A Postcard from San Diego, California
We bought the condo for our son at UCSD, knowing full well this is definitely where we want to retire. And when school is out, it's our second home by the water. What could be a better investment than this?
About San Diego, California
Second largest city in California, San Diego is not your ordinary city. Nor is it only one city. With over 1.3 million people in the city limits, the county of San Diego extends even farther, including 18 incorporated cities and numerous communities. If you are a beach lover, any place you choose for your second home or retirement in San Diego, California is just about perfect. With glorious weather and 70 miles of sun baked beaches, there is no other place like it. There is no question about enjoying yourself, everyone does in San Diego. That's why San Diego is ranked as the fourth best city for quality of life. In addition to perfect weather for outdoor recreation, San Diego has extraordinary cultural offerings, many based in Balboa Park. And don't worry about housing -- San Diego showcases every kind of vacation home available, from beach vacation rentals to beach resorts. Nearby towns of Carlsbad, Coronado, La Mesa, Hillcrest, La Jolla and DelMar, just to mention a few, are also great places to look for your second home. While there is a good mixture of people of all ages and walks of life, San Diego definitely has the edge for the retirement choice, because of its climate and access to the ocean and mountains. A second home here is a great way to safeguard your place for future retirement while enjoying it now. The only catch is, you need to be able to afford it. Paradise doesn't come cheap.
An Average Lifestyle in San Diego, California
Friendly, easy-going, and outdoors are the main components of life here. You can generally count on good weather, making it easy to have spontaneous get-togethers. It's safe to say that many people move here also because of the access to fine culture.
Housing
Options: Everything from condos, beach homes to large mansions are offered.
Costs: 2000 Census Median price; $233,100. In 2004, single family resale prices are at a median price of $500,000, and condos are at $355,000. The overall median is $454,000 twice the national median.
Things to Do in San Diego
Enjoy the 70 miles of beach
Golf on 92 courses in the county
Biking
Scuba diving
Parasailing and windsurfing
Attend a pro football or baseball game.
San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park
SeaWorld San Diego
LEGOLAND California
Surfing
Boating and sailing
Spas
Visit Historic Coronado Resort
Dining
Camp, fish, hike and see wildlife in nearby state parks
Whale watching
Scuba diving and snorkeling in the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park
Sport Fishing
Jet skiing
Birdwatching
Shopping
Cultural Activities in San Diego
The Globe Theaters
Balboa Park events
Art Galleries
13 Balboa Park Museums and many others around the city
California Ballet Company
Mainly Mozart orchestra
San Diego Dance Alliance
San Diego Opera
San Diego Symphony Orchestra
San Diego Civic Theater
National Comedy Theater
Near-By Excursions
Tijuana, Mexico
Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Cuyamaca State Park
Mission Trails Regional Park
Palomar State Park
Calendar of Events
Location
On the coast in Southern California, close to the border of Mexico.
Elevation: 40 feet
Size: City: 324 sq miles, County: 4,200 sq miles.
Distance to other major cities:
San Francisco, CA: 460 miles
Los Angeles, CA: 116 miles
Getting To San Diego, California
By car, by Amtrak, or by plane to San Diego Airport
Weather: Varies from inland to coastal
Annual Average Temperature: 70.5
Annual Average Rainfall: less than 20 inches
Economics and Demographics
Population: City: 1.3 million; 2.8 million in the county
Median Age, 2000: 32.5
Median Household Income: $45,733
Principle Industries: Education, Professional, Naval station
Higher Education
San Diego State University
University of California at San Diego (in La Jolla)
San Diego City College
San Diego Miramar College