Are you thinking about moving to San Diego? With incredible weather year-round, beautiful sandy beaches, an energetic nightlife, and mouthwatering cuisine you won’t find anywhere else, it’s no surprise that San Diego is a dream home for single and young professionals! Want to know which area is the perfect fit for your lifestyle? Check out this list of the best San Diego neighborhoods for singles and young professionals!
Gaslamp Quarter
Photo via @danny.dq
- Home Price: $189,600 median purchase price; $1,030 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 47% of San Diego neighborhoods
One of the best places to live in Downtown San Diego, the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter is a perfect neighborhood for those looking to live right in the middle of the action. Well-known for its dining and entertainment options, the Gaslamp Quarter offers residents over 200 restaurants, nightclubs, galleries, and shops to explore! What makes the Gaslamp Quarter one of the top neighborhoods in San Diego for young professionals, though, is that the area offers cool condos, townhomes, and apartments to rent or own at an affordable price.
Things to Do in Gaslamp Quarter
See live performances from top musical acts like Lindsey Sterling and comedians like George Lopez at the historic Balboa Theatre. Create a costume of your favorite character and celebrate your favorite franchises during Comic-Con International at the San Diego Convention Center. Attend scheduled seminars and events, or browse the gallery during open hours to see contemporary artwork from local artists at Sparks Gallery. Travel to Trailer Park After Dark and try the famous Kitchen Sink Tots. Grab a Triple Threat Burger at American pub Werewolf. Taste a little bit of everything from salsa flights and Octopus Tacos to Downtown San Diego’s largest tequila selection at Volcano Rabbit. Or enjoy bottle service, live music, and laser light shows at one of the best nightclubs in San Diego, Onyx Room Nightclub.
Hillcrest
Photo via @realrachellamar
- Home Price: $462,358 median purchase price; $1,384 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 12% of San Diego neighborhoods
Known for its friendly atmosphere, walkability, and being the heart of San Diego’s LGBTQ community, Hillcrest is one of the best places to live in San Diego for singles and young professionals. The area is filled with eccentric restaurants and bars, and often hosts live events like the Pride Block Party throughout the year. As for real estate, Hillcrest offers commuting professionals townhomes and apartments with easy access to Downtown San Diego via the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System.
Things to Do in Hillcrest
Shop the Hillcrest Farmers Market for their wide selection of locally-grown organic produce. Celebrate the LGBTQ community at San Diego Pride, which is one of the largest pride parades and festivals in the U.S. Dance the night away or see a drag show at Rich’s—the best dance club in Hillcrest and top gay nightclub in all of San Diego! Tour the historic Marston House, where you can browse the on-site museum and explore gardens sprawled across five acres. Savor Mediterranean dishes like Lamb Ragout at insideOUT. Try a Costa Azul Taco, Plato de Chile Relleno, and other Mexican fare at La Vecindad. Share a Bronx Deluxe or another specialty thin-crust pie at Bronx Pizza. Discover a delicious menu of American cuisine like Baja Oysters and Steamed Clams at Trust. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Chocolat, which serves sugary treats like gelato and dessert crepes.
North Park
Photo via @agentderekfreese
- Home Price: $440,667 median purchase price; $1,222 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 41% of San Diego neighborhoods
Northeast of Balboa Park, North Park offers residents a variety of green areas in SoCal, including Juniper Canyon and Switzer Canyon. Residents in this popular SD neighborhood aren’t just into outdoor recreation, though—North Park is a hub for all things craft beer, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and local art. Plus, with this San Diego neighborhood’s location near I-805, its location gives you quick access to other areas of San Diego for even more things to do, and makes it a convenient commute to and from work.
Things to Do in North Park
Learn about aviation history at San Diego Air & Space Museum. Jam out to DJ sets or live performers, and dance the night away at one of San Diego’s best country music clubs, The Observatory. Grab your friends and neighbors and attend one of the many neighborhood events, like the farmers market, book fair, and more! Check out the first arcade bar in San Diego with over 20 rotating craft beers at Coin-Op Game Room. Listen to live music and sample craft cocktails at U31 Bar. Make a reservation at The Smoking Goat and have the PEI Mussels with a glass of wine for an authentic European dining experience. Try modern twists on classic Vietnamese dishes like Roasted Bone Marrow and Beef Carpaccio at Shank & Bone. Chow down on Salisbury Steak and Eggs or Biscuits & Gravy for breakfast at Working Class. Or grab a slice of the Margherita or Classic Combo Supreme pizza at Tribute Pizza.
Ocean Beach
Photo via @catrinasellsob
- Home Price: $671,220 median purchase price; $1,551 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 15% of San Diego neighborhoods
Ocean Beach is a beachfront San Diego neighborhood known for its Bohemian vibe and excellent surfing spots. This walkable neighborhood offers streets lined with amazing restaurants, organic grocery stores, and eclectic shops, making it easy to find whatever you need within walking distance of your home! Housing options include chic apartments, single-family homes, one-bedroom duplexes, and more just blocks away from the water. With beautiful ocean views, lots of things to do, and plenty of shopping, Ocean Beach truly has it all.
Things to Do in Ocean Beach
Splash under the sun, ride the waves, or catch some rays at Newport Avenue Beach. Get to know the history behind your new neighborhood by taking a self-guided historic walk through the area. Immerse yourself in German culture at Oktoberfest on Ocean Beach Pier. Enjoy a night out on the town at Winstons Beach Club, featuring live music, dancing, and tasty draft beers. Gather a few friends to play billiards at The Tilted Stick. Savor a healthy breakfast of Turmeric Latte and Smoked Salmon Plate at The Little Lion Cafe. Try the California Burrito or any of the other delicious offerings at Mike’s Taco Club. Take in ocean views while eating Fish and Chips, Pier Fries, and Clam Chowder at Walking on Water Cafe. Stop at Azucar for treats like Salted Toffee Oatmeal Cookies, Guava Pastries, Cuban Rum Cake, and Tiramisu.
Pacific Beach
Photo via @rachaelsdrealtor
- Home Price: $612,228 median purchase price; $1,816 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 17% of San Diego neighborhoods
Nestled between La Jolla and Mission Bay, Pacific Beach is one of the best neighborhoods in San Diego for singles and young professionals! For entertainment, you’ll find everything from cool surf shops and beach bars to sandy shores and more, especially along the famous Crystal Pier. Meanwhile, there are a lot of beachside real estate options, including unique bungalows and apartments. What makes this San Diego neighborhood so desirable, though—other than its gorgeous beach views—is its low unemployment rate, which is ideal for young professionals moving to San Diego.
Things to Do in Pacific Beach
Party under the sun at the annual Pacific Beachfest, which is full of local food vendors, live music performances, and unique art displays. Flex your surfing skills at Tourmaline Surfing Park: a surfing-only beach that’s perfect for riding epic waves. Rent bikes or rollerblades and cruise along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk while you take in the San Diego sunset. Check out the goldfish races and sip on a Redbull Vodka Slushy at Pacific Beach Shore Club. Gather your friends, dust off your cowboy boots, and shake it up on the dance floor at Moonshine Beach. Indulge in the English Fry Up when you dine at Waterbar for brunch. Sip on mimosa flights all day, and order one of the restaurant’s many flatbread pizzas, like the BBQ Chicken, at Crushed. Try the Grilled Fish Tacos with corn skillet at Pacific Beach Alehouse. Or get your fix of Southern-style barbecue on the West Coast at Iron Pig Alehouse.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
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