ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA AREA

Voted “America’s Finest City,” beautiful San Diego is California’s second largest city and the eighth largest in the United States, and it is home to more than 1.3 million people - with over 2.8 million residents countywide. San Diego County is renowned for its 70 miles of beaches, its idyllic climate and its exceptional family attractions. The area has a variety of communities offering diverse features and lifestyle. San Diego has it all – a vibrant downtown, a full and lively cultural life, excellent job opportunities, sparkling entertainment, and limitless recreational options. From big business skyscrapers to quaint villages, from trendy nightclubs to peaceful parks, it’s all here, in and around “America’s Finest City!” 

History 

San Diego is the birthplace of California. Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo claimed the area for Spain in 1542. In 1759, 17 years before the Declaration of Independence, Padre Junipero Serra established the first link of his 21-mission chain at Mission San Diego de Alcala. The city grew up under Spanish and Mexican rule - until 1846.  

Two international expositions in 1915 and 1936 stimulated the development of the city’s 1,400-acre Balboa Park. 

For many years, San Diego has been an important naval center. The military (Army Corps of Engineers) was instrumental in such city projects as the dredging of Mission Bay for development into an aquatic park and the building of two man-made peninsulas in San Diego Bay to house resort hotels and restaurants. 

Location 

San Diego lies in the southwest corner of California and of the United States, 125 miles (200 km) south of Los Angeles and 16 miles north of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. It is the southern-most major metropolitan area in California. San Diego is the county seat of San Diego County, which is bordered by Mexico to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Laguna Mountains and Anza-Borrego Desert to the east, and Orange and Los Angeles Counties to the north. 

Geography/Terrain 

Extending from the Pacific Ocean on the western edge, and eastward over rolling hills, the city of San Diego covers an area of 372 square miles, of which 324.3 is land and 47.7 is water. The city sits at an altitude of 40 feet and is built around the water on San Diego Bay. It has a terrain of deep canyons separating its mesas, and the seasonal San Diego River runs through Mission Valley. Beyond the rolling hills to the east are the mountains, and beyond the mountains are desert areas. A short half-hour drive east is Cleveland National Forest; valleys and farmland lie to the northeast. 

San Diego County covers 4,261 square miles, and its elevation ranges from sea level to 6,500 feet. The terrain varies from sunny beaches and lush foliage to rugged mountains and breathtaking desert. The county includes metropolitan San Diego and separate incorporated cities which include Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Oceanside, Poway, San Marcos, Santee and Vista. There are many other communities in the incorporated and unincorporated areas.
 

Climate 

San Diego has been voted by meteorologists “the only area in the United States with perfect weather.” The average annual temperature is 70 degrees fahrenheit (21C) and most daily forecasts show San Diego to be mild, warm and sunny. Winter temperatures seldom fall below 40 degrees. Normally humidity is low, even during summer months. Average annual rainfall is less than 10 inches and occurs primarily between December and March. 

The climate in the greater San Diego area varies. Basically, the farther inland you are, the hotter the days and the cooler the nights. Therefore, coastal San Diego is milder throughout the year than inland areas. For example, around San Diego State University, about 12 miles inland, the day and night temperatures can be higher and lower than the coast by 5 to 7 degrees. If you are in El Cajon or Ramona (about 20 - 25 miles from coastal San Diego) for instance, it is likely the temperature will be 10 degrees hotter or colder than the coast.  

We have snow in the Lagunas, and summer temperatures in the Anza-Borrego Desert can rival those in Death Valley. Smog is occasionally a problem, but most of what we get drifts down from Los Angeles. Our water temperature varies from an average of 58 degrees fahrenheit in December to 70 degrees during the summer months. 

Distance to 3 Closest Major Cities  

San Diego is located 137 miles south of Los Angeles, 458 miles south of San Francisco, and 265 miles southwest of Las Vegas, Nevada.  

Jobs and Local Economy 

San Diego’s economy is diverse, relying not only on tourism and the defense industry, but also on the manufacturing, agriculture, wireless, engineering, biotech, and pharmaceuticals sectors. Tourism, of course, is a primary economic contributor. The city is consistently ranked among the top ten most popular destinations in the continental United States for international visitors. 

Manufacturing is the biggest contributor to the economy, largely due to the fact that San Diego’s port includes the only major ship building and repair yard on the West Coast, as well as a naval base. There are also a variety of light manufacturing plants for such items as computers, cell phones, toys and sporting goods.  

San Diego is a prime area for emerging technologies, due to the region’s diversity of high-technology clusters. It’s biotechnology community is the third largest in the country. In June 2004, San Diego was ranked the No.1 biotech cluster in the U.S. by the Milken Institute. The city is also known as the wireless communications capital of the world hosting such companies as home-grown Qualcomm and other significant innovators such as Nokia and Kyosera.  

San Diego County is the 20th largest agriculture producer in the nation, with the second largest number of farms in the country. 

International trade is a major economic strength for the San Diego region. The San Diego-Mexico border is the busiest in the world. 

In early 2006, the median household income of San Diego residents was $62,085, and the per capita income was $38,614. The unemployment rate stood at 4.1% and recent job growth in the city was 2.98%. The average commute time within the city isapproximately 28.6 minutes. 

Housing 

San Diego has a mix of old and new neighborhoods. Housing options include luxury beachside condominiums as well as modest homes with a cozy neighborhood feel, and the revitalized downtown area has an ever increasing number of upscale high-rise condominiums, town home developments and residential lofts. The outlying areas and suburbs offer a variety of housing choices.  

The median price for a detached home early in 2006 was $540,000, and for an attached home it was $420,000. The overall median home price in San Diego at this writing is $636,000. Attached homes are available starting in the $200,000 range and prices rise into the multi-millions for luxury homes. 

Parks/Sports/Recreation/Golf 

San Diego has over 35,000 acres of open space, including scenic regional parks and city hills and canyons. A few of these open space areas include: Black Mountain Open Space Park, Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, Marian Bear Memorial Park, Mission Trails Regional Park, Otay Valley Regional Park, Rose Canyon Open Space Park, San Diego River Park, San Pasqual-Clevenger Canyon Open Space Park, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, and Tecolote Canyon Natural Park.  

There are many picturesque city parks, including Mission Bay Park and Presidio Park. Mission Bay Park is the largest man-made aquatic park in the nation, consisting of 4,235 acres, more than half of which is water. It offers a wide range of recreational activities including paths and playgrounds. Beautiful Presidio Park has verdant green lawns and towering trees alongside historical landmarks, memorials and museums. At the foot of Presidio Hill, at the site of the first settlement in California, are found historic Old Town State Park and Heritage Park. 

San Diego’s Park and Recreation Department has recreation centers throughout the city offering a multitude of facilities and activities. Because San Diego County includes 70 miles of coastline, the city’s greatest recreational feature is its beaches, each with its own distinct personality. Some of the beaches are perfect spots for surfers and divers, while others make remote getaways. Aquatic sports and activities rank highest on the list of the average resident’s pastimes. Altogether, they support year-round outdoor water sports, such as surfing, boating, sailing and swimming. Popular bay activities include water skiing, sailing and power boating, skin diving, surfing, picnicking, swimming and fishing. The Cruise Ship Terminal and local charter companies offer dinner cruises, whale watching tours and other sea adventures.
 

Golf, tennis and racquetball facilities abound in San Diego, where fitness programs are a part of daily life. Joggers and bicyclists can be seen everywhere and roller skating is also popular around the bay. Soccer and softball are very popular and recreational leagues can be found throughout the county. In the winter, snow skiing can be enjoyed as the closest slopes are less than two hours away at Big Bear Mountain. 

For golfers, San Diego County boasts over 90 golf courses, with seaside, desert, mountain and inland valley settings. There are courses for every golfer, at any skill level. The Park and Recreation Department operates three municipal golf courses: Torrey Pines, Balboa Park and Mission Bay Golf Course and Practice Center. Torrey Pines features two championship 18-hole golf courses and a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. It is home to the Buick Invitational PGA Tour event, and has been ranked the "best" place to golf in a readers’ poll with the San Diego Union-Tribune and San Diego Magazine. Golf Industry Online rates Torrey Pines as one of the top ten golf courses in San Diego County, and it will host the 2008 U.S. Open. Balboa Park Golf Complex is located near the heart of downtown San Diego and offers both an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole executive course. Mission Bay Golf Course is an 18-hole executive golf course and is the only lit course in the city.  

There are over 20 other golf courses within the San Diego metro area, including several at luxury resorts such as Barona Creek, Doubletree Black Mountain Ranch, Carmel Highland, Morgan Run, Pala Mesa and La Costa Resort. Barona Creek Golf Club has been ranked one of Golfweek’s top 5 California courses, and one of Golf Magazine’s top 10 new national courses. Countywide, there are an abundance of courses to be enjoyed.
 

Special Attractions/Events 

San Diego has an astounding range of attractions and events to choose from, including world-renowned attractions such as the famous San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park, Sea World San Diego and Legoland California. The San Diego Zoo is located at Balboa Park, which is the largest urban cultural park in the U.S. and home to 15 museums, several art galleries, beautiful gardens, and the Old Globe Theatre. 

San Diego has a rich cultural life, offering the best in world class performing arts all year round. There are historic theaters such as the La Jolla Playhouse, the Starlight Musical Theatre and the Civic Theatre, to name a few. In the greater San Diego area you can also enjoy events at the California Center for the Arts Escondido, the Poway Center for the Performing Arts and the East County Performing Arts Center as well as many other venues. Performances include ballet, traditional folk dance, symphony performances, and dramatic opera.  

San Diego has a multitude of museums, filled with exceptional art, machinery, sports, classic cars, scientific discovery and more. Many of the museums are clustered in Balboa Park but others are located in outlying neighborhoods. The San Diego Maritime Museum has a fleet of historic ships including the flagship “Star of India,” which still sets sail annually with the tall ships. A great way to spend a few hours is to visit the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum at Navy Pier. For sports fans, there is Qualcomm Stadium, home of the San Diego Chargers, and the recently opened state-of-the-art Petco Park, where the San Diego Padres play. San Diego is home to a variety of college and professional sports teams.  

The city offers a range of beachfront resorts, luxury spas, and casinos. It has over 6,400 eating establishments and is renowned for its wide selection of delicious cuisines. Some of the finest dining can be found in the national historic Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, La Jolla and Old Town. A visit to the famed Hotel del Coronado, a Southern California landmark and a national historic site, affectionately known locally as “the Del,” is not to be missed, and neither is the ride across the scenic, 2.12-mile long Coronado Bay Bridge which connects Coronado to the city of San Diego. There is a huge range of shopping opportunities, from unique shopping centers like the downtown Horton Plaza and familiar department stores to unusual, one-of-a-kind boutiques. 

There are many annual special events, multicultural festivals and celebrations in the city, such as Little Italy's Artwalk Festival in April and the Summer Pops concerts at the Embarcadero. In early September in the Gaslamp Quarter district, Street Scene offers a three-day live music extravaganza.
 

Of course, horse racing can be enjoyed in season at the Del Mar Race Track, made famous by Bing Crosby’s “Where the Turf Meets the Surf at Old Del Mar.” Every summer the Del Mar Fairgrounds is the site of the Del Mar Fair, one of the five biggest fairs in the U.S., which attracts thousands of residents and visitors alike. At Christmas time the race track is transformed into a fairyland of colored lights which can be viewed from the comfort of private vehicles circling the track. 

Also in December you can enjoy the Parade of Lights and watch decorated boats and yachts sailing up and down the waterfront. During the winter, the annual migration of grey whales from the cold waters of the Bering Sea to their spawning grounds in Baja California can be seen at times from vantage points which include the Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma, and whale watching boat excursions are popular. 

Seaport Village, on the southwest edge of the waterfront, near Embarcadero Park and Petco Park, is enormously popular for shopping, dining and sightseeing. This $14 million shopping and dining complex was designed to resemble fishing villages of a century ago, and combines the architectural styles of Early California, New England and the Victorian period. Three main tiled plazas studded with fountains, flowers and a gurgling brook are surrounded by shops and water-front restaurants. Embarcadero Park, backed by a city skyline of glass towers, bustles with joggers, picnickers and kite flyers during the day; on summer evenings, fireworks light the harbor during festive San Diego Symphony concerts and Padre home games. The beauty of the San Diego night-time skyline is not equaled by many others. 

The architecturally acclaimed San Diego convention center brings countless visitors to our city annually to experience these and many other attractions. The red San Diego Trolley runs from the downtown area to Mexico, also transporting sports fans to and from Qualcomm Stadium and Petco Park. 

Interesting Facts/Historic Buildings and Places 

San Diego has the highest number of science-based Nobel winners in the world. 

The city is home to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography where important scientific research is done. At the Steven Birch Aquarium at Scripps, one can view all types of marine life. 

San Diego is the home port of the largest naval fleet in the world. The fleet includes two Navy super carriers (the USS Nimitz and the USS Ronald Reagan), five amphibious assault ships, several Los Angeles class submarines, and many smaller ships. The city is known as the "birthplace of naval aviation.” 

San Diego was the main setting and filming location for the 1986 movie “Top Gun.” In the movie “Demolition Man,” San Diego and Los Angeles were part of the futuristic utopian megacity San Angeles. San Diego was also the setting for the 2004 comedy film “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgund.” Scenes from “Jurassic Park II,” “ Bring It On,” and “Traffic” were filmed in San Diego.
 

The 1958 blockbuster movie “Some Like it Hot,” starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, was filmed at the Hotel Del Coronado. The Del has hosted kings and queens, prime ministers, presidents and other international celebrities since its opening in 1888 and no less than 11 U.S. presidents have been guests there, beginning with Benjamin Harrison circa 1890 and then Franklin Roosevelt. Every U.S. president since Lyndon Johnson has stayed at this national treasure at least once. 

San Diego is the birthplace of Cameron Diaz, actress; Ted Williams, baseball Hall of Famer; Greg Bear, science fiction author; William C. McCool, astronaut; Ted Danson, comedian; Robert Duvall, actor; RuPaul, drag queen and talk show host; and Anthony Mann, film director. It has also been home to Mayim Bialik and Kathy Najimy, acresses; Nick Cannon, actor; Ray Kroc, founder of McDonalds and long-time owner of the San Diego Padres baseball team; Harold Lloyd, silent film star; Jonas Salk, developer of the polio vaccine; Junior Seau, San Diego Charger and NFL linebacker; and Pete Wilson, former Assemblyman, San Diego Mayor, California Senator and Governor.
 

SAN DIEGO – CENTRAL DOWNTOWN

Downtown 

San Diego’s dynamic Downtown includes eight separate neighborhoods spread over 1,500 acres. In 2006, 25,000 persons lived downtown; 50,000 more were expected in the next two decades. 

New housing stock is being built to provide a wide array of options for persons of all income levels. Here, you’ll find single room occupancy buildings (SRO’s), lofts, two-bedroom units and multi-million dollar ocean view condos. This new housing is being balanced with new infrastructure, amenities and job creation. 

Columbia: 

The key commercial downtown neighborhood, Columbia includes Broadway Pier; the waterfront; federal and county courthouses; the cruise ship terminal; the Museum of Contemporary Art and the historic Santa Fe Depot train station. Several new high-rise office and residential buildings have been constructed, or are in the process of being constructed, on or near historic Pacific Highway just west of Broadway. 

Core: 

The physical center and financial hub of the city, the Core features high-end hotels, Horton Plaza Shopping Center, the City Concourse and Civic Theatre. Under construction at this writing is the “Smart Corner,” a two-structure, 299-unit, 10-story residential tower and adjacent 5-story office building that will incorporate San Diego Transit and Trolley stops. 

Cortez Hill: 

One of San Diego’s oldest and most distinguished residential neighborhoods, The Hill and its Victorian style homes has led the revitalization of downtown. Seventy-five years ago, only the famed El Cortez Hotel offered enticing views from the Pacific Ocean to Balboa Park to the San Diego Bay. Today, there are hundreds of new condos and apartments, many of which also offer panoramic views. 

East Village: 

East Village is the County’s most rapidly developing neighborhood. Anchored by Petco Park, this former blighted area is being transformed into a vibrant community. Thousands of condos and apartment units are, or will soon be, available here. East Village is the home of the Park to Bay Link, where Twelfth Avenue is being upgraded into Park Boulevard. A new main library will be placed along this paseo linking the historic park and world-famous zoo to the Embarcadero. 

Gaslamp Quarter: 

San Diego began here in the 1870’s. Today, it’s the hottest restaurant and nightlife section in town. This historic neighborhood is gearing up for several mixed-use, low-slung sites, adding between 400 and 500 condos and apartments as well as a new Hard Rock Hotel at the ceremonial Fifth Avenue entrance to the area. 

Horton Plaza: 

This 15-block area is where redevelopment began two decades ago. There are limited condos and apartments available amid the activity of the stunning and unique shopping center at its core. 

Little Italy: 

Comparable to Mulberry Street in New York City or North Beach in San Francisco, this neighborhood originally was home to our tuna fishing industry and its workers. Today, revitalized India Street and its great Italian restaurants are surrounded by a dozen new, small-unit condo, town home and apartment buildings. After an espresso, walk two blocks to the bay and you are staring at the world-famous 140 year-old clipper ship Star of India. 

Marina: 

Perhaps Downtown’s most beautiful and desirable neighborhood, the Marina is close to San Diego Bay, the Embarcadero, several waterfront hotels, the boardwalk, Seaport Village and the Convention Center. Here you’ll find luxury high-rise and mid-rise condos. The North Embarcadero visionary plan, which will include a grand entrance along Broadway, a 1.2-mile boardwalk along the waterfront, a revitalization of the Broadway Pier and help create a Park-to-Bay linkage, will transform our “front porch” into a jewel of mixed-use coastal living by 2020. 

SAN DIEGO – CENTRAL COASTAL

Overview! 

Welcome to the coast! It’s what makes San Diego such a world-class destination. With 70 miles of coastline, about a dozen communities work their way from the border to Camp Pendleton west of Interstate 5. 

The coast is where California cool began. From its breaking waves, it speaks to all that is primordial yet hip and trendy. The Pacific Ocean. The cliffs. Ocean and bay view homes. Fabulous sunsets. World-class surfers and triathletes. And the world’s most concentrated city of scientists and doctors. 

Metropolitan San Diego is the heart of the County with over 40% of its population and the bulk of its history, tradition and culture. There are dozens of different communities and peoples who live there and give the city its distinctive blend of culture, art, food and style. 

For example, let’s drive El Cajon Boulevard, a key east-west 50-block thoroughfare. Prior to 1960, “The Boulevard” was the essence of San Diego, its main drag, a place to see and be seen. Today you will witness Black, Hispanic, Vietnamese and Jamaican markets, bodegas, restaurants and churches amid the continuing evolution of the city. Here is where the American Dream of a better life is reborn daily.  

Then, look around and you are at San Diego State University, where thousands of collegians walk and live. The Boulevard is revitalized again! And continuing east, into the decades-old, family businesses of La Mesa, one of San Diego’s most desirable established neighborhoods. 

This 20 minute car trip tells a story of the history of our town – its past and its future. The ongoing change of this great boulevard over a lifetime creates a wonderful pencil drawing on this canvas of America’s Finest City.” 

San Diego - Central

Southeast San Diego: 

Seven neighborhoods comprise Southeast San Diego and it’s melting pot populace. Bordered b y I-5, Highway 94, National City and Lemon Grove, here you will find the rundown and the spruced up. There are dozens of different churches and mom and pops, and great ethnic food on the street. Home prices are among the most affordable in the county and the area is just minutes from Downtown. 

Mission Hills, Old Town: 

Mission Hills is a beautiful neighborhood overlooking Downtown and the ocean with craftsman-style homes and lush canyons. Below lies Old Town, known as the birthplace of the city’s Mexican heritage. Homes easily run into the millions. 

North Park, Hillcrest and Normal Heights: 

Just east of Downtown is Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo and the charming neighborhoods of Golden Hill and North Park. 1920’s style Spanish haciendas thrive here. In Hillcrest, pedestrians own the streets. And just south are the beautiful Victorian neighborhoods of Banker’s Hill and Mission Hills. There are many fine Victorian and Spanish homes as well as rental homes and condos. Hillcrest is the gay and lesbian center of San Diego. 

Linda Vista: 

Here is one of San Diego’s Pacific Islander and Asian communities. With its ethnic restaurants and small retail shops, Linda Vista takes you straight to the entrances of Mesa College, the prestigious Francis Parker middle/high school and the University of San Diego. Home prices are moderate and the neighborhood is within minutes of all major job and commercial centers. 

Mission Valley: 

Just five minutes north from Downtown on Highway 163 lies Mission Valley. Forty years ago, Highway 163 was a two-lane road meandering east and west through pastures. Mission Valley, located on the ancient bed of the San Diego River, was largely undeveloped. Today, Highway 163 is a busy freeway connecting Downtown to Mission Valley and thousands of condos, apartments and hotel rooms; three major shopping centers (with 50 movie screens); Qualcomm Stadium; a golf course; and a dozen car dealerships. The San Diego River runs through the middle of it all. 

Allied gardens, Del Cerro, Grantville: 

This middle-class community of tract homes is just north of Interstate 8 – a hop away from both Qualcomm Stadium and San Diego State University. Here you’ll find ranches, cottages and bungalows and a tight knit neighborhood feeling. 

San Carlos: 

San Carlos features large homes overlooking Lake Murray. Like La Mesa on the other side of the freeway, it has a “just folks” appeal where residents care enough to take care of their own. Here is an area where family, school and church reign. 

College Area: 

Burgeoning San Diego State University has helped maintain this community’s luster. Here, you will find apartments, condos and smaller tract houses populated by both young and old. Many parents have bought homes and condos here for their children attending the university. This upsurge has allowed empty nesters to refurbish their properties via increased equity. 

Tierrasanta: 

San Diego’s first master planned community is known as the “island in the Hills.” Surrounded by Murphy Canyon, Mission Trails Regional Park and two interstate highways, Tierrasanta features thousands of town houses, condos and detached homes for families, singles and empty nesters. The “Tierrafest,” held each spring, is a day-long celebration that unites this bedroom community. 

Clairemont: 

Clairemont is located just east of Interstate 5 near Mission Bay Park and stretches inland. This established community is known as middle class and family-friendly and entry level homes are moderately priced. In the South Clairemont area, hundreds of hillside homes have incredible views of Mission Bay, the Tecolate Golf Course or Tecolate Canyon. Sea World and the University of San Diego are just five minutes away. 

University City: 

University City acts as the county’s second business center. Dozens of high rise office buildings wind east on La Jolla Village Drive from Interstate 5 toward Interstate 805. Thousands of condos, town houses and detached homes surround the hub and serve a decidedly upscale populace. Two miles north, hundreds of doctors serve the community at large.
 

MIRA MESA

Mira Mesa is a bedroom community of approximately 78,000 residents, centrally located within San Diego County about 20 miles from the downtown area. North of the community in the I-15 corridor is Rancho Penasquitos, and Miramar Marine Air Station is to the south. With the recent opening of Highway 56, there is good access to employment hubs such as Sorrento Valley’s high tech center and Mission Valley, as well as work centers in North San Diego County. San Diego State University and UC San Diego at La Jolla are also within easy reach, offering still more employment opportunities. The U.S. International University makes its home in neighboring Scripps Ranch, which is nestled across the freeway to the east. Mira Mesa is served by the San Diego Unified School District and has a large college, Miramar Community College. UC San Diego is also a renowned medical center. 

A melting pot community with a large military and Asian population, Mira Mesa boasts excellent restaurants, an ice hockey rink, a large bowling alley, movie theatres, a library, and a new swim complex at Miramar College. Sports activities abound, including soccer and baseball leagues and gymnastics and swimming clubs. There are hiking and biking trails at Miramar Reservoir, where residents can also fish and boat on the lake. Although comprised mostly of flat terrain, the community is bounded by arroyos and has a deep arroyo on the north side, much of which is park land. There are many community parks. 

The area has many dense housing tract tracts built primarily for young first time buyers, and newer higher-end homes are perched above the Penasquitos preserve in Sorrento Mesa to the west. Some homes even offer views to the ocean, several miles to the west. There are a variety of strip mall shopping centers which also house small businesses, and department store shopping can be found at University Town Center in La Jolla, Mission Valley or Fashion Valley. Annual events include the Blue Angel Air Show at Miramar Air Station.
 

Coronado: 

Home to the historic Hotel del Coronado (think Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot) and the Naval Air Station, Coronado Island is a town with both history and character. Thousands of luxurious condos and massive two-story homes dot this privileged community as well as the most expensive 40-year old bungalows to be found in San Diego. Its low crime rate and top-ranked school district are just two reasons why professional families move here. And popping over the Coronado Bridge and working Downtown takes just five minutes. (See also About San Diego County Coastal) 

Point Loma: 

One of San Diego’s original neighborhoods, the Point is known for its fabulous city, bay and ocean views. The Cabrillo National Monument and Fort Rosecrans National Monument and Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery celebrate both the birth of our city and the thousands who have fallen defending it. Neighborhoods include a range of homes from elegant Spanish style casas to more modest residences. The San Diego Yacht Club has trained thousands of young sailors (including America’s Cup winner Dennis Conner) and Point Loma Nazarene College teaches as many young people each year from its ocean view campus. 

Bay Park: 

Just up the hills from Interstate 5 east of Sea World sits Bay Park. With its cul-de-sacs, vistas and views of Mission Bay, this tightly knit community retains much of its historical ethnic flavor. Adjacent to the University of San Diego and blessed with both churches and parochial schools, Bay Park is upper middle class and very down-to-earth. 

Mission Beach: 

Just north of where the San Diego River empties into the ocean, Mission Beach epitomizes California cool – a place where world-class volleyball players and surfers mingle at water’s edge. Mission Beach and the adjacent Mission Bay feature a mix of condos, single-family houses and vacation rentals. It is truly a young professional’s paradise where fitness rules. 

Pacific Beach: 

With its well-kept bungalows and thousands of condos and rental units, Pacific Beach is where the surf meets the graduates. Pacific Beach engulfs an eclectic mix of nightspots, restaurants and mom and pop shops where empty nesters and singles congregate. At the southern end stands Crown Point, an idyllic neighborhood that surrounds tranquil Mission Bay. Crown Point has both condos and homes and attracts a lively seniors market. 

La Jolla: 

Named “the most desirable place to live in the world” (2002 Robb Report), La Jolla is where multi-million dollar homes are the rule rather than the exception. This internationally recognized community houses top-drawer boutiques, jewelry stores, art galleries, restaurants and hotels, many with stunning ocean views. In addition to serving as a finance center, the North Torrey Pines area is home to the prestigious Salk Institute, Scripps Hospital and the University of California at San Diego. (See also About San Diego County Coastal)
 

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