The familiar cliché “location, location, location” exists for a reason, especially when it comes to buying a home or condo in San Diego, California. This Southern California city is the second largest city in California with a population of nearly 1,300,000 (according to 2006 population estimates) and the eighth largest city in the country. As culturally diverse as it is geographically interesting, this area borders Mexico, sits just south of prosperous Orange County, boasts miles of white-sand beaches, offers one of the mildest climates in the country, is home to Navy bases, the Coast Guard and the Marines, and has some of the best public schools in the country under seven separate school districts.
But enough of that. The reason San Diego is THE location in the country is because of its variety of housing options. Whether you choose Carlsbad, La Jolla, Del Mar, Coronado, or the exquisitely renovated downtown area, you’ll be able to find the perfect home in a matter of days. So where do you start? By knowing a little about the area.
San Diego first settled in the eastern and southern parts of the city, and many of those old houses still exist. These houses tend to be smaller than the newer areas of the city you can find up north, but the prices can be just as competitive due to their proximity to downtown. North County is a newer area, with underground utilities, landscaped medians in the middle of wide streets, and newer schools. In fact, some of the best schools in San Diego County are found in this northern section that includes Carmel Valley, Solana Beach, Encinitas, and Carlsbad along San Diego County’s northern corridor.
Inland are areas such as Scripps Ranch, which has newer housing, schools, and shopping centers. Saber Springs, Rancho Penasquitos, and Carmel Mountain, all near Poway, are also lovely areas. The median sales price of all of these homes has dropped significantly over the past year and buyers are beginning to realize the opportunities available to purchase an affordable home.
As for downtown, you’ll find a number of distinctive neighborhoods including City Core, Columbia, Cortez Hill, East Village, Gaslamp Quarter, Horton Plaza, Little Italy, and Marina, all with unique histories and styles. Currently more than 24,000 people live in the center. Because? It offers the chance to live in possibly one of the most exciting cities in the country, close to work, shopping, world-class dining, entertainment and more. Downtown inventory is being absorbed month after month and once inventory reaches a more “normal” number of condos for sale, prices will begin to rise.
Naturally, there are many questions regarding the price. How much down payment do you need? What are closing costs and how are they tabulated? Is there a Mello-Roos tax? How do I calculate my monthly payment?
Questions related to location are sometimes even more important because you want to live in an area where you are happy and comfortable, and if you decide to sell, you want your home to be in a desirable area. Ask yourself these questions: Is this a good neighborhood? How can I be sure? How are the neighbors? Are the yards well cared for? How far am I from work? How are the schools? Will it be very hot in summers? Would it be better closer to the coast?
Buying a home in any city is a big undertaking and San Diego is no different. By familiarizing yourself with the city and the areas in which you are interested, you will be able to make an informed decision and, to quote another cliché, purchase the home of your dreams. Just remember: location, location, location.
And get yourself a real estate agent with top notch experience.