. Most residents lean conservative.
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Almost 80 percent of residents have some higher education with 30 percent earning bachelor’s degrees and another 30 percent earning master’s degrees. The unemployment rate is 5.7 percent and the poverty rate is 5.3 percent.
The median home price is $1,332,500. The suburb as above average safety and crime measures and the schools are considered excellent.
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Coronado is unique from other San Diego communities because it is a peninsula with water on three sides, making for fantastic views. There are convenient interstates and highways to easily get to downtown.
Search for Coronado homes, townhomes, and condos here…
3. Del Mar
Del Mar is a highly desired area, making the cost of living a little higher. It is a really small suburb with only 4,338 and constantly ranks in the top spots for best places to live for families.
One of its best features is its location. It lays along the beach and some inland, making it perfect for families looking for a lot of beach time. There is a lot of green space nearby also, so the you can take the kids on outdoor adventures.
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This suburb is incredibly safe with an above average crime and safety rating. The schools are also considered excellent, but are crowded.
The median home value is $2 million and the median rent is $1,987. Fifty-four percent of its residents own their homes. The median income is $122,563. The unemployment rate is low at 3.9 percent, but the poverty rate is a little higher than other top-rated communities at 6.9 percent. Most residents have either a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. Most are conservative.
Search for Del Mar homes, townhomes, and condos here…
4. Encinitas
Enchinitas is one of the more populated suburbs in San Diego with 62,595 residents. There is less diversity as most residents are families and young professionals with the majority leaning conservative. However, there are older people living there too, although senior citizens make up only 16 percent of the resident population.
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Encinitas, located along the beach, has a strong crime and safety rating and the schools are noted as exceptional.
Horseback riding is popular in Encinitas and people ride them throughout the community in the inland areas.
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Sixty-four percent of residents own their homes. The median home value is $820,400. The median rent is $1,791. The median income is $100,698, so the cost of living in this community is hard for many middle-income families.
Search for Encinitas homes, townhomes, and condos here…
5. Carlsbad
Carlsbad has it all as far as a mix between beach and mountains, open space versus city and is known for its natural beauty. This makes it a great place for families.
The population of Carlsbad is 113,147 and the unemployment rate is 5.2 percent. The poverty rate is a little high than many areas at 6.6, but Carlsbad consistently ranks in top spots for families to live. Its safety and crime rating is above average.
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Most residents, around 64 percent, in this community own their homes. The median home value is $674,400 and the median rent is $1,830. The median income is $102,722. Around a third of the community’s residents have bachelor’s degrees and a quarter of the population have master’s degrees. Most are conservative.
Search for Carlsbad homes, townhomes, and condos here…
6. Poway
Poway, located inland, is attractive to families because it has great jobs and is growing in affluence. Yet, no one is flooding to move there so there are plenty of housing options.
The population is 49,874 and the median income is $102,228. The unemployment rate is a little higher than other areas because it sits at 6.5 percent. The poverty rate is 6.7 percent.
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Its residents consist mostly of families and young professionals. Home ownership is big with 74 percent of residents owning their homes. Residents have moderate political views.
The schools are considered excellent and the crime and safety rate is above average. The median home value is $583,100 with median rent falling around $1,497.
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One factor that sets Poway apart is its number of parks. There are many throughout the community.
Search for Poway homes, townhomes, and condos here…
Families can find a community right for them with the number of choices available in San Diego.
Those who would like help can contact me — I would love to help you in your move to the area.
Leave me a comment below — or, contact me here.
Your Family Insider,
Scott
