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
- Home Price: $189,600 median purchase price; $1,030 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 44% of San Diego neighborhoods
One of the best places to live in Downtown San Diego, the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter is geared toward those looking to live in the center of the action. This San Diego area is highly desirable for its plethora of attractions—including over 200 restaurants, nightclubs, galleries, and shops for locals to enjoy. The community also hosts a variety of other social events—from culinary adventures like Taste of Gaslamp, to internationally-acclaimed events like Comic-Con. As an historic district, Gaslamp Quarter has retained its charm, with well-preserved Victorian architecture and faux gas lamps dotting the streets. And because the area has embraced additional housing options of modern condos, townhomes, and apartments, Gaslamp Quarter is one of the best neighborhoods in San Diego for singles and young professionals to plant roots.
Things to Do in Gaslamp Quarter
Hang out with some pals and watch the San Diego Padres (MLB) in action at Petco Park. Enjoy live musical performances like The Choir of Man or laugh along with comedians like Colin Jost at historic Balboa Theatre. Cosplay as your favorite character and connect with other fans during Comic-Con International at the San Diego Convention Center. Attend seminars and art workshops, or browse local Contemporary artwork during open hours at Sparks Gallery. Head over to one of the best Gaslamp Quarter restaurants for trailer park-themed decor and dishes like the Kitchen Sink Tots, Piggy Sticks, and Sloppy Joe Dirt at Trailer Park After Dark. Compete against friends in a variety of classic arcade games while enjoying Southern-inspired cuisine like Smoking Gun Mac and Cheese, a BBQ Pork Bacon Burger, or Brisket Tacos at The Smoking Gun SD. Looking for rooftop dining in San Diego? Fill up on Homestyle Butter Biscuits, Roasted Atlantic Salmon, and a Dirty Cola cocktail at Rustic Root. Sip handcrafted cocktails like the Pink Panther or Juicy K while munching on the Triple Threat Burger at elevated American pub Werewolf. Or enjoy bottle service, live music, and laser light shows at one of the best nightclubs in San Diego—Onyx Room Nightclub.
Hillcrest
Known as the heart of San Diego’s LGBTQ community and for its inclusive atmosphere, Hillcrest is one of the best places to rent a home in San Diego for singles and young professionals. With pride flags on display and streets named after LGBTQ figures like Harvey Milk, this SD neighborhood is perfect for young adults seeking diversity and acceptance. Residents will never run out of things to do in Hillcrest, and its walkable streets mean you’ll be able walk nearly everywhere you want to go! Young adults can take advantage of the San Diego neighborhood’s expansive craft beer scene and diverse culinary selection—including a variety of taquerias and popular Hillcrest sushi restaurants. To top it all off, Hillcrest conveniently 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 locally-grown organic produce, handmade art, clothing, and other goods at the Hillcrest Farmers Market. Celebrate the LGBTQ community with events at Pride Plaza—which hosts a beer garden, food trucks, live drag shows, and more—during the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party. Explore the gardens and natural canyon pathways sprawled across five acres at the historic Marston House. Request a song from the DJ, see a drag show, and dance the night away at Rich’s—one of the best gay nightclubs in San Diego. Experience a classic American diner and enjoy some of the best breakfast in Hillcrest like the Chili & Cheese Omelettes, Original Belgian Waffle, and Cinnamon French Toast at The Huddle. Reserve a table in the open-air atrium to savor Mediterranean dishes like Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Braised Beef Birria, and Roasted Cauliflower at insideOUT. Fill up on pizza by the slice, a Calzone, or a Bronx Deluxe pizza at Bronx Pizza. Or discover delicious cocktails like the Botanic Garden or munch on dessert favorites like the Citrus Tart and the Tres Leche Cake at Trust.
Little Italy
- Home Price: $429,400 median purchase price; $1,370 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of San Diego neighborhoods
Located within Downtown San Diego, Little Italy is one of the best places to live in San Diego for young adults! Little Italy is steeped in history and maintains a strong presence of Italian businesses and charming European-inspired plazas. As the most walkable neighborhood in the city, residents can make their way to local eateries, patio cafes, trendy art galleries, and other unique San Diego attractions with ease. Young adults in Little Italy will also appreciate larger cultural events like the Little Italy Mercato, Taste of Little Italy, and the annual ArtWalk Festival. What makes this SD neighborhood so desirable, though—other than its many fun things to do—is its low unemployment rate, which is ideal for young professionals moving to San Diego.
Things to Do in Little Italy
Stroll cobblestone streets, visit the farmers market, attend live concerts, and more at the European-style Piazza della Famiglia. Catch a movie at the annual Little Italy Summer Film Festival, bring your furry companion to the dog park, and play a game of bocce ball at Amici Park. Check out historic firefighting memorabilia dating back to the 1800s at the San Diego Firehouse Museum. Enjoy waterfront views, host picnics on large grassy areas, and check out botanical collections in the garden rooms at Waterfront Park. Start your morning off right with espresso drinks like the Carmel Latte or Americano, and try out the Capri Toast at Caffe Italia. Munch on authentic Italian cuisine with meals like Bruschetta, Risotto Pescatora, and Spaghetti Meatball at Sorrento Ristorante e Pizzeria. Fill up on innovative Japanese-inspired dishes like the Tokyo Gangster Roll or Short Rib Tacos, and pair your meal with fun cocktails like the Japanese Mule at Cloak & Petal. Or dine outside and order rotating craft beers like the Longfin Lager and Wahoo while you devour an order of Truffle Fries at Ballast Point Little Italy.
North Park
- Home Price: $440,667 median purchase price; $1,222 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 41% of San Diego neighborhoods
Just northeast of Balboa Park—a sprawling 1,200-acre space packed with top San Diego attractions including museums, gardens, trails, a zoo, and more—North Park residents have no shortage of things to keep them busy. While this neighborhood in San Diego is home to popular SoCal green spaces like Juniper Canyon and Switzer Canyon, as well, it’s not just about outdoor recreation here—North Park is also a hub for local breweries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and fun community gatherings. In addition, the area is dotted with dazzling murals by local artists and boasts a thriving art and cultural scene, which can be celebrated at the annual North Park Music Festival. Plus, North Park’s location near I-805 gives residents quick access to even more fun things to do in San Diego—not to mention a convenient commute to and from work!
Things to Do in North Park
Learn about aviation history or explore an immersive exhibit about the solar system through Space: Our Greatest Adventure at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Jam out to DJ sets, see popular live performers, and dance the night away at one of San Diego’s best music clubs, The Observatory North Park. Grab your friends and attend one of many great North Park events, like Taste of North Park, the farmers market, and more. Check out the first arcade bar in San Diego with a variety of drinks on tap and classic arcade games like Galaga, Frogger, and Burger Time at Coin-Op Game Room. Kick off your day with a Working Class Short Stack, Veggie Skillet, or the Biscuits & Gravy for breakfast at Working Class. Immerse yourself in an authentic European dining experience with the PEI Mussels, Baked Brie, and Scottish Salmon at The Smoking Goat. Try modern twists on classic Vietnamese dishes like Roasted Bone Marrow & Banh Mi Crostinis, Pho Fries, and Beef Carpaccio at Shank & Bone. Or grab a slice of the Bees Mode, Margherita, or Classic Combo Supreme pizza at Tribute Pizza.
Pacific Beach
- 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 places to live in San Diego for singles who love the outdoors! Locals stay active thanks in part to all of the things to do at North Pacific Beach—a hotspot for soaking in the sun, fishing off the pier, surfing, biking, and other outdoor activities. Residents also flock to Kate Sessions Park, a 79-acre green space offering some of the best views of Mission Bay. While Pacific Beach is ideal for those looking for a more laid-back vibe, you’ll still be able to find plenty of entertainment options in the area—especially with the surf shops, restaurants, and fun San Diego beach bars found along the famous Crystal Pier. Meanwhile, there are also plenty of beachside housing options to choose from—including unique bungalows and budget-friendly apartments that are perfect for young adults.
Things to Do in Pacific Beach
Party under the sun and enjoy local food vendors, live music performances, unique art displays, and more at the annual Pacific Beachfest. Flex your skills at the surfing-only beach that’s perfect for riding epic waves, Tourmaline Surfing Park. Rent bikes or rollerblades and cruise along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk. Gather your friends, dust off your cowboy boots, and shake it up on the dance floor at Moonshine Beach, a honky-tonk bar in San Diego. Check out the Goldfish Races and sip on a Redbull Vodka Slushy OG at Pacific Beach Shore Club. Indulge in brunch favorites like the Shrimp Cocktail, Hangover Burger, and French Toast at Waterbar. Sip mimosa flights all day, order Dos Huevos for breakfast, or enjoy flatbread pizzas like the BBQ Chicken for lunch at Crushed. Feast on the Fish Tacos, Ahi Tuna Nachos, and the Beer Cheeseburger at Pacific Beach Alehouse. Or bring your dog with you to enjoy delicious Latin fare like the Beef Birria Plate, Pizza Birria, and Street Tacos at Birrieria & Taqueria La Huasteca.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes.
