Thinking about moving to San Diego? San Diego is considered one of the best places to live on the West Coast thanks to its incredible year-round weather. When assessing the top neighborhoods in San Diego, we account for key factors such as crime rates, housing affordability, and access to amenities. The neighborhoods highlighted here offer residents a great quality of life and proximity to fun San Diego activities while remaining safe and budget-friendly. Check out these five affordable, safe neighborhoods in San Diego!
| Neighborhood | Carmel Valley | Rancho Bernardo | Rancho Penasquitos | Sabre Springs | Scripps Ranch |
| Median Home Price | $1,037,794 | $553,456 | $770,052 | $714,900 | $791,708 |
| Median Rent Price | $2,657 | $1,732 | $2,676 | $2,648 | $2,710 |
| Safer than % of City Neighborhoods | 92% | 94% | 91% | 90% | 95% |
| Owner-Occupied Household Rate | 61.8% | 67.4% | 69.4% | 49.3% | 72.2% |
Is San Diego a Safe Place to Live in 2025?
Yes, San Diego is a safe city to live in. Though you might expect living in a fast-paced metro like San Diego to come with higher crime, San Diego crime rates are actually lower than both the state and national averages. In fact, the city is 41% safer than other California cities and 25% safer than cities across the U.S., offering a peaceful home for residents of all ages. Certain neighborhoods are particularly safe, including Carmel Valley, Rancho Bernardo, and more.
Carmel Valley
- Home Price: $1,037,794 median purchase price; $2,657 median rent price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 92% of San Diego neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families
Looking for a neighborhood close to Torrey Pines State Beach? Consider living in Carmel Valley! Less than 20 minutes from the beach, San Diego residents have access to things to do, including visiting Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Families can send their children to highly-rated middle schools and high schools in the San Dieguito Union High School District, such as Carmel Valley Middle School, Canyon Crest Academy, or Torrey Pines High School. Those wanting to settle in Carmel Valley will find homes and apartments with gorgeous views of the San Diego coastline.
Things to Do in Carmel Valley
Inspired by the Los Penasquitos Canyon, spend the day playing golf at The Grand Golf Club. Show off your skateboarding skills when grinding on the rails and performing 180s in the bowl at Carmel Valley Skate Park. Take the little ones to story time, attend bridge club, or check out a book from Carmel Valley Branch Library. Play a game of Badminton, basketball, and more at Carmel Valley Recreation Center. Find top brunch in San Diego and enjoy a Vanilla Yogurt Parfait, Butter n’ Jelly Bagel, or Breakfast Burrito from Cafe Pascale. Order the Spicy Seafood Ramen and Korean B.B.Q Short Ribs or sushi rolls like the Dragon Roll or Spider Roll from Mizukiyama Sushi. Try traditional Indian dishes like Tandoori Chicken, Mango Pineapple Curry, or the Fish Tikka Kabab from Royal Indian. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Rol-e-ol-e-o Cupcake or Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie, or treat the family with a Cookies & Cream Cake from PURE Cupcakes.
Q: Is San Diego expensive?
A: San Diego could be considered an expensive place to live for those moving to California from other states, but the city is actually more affordable than similarly-sized California cities like Los Angeles. While the cost of living in San Diego is 28% higher than the California average and 68% higher than the national average, there are plenty of neighborhoods and suburbs in San Diego that offer a lower cost of living and budget-friendly housing.
Rancho Bernardo
- Home Price: $553,456 median purchase; $1,732 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of San Diego neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Nestled in the northern hills of San Diego with Lake Hodges to the north, is the beautiful master-planned community of Rancho Bernardo. This safe, affordable neighborhood is a fantastic place to live and work in San Diego! Here, you can find a variety of homes ranging from Spanish Revival to Mission-style placed along well-maintained streets. Residents living here can find jobs with major employers in San Diego, like Sony Electronics and Hewlett-Packard, or those looking to work in the medical field can find jobs at nearby Palomar Medical Center Poway. And the presence of high-quality schools like Westward Elementary School and Rancho Bernardo High School makes this San Diego neighborhood ideal for families, too!
Things to Do in Rancho Bernardo
Pamper yourself with a spa treatment at the relaxing Rancho Bernardo Inn. Tee off at the gorgeous 27-hole Oaks North Golf Course. Spend the day playing a game of pickleball or basketball and attend community events like Movies in the Park at Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center. Spend a day outdoors fishing or canoeing on Lake Hodges, have a family BBQ, and more at the Hodges Reservoir. Split a charcuterie board or try dishes like Chicken Parmesan, Short Rib Pappardelle, and others at The Barrel Room. Enjoy upscale dishes like Seared Scallops, New York Strip, or Bolognese Rigatoni from Veranda Fireside Lounge and Restaurant. Dig in to American staples like a Drive Thru Burger, Famous Hot Wings, or Brisket Dip paired with craft beers like West Coast IPA or POP! at URGE American Gastropub. Or reserve a tasting room and sip glasses of 2022 Chablis, 2019 Merlot, 2022 Tramonto, and other wines at the Bernardo Winery.
Q: Is San Diego more affordable than San Fransisco?
A: San Diego is more affordable than San Francisco and a relatively inexpensive place to live in California if you like big-city life. Although the cost of living in San Diego may be 68% more expensive than the national average, this pales in comparison to the cost of living in San Fransisco, which is 137% higher than the U.S. average.
Rancho Penasquitos
- Home Price: $770,052 median purchase; $2,676 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 91% of San Diego neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Rancho Penasquitos is a safe and quiet San Diego neighborhood with a suburban feel. The beautiful landscape of this area is best represented by its most notable geographic feature, Black Mountain. In fact, the outdoor recreation and community events are some of the main draws of the neighborhood! At the annual Fiesta de Los Penasquitos, you can spend all day going on carnival rides, eating street food, and enjoying live music. To top it off, families in San Diego will love this safe San Diego neighborhood’s large parks and great local schools like Sunset Hills Elementary School, Black Mountain Middle School, and Mt. Carmel High School.
Things to Do in Rancho Penasquitos
Hike to the Black Mountain summit or bike the trails at Black Mountain Open Space Park. Find a new book, attend Pajama Storytime with the kids, or sit down with the RB Chess Club at Rancho Penasquitos Library. Show off your skate skills at the Rancho Penasquitos Skate Park, featuring banked ramps, grind ledges, and more. Play a game of doubles, watch the little ones romp in the park, and more at the Canyonside Recreation Center. Fill up on pub fare like Fried Pickles, a French Dip Sandwich, or Meat Loaf at Knotty Barrel. Try different chicken entrees like Original Fried Chicken, Marinated Roasted Chicken, or Honey Garlic Chicken from Rice Chicken. Go to Yenchim Garden Restaurant for classic Chinese dishes like Mongolian Beef, Mu-Shu Chicken, or Kung Pao Eggplant. Or choose from the large sushi menu with options like the High Crab Roll, California Roll, and more at Wonderful Sushi.
Q: What are the safest neighborhoods in San Diego for families?
A: San Diego neighborhoods like Rancho Penasquitos and Rancho Bernardo are quiet, residential areas known for their low crime rates and family-friendly environments. These neighborhoods are also home to great schools and green spaces, making them two of the best neighborhoods for families in San Diego.
Sabre Springs
- Home Price: $714,900 median purchase price; $2,648 median rent price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 90% of San Diego neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
North of Scripps Ranch and Carmel Mountain Ranch is the quiet San Diego County neighborhood of Sabre Springs. For housing options, this area offers apartments and condos that are perfect for families and young professionals! Convenient access to nearby parks and trails makes this the ideal location for those who love the great outdoors. Need to commute to other areas in San Diego? You can take I-15 or the bus at Sabre Springs/Penasquitos Transit Station.
Things to Do in Sabre Springs
Sign your teenagers up for classes like Babysitters Training Class or Learning to Draw Cartoons, play a game of volleyball, and more at Carmel Mountain Ranch / Sabre Springs Recreation Center. Enjoy the San Diego weather and hike along the Van Dam Peak Trail. Have a family fun day and picnic outside at South Creek Park. Start your day with a Nutmeg Scramble, Amazing Burrito, or Stuffed French Toast from Nutmeg Bakery and Cafe. Sample Greek and Italian plates like Spanakopita, a Corfu Sandwich, and Linguine Salmon from Yanni’s Bar and Grill—one of the best Greek Restaurants in San Diego! Get the Crispy Tofu, Shredded Pork Noodle Soup, or Kimchi Fried Rice from Zen Modern Asian Bistro. Devour Grilled Artichoke, a Quinoa Bowl, or the Pulled Pork Burger paired with a 131 Cadillac Margarita from Public House 131. Stop by Senor Taquero #2 for Mexican food in San Diego like a Carnitas Burrito, Chicken Torta, Cheese Quesadilla, and more.
Q: What are the most affordable neighborhoods in San Diego?
A: One of the most affordable areas to live in San Diego is Rancho Bernardo. Not only is this neighborhood known for its affordable housing prices, but living in Rancho Bernardo also means quick access to top jobs, quality schools, outdoor recreation, and more. Rancho Bernardo is one of the safest areas in San Diego, as well!
Scripps Ranch
- Home Price: $791,708 median purchase; $2,710 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of San Diego neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re looking for a safe San Diego neighborhood that offers a little something for everyone, Scripps Ranch is the place to be! With scenic parks, walking trails, and the beautiful Miramar Reservoir, it’s easy to get out and explore the neighborhood. Plus, there are tons of trendy bars, restaurants, and shops right in the neighborhood that you can enjoy without having to leave! College students can find higher education opportunities nearby with National University Scripps Ranch and Alliant International University. And with Marine Corps Air Station Miramar nearby, Scripps Ranch is also popular among active military personnel.
Things to Do in Scripps Ranch
Get fresh produce, artisan goods, and more every Thursday at Scripps Ranch Farmers Market. Read a book in the outdoor courtyard, attend events like Sketch Night and Fun & Games for Seniors, or bring your kids to Storytime at the Children’s Amphitheater at Scripps Miramar Ranch Library. Go kayaking on the calm waters of Lake Miramar through Rocky Mountain Recreation. Shop local boutiques and nationwide brands at Scripps Ranch Marketplace. Pick up a fresh loaf of Sourdough Olives bread and sweets like a Chocolate Twist and Beignets for the whole family from The French Oven. Chow down on burgers like Lazy Lucy or a RomBomb DUB at RomBomb Burger. Try entrees like Vegetable Pho, Summer Rolls, or Phad Thai at 40N Pho and Grille. Or sample house brews like India Pale Whale or Hazy IPA in the tasting room at Harland Brewing Co.
Q: What are the most affordable neighborhoods in San Diego?
A: One of the most affordable areas to live in San Diego is Rancho Bernardo. Not only is this neighborhood known for its affordable housing prices, but living in Rancho Bernardo also means quick access to top jobs, quality schools, outdoor recreation, and more. Rancho Bernardo is one of the safest areas in San Diego, as well!
***
Moving to San Diego soon? Extra Space Storage has several storage facilities throughout the San Diego area that can help with your transition. Find affordable self storage near you!
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
