Affordability in San Diego is always relative. Entering 2026, the countywide median home price remains well above most U.S. markets, making neighborhood-level pricing differences especially important for both buyers and sellers.
Popular central neighborhoods such as North Park typically see home values in the mid-$900,000s, which provides a useful comparison point when evaluating areas that fall below the broader county average. This guide focuses strictly on price, highlighting specific neighborhoods where home values trend lower than much of San Diego.
Lemon Grove
Lemon Grove remains one of the more affordable communities near central San Diego. It’s one of those neighborhoods that I consider a gem. You can still get a nice-sized property for a reasonable price. In late 2025 and early 2026, median home prices generally range from low to mid-$800,000, placing Lemon Grove below the San Diego Countywide median.
For sellers, this price positioning tends to attract steady demand from value-conscious buyers. For buyers, it represents a more accessible entry point while staying close to the urban core.
National City
National City continues to offer some of the lowest price points in the South Bay. Median home prices typically range from $700,000 to $800,000, depending on property type and location.
This relative affordability continues to keep buyer interest, particularly among households seeking close proximity to downtown San Diego without the prices of Metro San Diego.
Clairemont Mesa East
Clairemont Mesa East offers a more affordable price point than many coastal San Diego neighborhoods. Recent market data shows the median home price is around $925,000 to $950,000.
While not inexpensive by national standards, this pricing remains lower than that of adjacent coastal areas, supporting continued buyer demand when homes are priced accurately.
Mira Mesa
Mira Mesa typically comes in closer to the county median, with recent median home prices in the $975,000 to $985,000 range. Its pricing reflects strong access to employment and a family-oriented neighborhood.
Although not among the lowest-priced neighborhoods, Mira Mesa remains more affordable than many coastal and luxury-focused submarkets.
North Clairemont
North Clairemont generally commands higher prices than Clairemont Mesa East but remains below many nearby coastal communities. Recent median prices often land around $1.05 million.
This positioning attracts buyers who have been priced out of coastal neighborhoods while still prioritizing location.
What This Means For Sellers
Understanding how your neighborhood compares on price starts with knowing your numbers. A free home valuation can show where your home fits within today’s San Diego market.
Our guide on Selling Your House in San Diego explains how pricing strategies and buyer expectations vary across different San Diego neighborhoods.
In neighborhoods where affordability drives demand, seller success depends heavily on realistic pricing. Homes aligned with local market conditions tend to move faster, while overpricing can quickly limit buyer interest.
If you’re considering selling or planning, start with a free home valuation to understand how today’s pricing trends impact your property.