2024 Best Places to Live in the San Diego Area

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.43 out of 5  37 reviews

Current Resident: Tucked away on Southern California's sun-kissed sands, Solona Beach is a coastal sanctuary that offers a unique combination of unspoiled beauty, easygoing charm, and a strong sense of community. Nestled between the vibrant metropolises of San Diego and Del Mar, Solana Beach enthralls tourists with its immaculate shorelines, creative flare, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. There are many good restaurant places to eat including lots of pizza and Italian places.... Read 37 reviews

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• Population 12,946

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  65 reviews

Current Resident: I've been living in San Diego for over 10 years now, and I absolutely love Carmel Valley! It's a very clean, safe suburb, perfect for families, and very dog friendly! And the best part? The beaches and Torrey Pines are just a quick 5 to 15 minute drive away, depending on where you're at in Carmel Valley. The recent expansion of Del Mar Highland Town Center and the opening of One Paseo a couple of years ago have only made us love this place even more! Another amazing thing about Carmel Valley is its west, centralized location. You're not too far from North County or downtown SD, plus the freeways are very accessible for anyone who commutes. Now the cons about living here... Housing can be very expensive due to top-rated schools/location and we're missing the large discount retailers like Target, Walmart, Costco, etc. which is a bummer!... Read 65 reviews

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• Population 33,422

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  109 reviews

Visitor: I wish to apply for new undergraduate degree into this institution and I need your assistance towards getting admission and scholarship to support my educational career goal and other grand... Read 109 reviews

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• Population 64,409

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  78 reviews

Current Resident: I love Coronado!!! Everything is close by and the local restaurants serve great foods that are unique. It's great that the beach is walking distance from everywhere.... Read 78 reviews

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• Population 18,871

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  18 reviews

Former Resident: It's really beautiful and safe. It is rather expensive though. I went to a public school and the education there was fantastic.... Read 18 reviews

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• Population 3,956

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.41 out of 5  165 reviews

Current Resident: We love living here. We are originally from Santa Barbara and Australia. This feels a bit like both. We were lucky to be able to buy our house before the prices got away from us. I've heard it is expense here now. The last mayor told me an interesting statistic that stuck with me. This was before Covid. She said that 95% of of the residents work outside of Encinitas. And 95% of the workers in Encinitas live outside of Encinitas. I think that is quit telling. Since Covid, I know that many of my neighbors that used to commute to jobs in the Bay Area now work from home. But the employers are not here. I also now work from home part time.... Read 165 reviews

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• Population 61,942

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.42 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: I moved into the neighborhood of Sabre Springs about 6 months ago. I liked it right away, its very clean and welcoming. I love the greenery and all the close by trails and nature spots. The neighbors I've met have been very nice and I'm glad to be surrounded by calm and companionable people. One thing I did not expect was crime. There's been reports of car break ins and stolen car parts and other items. Also, I've heard of some alarming suspicious activity, as I'm a petite lady. I'd like to see these things change as its such a beautiful neighborhood and I would love to feel completely safe in my home. Overall, I've really enjoyed my time in Sabre Springs so far and look forward to more little adventures here.... Read 19 reviews

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• Population 10,292

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.47 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: We love it here! We moved to San Diego about 9 years ago, and we have loved it here ever since. From living in an apartment to moving into our own house, CMR has been the most fabulous neighborhood. Everything is within walking distance--restaurants, movie theaters, shopping, you name it and we have it. This is the most wonderful place to be, and despite the high costs of living, I wouldn't change a thing.... Read 19 reviews

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• Population 11,237

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  16 reviews

Niche User: It's gorgeous, laid-back, and everyone's friendly.... Read 16 reviews

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• Population 9,763

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  97 reviews

Current Resident: Nestled in the rolling hills of San Diego, Rancho Peñasquitos offers the best of Southern California, with its near-perfect weather, excellent schools, and abundant parks and open spaces. Known for its growing diversity and civic participation, it draws families and professionals of all backgrounds seeking community connection. Yet its high desirability paired with limited housing inventory has made affordability elusive for many aspiring residents, especially lower-income families and essential workers unable to keep pace with rapidly rising rents and home prices. Still, Peñasquitians continue opening their hearts and neighborhoods to newcomers. Public events and neighborhood groups foster bonds across age, culture, and language differences. The civic spirit endures even as budgets are stretched thin, with most agreeing that keeping Rancho welcoming to all who wish to share in its everyday blessings remains an aspiration worth striving for, however challenging the road ahead.... Read 97 reviews

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• Population 42,364

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Niche User: I live in a very wonderful area and I have access to everything I need. It's a fairly wealthy and very clean area. The only aspect of this area that I do not like is how superficial some people are; there are a lot of plastic surgeons who get lots of business around here and it is a little off-putting how fake people's bodies are and sometimes their personality matches that superficiality.... Read 4 reviews

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• Population 13,312

• City in California

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  Rating 4.41 out of 5  385 reviews

Current Resident: Carlsbad is home to some of the largest Fortune 500 companies. Some of the best and accessible beaches in San Diego . It has become one of the best bike friendly cities in the country. The diversity of local restaurants is amazing! One of the largest Police departments due to its strong industrial base keeps citizens safe. A small regional airport for private planes. You would be hard pressed with the beaches and year around weather to find a better place to call home!... Read 385 reviews

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• Population 114,745

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: Best for families with young children. Good public and private school nearby. Weather stays on the cooler side if you like that. I found it to be a little gloomy most of the time. Freeways are close and most of the neighborhoods are not gated. I grew up in San Diego and although Torreyhills is central, I find it is becoming a melting pot.... Read 6 reviews

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• Population 6,383

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  125 reviews

Other: La Jolla is overall a really nice and enjoyable place. Especially if you live closer to the beach, it's really clean and easy to commute with a car and knowing the bus system. Highly recommend visiting the cove, and all the little coffee shops.... Read 125 reviews

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• Population 28,412

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  111 reviews

Current Resident: Not much to do but that comes with its pros and cons. Not much crime other than graffiti and car, and sometimes house break-ins. Its a place you need camreas and locks but nothing overly protective. Good place to raise young kids but for teenagers/young adults there isnt much to do. Nice views and trails and some good resturants... Read 111 reviews

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• Population 44,420

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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• Population 2,395

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: Very Safe Neighborhood, Two of the top 5 high schools in the San Diego Area (Westview and Del Norte), top rated public schools of all grades, top rated school district (PUSD), Extremely clean and community oriented, amazing public pools and parks, bike paths and hiking trails in the area.... Read 1 review

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• Population 19,575

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.21 out of 5  76 reviews

Current Resident: Pacific Beach is filled with things to do: go to the beach, shop, eat at any type of food place you'd like, etc. Night life is great and the atmosphere is awesome.... Read 76 reviews

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• Population 40,677

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  26 reviews

Former Resident: I lived in Hillcrest for a year or so. As a San Diegan, it's odd to see Uptown listed as a neighborhood. It's not something I hear often and even when I Google "Uptown" the bar pops up but not a neighborhood. I believe the Uptown area would be a fantastic place to live if you can afford it, are looking for a lively yet safe LGBT community to happily live your best life or are looking for an exciting change from planet boring. I'll never get over how beautiful Balboa Park is, the museums filled with so much to learn and see, various events, the pride festival, Halloween trails, the fruit loop, and so much more. Great for runners. Many every morning (great morning view). Like the rest of San Diego public transportation could be better. Parking sucks depending on the time of day or if there are events happening. Great night life and eateries. Growing up, I was told Mission Hills was La Jolla back in the days. I would say much like La Jolla, there are some beautiful homes.... Read 26 reviews

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• Population 39,982

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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• Population 3,014

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  23 reviews

Current Resident: Middle to upper middle class. Families with children going to public and private schools. Homes priced just below $2 mil to $4+ mil. Low home sales inventory, this neighborhood is highly sought after. Drives up prices. Lots of Teslas on driveways and streets. Neighbors are kind, respectful, like their privacy...yet, some can come off snobby, entitled, plastic or anti-social. Good diversity, good restaurant choices nearby. Freeway access is easy but can get crowded during rush hours. Good access points in all four directions. High wildfire zone area, we've had to evacuate twice in 2003 and 2007. Difficult finding home insurance coverage because of the wildfires.... Read 23 reviews

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• Population 11,472

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: Rancho Santa Fe is small and tight-knit town. There are plenty of community events throughout the year, such as concerts, farmer's markets, and holiday celebrations. Another great thing about Rancho Santa Fe is its location. The town is situated just a few miles from the coast, which means residents can enjoy all the benefits of beach living without the crowds and congestion of larger cities. Additionally, the town is surrounded by rolling hills and open space, which provides ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. In terms of education, Rancho Santa Fe has some of the best public and private schools in the area. Overall, Rancho Santa Fe is a wonderful place to live. It offers a high quality of life, a strong sense of community, and plenty of opportunities for recreation and education. If you are looking for a safe, welcoming, and beautiful place to call home, Rancho Santa Fe is definitely worth considering.... Read 9 reviews

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• Population 3,033

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  58 reviews

Current Resident: Bottom line, I love living in Scripps Ranch. I have been here my entire life and have lived in 4 different houses all within Scripps Ranch. One of my favorite things about where I live is the feeling of a community without actually being a big town or city. Anywhere I go I am bound to run into a friend or someone I haven't talked to in a while. Everyone is so welcoming and our entire community pitches in when necessary.... Read 58 reviews

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• Population 21,252

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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• Population 2,058

• Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

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  Rating 3.24 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: It is definitely in a very good location with quick freeway access to major highways. There is an elementary school, middle school, and high school all within walking distance. People tend to be friendly and there is a local strip mall that's on the small side. Houses are nice but the whole area is on a major road - Camino Del Sur, where many don't observe speed limits and there is a lot of traffic during school times. Other than that it's a pretty nice place to live. There are lots of hiking trails nearby within the canyons and the bike path is right off the freeway.... Read 17 reviews

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• Population 8,715