What do 1.5 million San Diegan residents know that the rest of the country does not? Well, for one, this city has some of the best neighborhoods to establish some Southern California roots. And, trusty HomeSnacks readers, today is your lucky day because we’ve created a list of the best neighborhoods in San Diego for 2024.
But, before you head down to our coveted list of the best neighborhoods in San Diego, you need to know how we calculated our list. First, we looked at the latest FBI data, Census report, and BLS for San Diego’s 84 neighborhoods. We then created our own index based on factors that most people find important when looking for their forever neighborhood: low crime, affordable housing, educated neighbors, convenience, and amenities.
Our super scientific formula led us to a bunch of fun San Diego neighborhood facts. For one, if you want to live in most of San Diego’s best neighborhoods, you’re going to have to make at least $83,640/year. And while this is a pretty sizable requirement, it does usually mean that your neighbors are educated and that they value safety and cleanliness. If top notch schools for your kiddos is a requirement, San Diego’s neighborhood, Torrey Pines has that market cornered. And if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck with average home prices around $500,000 than you should definitely give Carmel Mountain a second glance.
However, if you want to see our list of the best neighborhoods in San Diego, you’re going to have to keep reading.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table
We were not at all surprised to find that San Diego is one of the better cities in America. The 84 neighborhoods that make up America’s Finest City could be the poster neighborhoods for the rest of the country. In layman’s terms, if you want that beach life with five star restaurants and posh shopping, La Jolla should be at the top of your list. And if you’re looking for a neighborhood close to an airport, Wooded Area is it.
So, what’s the best neighborhood in San Diego? Well, according to the latest data and our SnackAbility index, that would be Wooded Area.
If you want to see a list of the rest of the latest and greatest neighborhoods in San Diego, take a look below. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for there, head on down to the bottom of the page.
For more California reading, check out:
- Best Places To Live In California
- Cheapest Places To Live In California
- Most Dangerous Cities In California
The 10 Best Neighborhoods To Live In San Diego
Population: 4,375
Median Home Value: $1,116,100 (Fourth best)
Median Income: $146,555 (Fourth best)
More on Wooded Area: Data | Real Estate
Yes, the name here is pretty generic. It sounds like something from an early version of Minecraft. But this Wooded Area doesn’t exist as a small collection of trees. Rather, it serves as the number 1 top place to live in San Diego for 2024.
How does Wooded Area earn this distinction? Well, maybe it should change its name to Coastal Area. Sure, you can check out some trees at the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park…but the real selling point is the great ocean views.
Meanwhile, a firm financial footing provides another main draw. Locals enjoy a median income of $146,555 and an unemployment rate of $0.9%. This is offset a bit by high real estate prices, with a median home value of $1,116,100.
Population: 6,613
Median Home Value: $1,328,975 (best)
Median Income: $166,796 (Third best)
More on Del Mar Heights: Data | Real Estate
The words “del mar” mean “from sea.” Here, you have the heights overlooking the ocean. You can certainly smell the salt air wafting in “from sea” when you buy a place in Del Mar Heights.
If the ocean isn’t your thing…well, maybe it’s time to start looking for a place in Omaha. But even if you’re looking for a little change of pace, you can find other outdoor activities around the neighborhood at Crest Canyon Park.
All this natural beauty and easy beach access come at a cost, of course. A home around here will run you more than a million dollars. Still, it helps when the median income reaches $166,796.
Population: 48,364
Median Home Value: $1,037,794 (Fifth best)
Median Income: $172,093 (Second best)
More on Carmel Valley: Data | Real Estate
Carmel Mountain makes this list. So does Carmel Valley. The names are a little confusing. The neighborhood of Carmel Mountain sits near Black Mountain. Carmel Valley actually contains Carmel Mountain.
This little bit of confusion aside, Carmel Valley has other key selling points. Located in the northwest part of the city, it lies within easy driving distance to the ocean.
As you’d guess, this prime location comes at a cost. The median home price here hovers at $1,037,794. Don’t worry about those lofty mortgage payments. With a median income of $172,093, locals can afford it.
Population: 14,621
Median Home Value: $678,042 (24th best)
Median Income: $108,600 (15th best)
More on Bay Ho: Data | Real Estate
Population: 22,537
Median Home Value: $791,708 (12th best)
Median Income: $134,883 (Eighth best)
More on Scripps Ranch: Data | Real Estate
Leaving San Diego to the northeast, you can head up I-15, taking a ride toward LA and the rest of California. Or, you can drive east, off into the wilderness, eventually reaching places like Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
Scripps Ranch offers a gateway in both directions. Situated near the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, it offers a great compromise between city living and a foothold into nature.
Just make sure you have the bank account for this kind of lifestyle. The median income in the area stands at $134,883, while the median home value comes in at $791,708.
Population: 52,735
Median Home Value: $770,052 (14th best)
Median Income: $141,794 (Sixth best)
More on Rancho Penasquitos: Data | Real Estate
The shadow of Black Mountain apparantly offers ideal living conditions. This list already has a few neighborhoods surrounding the landmark, from Sabre Springs to Carmel Mountain, both located just over the I-15 from Rancho Penasquitos.
Here’s yet another spot around Black Mountain that offers a stellar place to put down roots. The name of the neighborhood, located in northeast San Diego, refers to its mountainous setting. The word “penasquitos” translates to “little cliffs.”
Like the other spots in this section of town, a strong financial base provides the central attraction. The median income around here totals $141,794. Sure, that’s a nice salary, but it does have to stretch in this area. The median home value comes in above $600,000.
Population: 11,791
Median Home Value: $938,036 (Seventh best)
Median Income: $88,712 (34th best)
More on Ocean Beach: Data | Real Estate
Population: 8,226
Median Home Value: $1,190,529 (Third best)
Median Income: $181,904 (best)
More on North City: Data | Real Estate
Yes, North City is north of downtown. No surprises there. But that isn’t the main geographical asset.
Jump on the I-5 and you’ll reach the heart of the city in about a half hour (traffic allowing, of course). Want to get to the beach? Much shorter drive. You can hit the sand in about 10 minutes.
So, North City has the crucial real estate function covered: location, location, location. No wonder the homes here tend to reach seven-figure prices. But the area has the economy to support these high-priced abodes. The local median income totals nearly $150,000.
Population: 13,423
Median Home Value: $600,367 (30th best)
Median Income: $117,481 (12th best)
More on San Carlos: Data | Real Estate
Population: 75,182
Median Home Value: $544,098 (39th best)
Median Income: $107,972 (17th best)
More on Mira Mesa: Data | Real Estate
Methodology: How We Determined The Best San Diego, CA Neighborhoods In 2024
To rank the best neighborhoods in San Diego, we had to determine what criteria define “best” and then apply Saturday Night Science to it.
Using FBI crime, Census, and extrapolated BLS data, we arrived at the following set of criteria:
- High incomes
- Low unemployment rates
- Low crime
- High home prices
- High population densities (A proxy for things to do)
We then ranked each neighborhood with scores from 1 to 84 in each category, where 1 was the best.
Next, we averaged the rankings for each neighborhood to create a best neighborhood index.
And finally, we crowned the neighborhood with the lowest best neighborhood index, the “Best City Neighborhood In San Diego.” We’re lookin’ at you, Wooded Area.
Read on below to learn more about what it’s like to live in the best places San Diego, California has to offer. Or skip to the end to see the list of all the neighborhoods in the city, from best to worst.
We updated this article for 2024. This report is our tenth time ranking the best neighborhoods to live in San Diego.
Summary: Putting A Bow On Our Analysis Of The Best Neighborhoods In San Diego
If you’re measuring the neighborhoods in San Diego where crime is low and everyone wants to live, this is an accurate list.
The best neighborhoods in San Diego are Wooded Area, Del Mar Heights, Carmel Valley, Bay Ho, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Ocean Beach, North City, San Carlos, and Mira Mesa.
As mentioned earlier, the neighborhoods in San Diego aren’t all good. San Ysidro takes the title of the worst neighborhood to live in San Diego.
The worst neighborhoods in San Diego are San Ysidro, Midtown District, Mount Hope, Mission Valley, and Memorial.
We ranked the neighborhoods from best to worst in the chart below.
For more California reading, check out:
Best Neighborhoods To Live In San Diego For 2024 Detailed Data
| Rank | Neighborhood | Population | Home Value | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wooded Area | 4,375 | $1,116,100 | $146,555 |
| 2 | Del Mar Heights | 6,613 | $1,328,975 | $166,796 |
| 3 | Carmel Valley | 48,364 | $1,037,794 | $172,093 |
| 4 | Bay Ho | 14,621 | $678,042 | $108,600 |
| 5 | Scripps Ranch | 22,537 | $791,708 | $134,883 |
| 6 | Rancho Penasquitos | 52,735 | $770,052 | $141,794 |
| 7 | Ocean Beach | 11,791 | $938,036 | $88,712 |
| 8 | North City | 8,226 | $1,190,529 | $181,904 |
| 9 | San Carlos | 13,423 | $600,367 | $117,481 |
| 10 | Mira Mesa | 75,182 | $544,098 | $107,972 |
| 11 | Carmel Mountain | 11,748 | $708,543 | $115,289 |
| 12 | Pacific Beach | 30,872 | $920,036 | $105,991 |
| 13 | Bay Park | 17,860 | $707,443 | $97,131 |
| 14 | South Park | 5,472 | $722,771 | $100,660 |
| 15 | La Jolla | 36,662 | $1,298,387 | $128,665 |
| 16 | North Clairemont | 15,494 | $603,617 | $98,740 |
| 17 | Tierrasanta | 30,151 | $645,145 | $108,245 |
| 18 | Sorrento Valley | 5,578 | $803,500 | $131,900 |
| 19 | Sabre Springs | 10,313 | $714,900 | $129,605 |
| 20 | Lake Murray | 18,708 | $564,464 | $100,688 |
| 21 | Gaslamp Quarter | 1,003 | $438,200 | $136,541 |
| 22 | Jomacha-Lomita | 10,967 | $432,617 | $75,645 |
| 23 | Park West | 9,147 | $723,522 | $83,911 |
| 24 | Loma Portal | 6,151 | $851,783 | $102,321 |
| 25 | Paradise Hills | 17,552 | $462,811 | $82,009 |
| 26 | University City | 50,294 | $651,046 | $100,582 |
| 27 | Talmadge | 9,587 | $613,912 | $78,229 |
| 28 | Rancho Bernadino | 44,185 | $553,456 | $95,093 |
| 29 | Roseville | 6,705 | $737,410 | $97,826 |
| 30 | La Jolla Village | 6,108 | $385,857 | $68,178 |
| 31 | Horton Plaza | 1,280 | $976,800 | $45,142 |
| 32 | Allied Gardens | 10,485 | $560,800 | $98,904 |
| 33 | Del Cerro | 7,715 | $723,380 | $145,915 |
| 34 | Marina | 5,147 | $748,733 | $101,719 |
| 35 | Kensington | 5,994 | $703,300 | $115,804 |
| 36 | Normal Heights | 9,939 | $489,589 | $69,726 |
| 37 | Little Italy | 2,942 | $626,017 | $90,835 |
| 38 | Linda Vista | 26,535 | $560,400 | $68,425 |
| 39 | Clairemont Mesa | 38,765 | $447,570 | $70,301 |
| 40 | Grantville | 9,910 | $431,500 | $75,187 |
| 41 | Bay Terrace | 22,838 | $310,253 | $73,018 |
| 42 | Egger Highlands | 9,453 | $409,200 | $62,691 |
| 43 | Alta Vista | 2,337 | $453,600 | $88,864 |
| 44 | Serra Mesa | 26,135 | $567,185 | $84,829 |
| 45 | Balboa Park | 1,538 | $586,175 | $86,502 |
| 46 | Midtown | 4,144 | $776,017 | $78,819 |
| 47 | Nestor | 16,535 | $321,086 | $56,666 |
| 48 | West University Heights | 9,608 | $469,970 | $66,574 |
| 49 | Bird Land | 4,703 | $516,125 | $77,436 |
| 50 | Darnall | 9,347 | $312,383 | $61,064 |
| 51 | Gateway | 2,657 | $345,800 | $66,000 |
| 52 | Valencia Park | 11,708 | $337,850 | $57,624 |
| 53 | Encanto | 16,614 | $448,042 | $76,754 |
| 54 | North Hills | 43,221 | $440,667 | $63,468 |
| 55 | Oak Park | 16,342 | $382,290 | $64,099 |
| 56 | Columbia | 1,641 | $440,800 | $82,797 |
| 57 | Cortez Hill | 2,891 | $542,725 | $71,568 |
| 58 | East Village | 10,954 | $498,650 | $62,824 |
| 59 | Core | 3,770 | $96,950 | $33,240 |
| 60 | Grant Hill | 4,767 | $491,800 | $47,064 |
| 61 | College Area | 21,712 | $432,218 | $58,577 |
| 62 | Lincoln Park | 10,187 | $311,660 | $39,992 |
| 63 | Webster | 10,383 | $309,071 | $57,071 |
| 64 | Moreno Mission | 9,691 | $362,560 | $58,425 |
| 65 | Old Town | 1,127 | $913,900 | $99,922 |
| 66 | Sky Line | 10,572 | $301,957 | $58,462 |
| 67 | El Cerritos | 6,157 | $313,775 | $54,388 |
| 68 | Torrey Pines | 951 | $563,333 | $106,868 |
| 69 | Rolando | 8,058 | $573,843 | $46,339 |
| 70 | Mountain View | 16,306 | $374,325 | $43,571 |
| 71 | Chollas View | 5,172 | $313,075 | $48,414 |
| 72 | Southcrest | 6,539 | $353,200 | $48,597 |
| 73 | Bario Logan | 10,422 | $194,600 | $30,625 |
| 74 | City Heights West | 31,588 | $256,556 | $36,560 |
| 75 | Kearny Mesa | 5,042 | $501,450 | $103,189 |
| 76 | Mission Bay | 62,292 | $383,500 | $65,071 |
| 77 | City Heights East | 38,743 | $156,600 | $32,300 |
| 78 | Emerald Hills | 5,006 | $412,950 | $59,826 |
| 79 | Palm City | 6,059 | $193,100 | $69,026 |
| 80 | Memorial | 14,637 | $299,864 | $30,176 |
| 81 | Mission Valley | 7,490 | $279,720 | $74,473 |
| 82 | Mount Hope | 8,997 | $288,200 | $37,060 |
| 83 | Midtown District | 10,962 | $274,430 | $53,556 |
| 84 | San Ysidro | 27,974 | $378,173 | $65,404 |