With professional sports teams, sandy beaches and a bevy of research and tech firms, San Diego has a bit of something for everyone, but what if you have kids? Does the area have family friendly neighborhoods? Absolutely!
These three neighborhoods were chosen based on their crime and safety rates, schools, access to youth facilities and a handful of other factors. However, where you ultimately decide to raise your kids in San Diego will depend on your budget, the market and location.
Here’s a look at the top three best neighborhoods in San Diego to raise a family.
Coronado
With a population of around 25,000 people, Coronado is a big city with a small town feel. While house prices in this affluent community frequently top the multimillion-dollar mark, you get a lot for your money.
Residents enjoy access to stunning landscapes, great beach access and a well-connected, tight-knit community. Additionally, Coronado’s idyllic, tree-lined streets, low crime rates, highly rated schools and great parks also add to the family-friendly perks.
If you’re looking for a higher-end area with great schools and lots of community pride, Coronado is a great area to consider.
Carmel Mountain
Carmel Mountain features gorgeous homes full of modern amenities, many of which are situated safely on cul-de-sacs where kids come out and play. In this family-friendly neighborhood of San Diego, families can easily find 3 bedroom homes between $450,000 and $1 million, with a few bargains and luxury properties available at prices below and above that range.
The area is ideal if you like old school fun and neighborhood get-togethers. The award winning schools, such as Meadowbrook Middle School, focus both on academics and family fun including an end-of-the-year Olympics for the sixth graders.
Annually, residents decorate their homes in holiday lights, and they gather with neighbors for a winter block party, where local residents sing carols, look at lights and invite neighbors into their homes for holiday snacks and drinks. This annual custom is a neighborhood favorite for making new friends and strengthening old bonds.
University City
University City features homes situated on safe residential streets, but is surrounded by freeways which offers easy commuting. Located next to the University of California San Diego, this neighborhood draws a well-educated crowd, and many of the university’s tenured professors and their families call this neighborhood home.
If you love the great outdoors and want to keep your kids active, you’ll enjoy the Rose Canyon Open Space Preserve and all the other mesas and canyons throughout the area. This neighborhood is also host to a diverse crowd including lots of families with children as well as retired couples. Shopping centers with grocery stores and restaurants sit just at the cusp of the neighborhood, easily accessible for residents.
While we think these are the three best neighborhoods in San Diego for families, they’re not the only ones. You may also want to consider:
- La Jolla
- Rancho Penasquitos
- Del Mar
- Mira Mesa
