How to find the best retirement community
SAN DIEGO-CALIFORNIA
San Diego retirement communities Google Map

Discuss "What its Like to Live in SAN DIEGO"

Forward to a Friend

What San Diego is like for active adults
San Diego, California (population over 1,250,000) has been a popular retirement community since the end of World War II. Its scenery, climate, and lifestyle are second to none and appeal to active adults 55+. Its bustling downtown area has a busy convention area and city parks set alongside hundreds of anchored pleasure boats. San Diego is California’s second largest city.

There are many communities within San Diego, including exclusive La Jolla. The climate is close to perfect - the sun shines almost every day, it is rarely too hot, and almost never too cool. The University of California, San Diego is a vital force in the community, along with the famed San Diego Zoo. The U.S. has a major base on the city’s waterfront.

San Diego features homes and apartments set atop hills in many different neighborhoods. There are many active adult developments to choose from in the area. The main drawback to living in San Diego is the expensive housing. Starter homes tend to be in the high hundreds of thousands range. Fortunately there are apartments that can be had for less, either as condos or as rentals. Surrounding areas tend to be slightly less expensive, the more so as one goes away from the water. According to Yahoo Real Estate the MLS median asking price of 8,418 San Diego homes offered for sale in the second half of 2007 was $475,000. There were 4,516 homes in the classified listings with a median price of $535,000.

For a list of profiles of over 220 cities and towns go to retirement community reviews, - here is more information on taxes and what it is like to retire in California.
[Edit] [History]

What is special about this community
• Best climate in the U.S. – only 12 inches of rain per year • Large city with a small town feel • Gas Lamp District • Urban renewal has been very successful • Mount Soledad • San Diego Zoo • Balboa Park and its museums • Torrey Pines (Public) Golf Course • UC San Diego
[Edit] [History]


What is not special about this community
• It tends to be very expensive • California Traffic
[Edit] [History]

What kinds of people like living here
A diverse group of people live here, thanks to the Navy, local universities, and people from around the country that have come for the climate. They enjoy an active, outdoor life style
[Edit] [History]

Local economy is driven by
Tourism, high tech, defense, real estate, retail
[Edit] [History]

Physical environment
San Diego is one of the world’s great harbors. The city is on the coastal plain which quickly rises to hills to the east. Sandy beaches dot the ocean.
[Edit] [History]

Cultural environment
Nearby San Diego has much to offer for those looking for serious cultural opportunities, particularly those at UC San Diego and the many other universities in the area. The San Diego Zoo is world famous.
[Edit] [History]

Medical facilities
San Diego has at least 10 hospitals.
[Edit] [History]

Transportation
San Diego International Airport is close to city center. Coaster has rail stations in San Diego connecting to Los Angeles and Amtrak
[Edit] [History]

Active Adult Communities in San Diego

Showcase Listing
Top Communities
 San Diego Active Communities
Facts about SAN DIEGO
State:  CA
Environment:  Urban,Suburban,College Town,Coastal,
City Population:  100,001+
Median age of Population:  0-24
Avg Jan Temperature:  41-60
Median HH Income:  41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS):  $300,001-$500,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house:  2000-4000
Total Crime Index:  101-110 (slightly above average)
Cost of Living Index:  121+ (very high)
Culture Index:  121+ (very high)
State Sales Tax:  Yes
State Income Tax:  Yes
Name of the Guide:  frank
Can you add to or correct these Facts? Or do you have a photo of this community we could use? If so, please click on Edit these facts
Vote on the Ratings for San Diego
Update Your Ratings
Overall Retirement Ratings Discuss

1. Rating: 3.2/5 ( 6 votes cast)

Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury Discuss

2. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 4 votes cast)

Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive Discuss

3. Rating: 3.7/5 ( 6 votes cast)

Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan Discuss

4. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 3 votes cast)

Recreation:
None to Summer camp Discuss

5. Rating: 3.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)

Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub Discuss

6. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)

Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox Discuss

7. Rating: 2.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)

Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent Discuss

8. Rating: 3.8/5 ( 4 votes cast)

Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal Discuss

9. Rating: 2.8/5 ( 5 votes cast)

Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green Discuss

10. Rating: 3.8/5 ( 5 votes cast)

Was this review helpful? YesNo
Please share your opinions on this community in the Forum
Register to become a Site Guide to Edit these sections or Add a Community
If you have suggestions on how Topretirements.com could improve these reviews, contact us.
Suggest a community we want to know about your top retirement spots
Please note that all contributions to Topretirements may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you don't want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then don't submit it here. By submitting content and/or photographs here you agree to give Topretirements.com the rights to use them in any manner without cost or attribution.You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource (see Project:Copyrights for details). DO NOT SUBMIT COPYRIGHTED WORK WITHOUT PERMISSION!
Site Map | About Us | Contact Us | Site Rules | Advertise | Free Baby Boomers Guide | Privacy| State | Communities| Press | Join Us | Help | Reviews | Active Adult Communities | Add Your Community
Copyright © 2006-2009 Topretirements.com. All Rights Reserved.