A family move to America’s Finest City sounds like an exciting and thrilling adventure. However, before the time comes to pack your bags and host a farewell party, you first need to find your perfect San Diego home. We won’t lie – it won’t be easy, but only because San Diego has so much to offer in terms of real estate and family-friendly places to live. To make your job easier for you, we put this together so that you can get an answer to your question. San Diego suburbs- which do families prefer? We’re sure you’ll find a neighborhood that will make you instantly want to schedule your move!
Which San Diego suburbs do families prefer? – our top five picks
Since you’ll be relocating to San Diego with your loved ones, there are some things you should have in mind before choosing where to settle. You’ll probably want to look for affordable areas to live in with safe streets, good schools, lots of playgrounds, parks, and family-friendly attractions nearby.
Lucky for you, San Diego has plenty of suburbs to choose from that are great for raising a family, and for this article, we’ve selected the top five. They’ll inspire you to instantly start reading a thorough moving to California guide and researching everything that will help you have a stress-free journey.
#1 Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley is located roughly 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego. It’s one of the greatest and safest neighborhoods in this city. In fact, it’s safer than 92% of California cities. However, safety isn’t the only reason why families prefer this neighborhood. This area is home to excellent schools such as Carmel Del Mar School and Torrey Pines High School.
Also, there are numerous parks nearby. On top of that, the beaches of Torrey Pines, Del Mar, and La Jolla are all within 20 minutes of Carmel Valley, making fun in the sun easy to get by after school or on weekends!
#2 Del Mar Heights
If you and your family are beach bums, then Del Mar Heights could be an ideal location for you to call your new home. This San Diego neighborhood is right on the beach and is perfect for families who can’t get enough of the great outdoors.
On top of that, this neighborhood offers good schools like Del Mar Heights School and Del Mar Hills Academy. It’s also a welcoming and safe place with plenty of outdoor entertainment throughout the area. If you enjoy hiking or running, you’ll fall in love with Crest Canyon Park. On those rare, rainy days, you can always have a lovely meal at one of the fantastic local restaurants. Be honest – are you already searching for your home there?
#3 Loma Portal
If you’re looking for easy and quick access to downtown San Diego, Loma Portal is the neighborhood for you. It’s also very close to San Diego Bay and the San Diego International Airport.
Because of its affordability, prime position near family-friendly activities like SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, and access to top-rated schools like Loma Portal Elementary and Point Loma High School, this highly sought-after area is an excellent destination for families. If you choose Loma Portal for your new home, celebrate your move at The Venetian. This is an old-world Italian restaurant that serves award-winning pizzas, and that’s a favorite among locals!
#4 Rancho Bernardo
Rancho Bernardo is one of the San Diego suburbs families prefer because of its affordability and sense of community that comes with living there. On top of that, it’s safer than 93% of California cities, which makes it perfect for raising your kids. This neighborhood is part of the Poway Unified School District and has good schools like Turtleback Elementary School and Rancho Bernardo High School.
The neighborhood’s local parks and outdoor leisure spots and its roomy single-family homes appeal most to families, so you’re guaranteed to fit in and find friends quickly. Plus, there’s always something to do – from watching summer movies in the park to fishing at reservoir Lake Hodges. Perhaps this San Diego neighborhood will be the one where you’ll be looking for your perfect family home!
#5 Rancho Penasquitos
Rancho Penasquitos is located between Carmel Valley and Rancho Bernardo. It’s only half an hour away from downtown San Diego, depending on the traffic, and offers a small-town neighborhood atmosphere ideal for families. It’s also very safe and affordable. On top of that, Rancho Penasquitos is home to some great schools, such as Deer Canyon Elementary School and Westview High School.
One of the best things about this neighborhood is that there’s always something to do. If you like spending time outdoors, have a picnic at Views West Neighborhood Park. Or, take your kids to play basketball or play on one of many local playgrounds. For experienced hikers, we highly recommend Black Mountain Open Space Park, as you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the city. And when you’re up for a slow evening, have dinner at one of the great local restaurants that are also quite affordable.
Which one of the San Diego suburbs for families do you prefer?
We hope you enjoyed reading and that our list of San Diego suburbs for families helped you find the perfect one or, at least, narrow the list of neighborhoods you prefer. Even if you don’t feel any of them is suitable for your family, don’t worry. There are plenty more family-friendly areas to choose from. Simply reach out to San Diego real estate professionals with extensive experience in the area, and we’ll help you find a place that perfectly first your family’s wants and needs! Now you know which San Diego suburbs many families prefer, and you can take that as your starting point.