Local Lifestyle, San Diego, CA

Best San Diego Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

By Meaghan Loraas Last Updated May 18, 2022 3 min read

Are you looking for a new home in San Diego? If yes, check out these neighborhoods. They are known for their affordability and great amenities.

There are several reasons why these places are considered great options for young professionals. Firstly, they offer a wide variety of housing options ranging from single-family homes to condos and townhomes. Second, they also provide plenty of entertainment options such as restaurants, coffee shops, bars, gyms, movie theaters, etc. Third, they are close to public transportation and other significant employers. And fourth, they are located within walking distance of shopping centers, parks, and schools.

San Diego has some of the best neighborhoods for young professionals. The city offers a diverse selection of housing options, excellent amenities, and convenient access to employment opportunities. In addition, these neighborhoods are very affordable in comparison to other parts of California.

North Park

San Diego’s North Park neighborhood is one of the most popular areas for young professionals. This area was once part of Rancho Santa Fe, which means it used to be owned by the same family that owns the famous La Jolla estate.

The North Park neighborhood features many small businesses like cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and bookstores. There are also numerous cultural institutions, including museums, libraries, and concert halls. Other attractions include the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Natural History Museum, and the USS Midway Museum.

The neighborhood has easy access to public transit; there are multiple bus stops along 5th Street. It is also near the UCSD campus, the San Diego State University, and the University of San Diego.

University City

This neighborhood is located about 10 miles southeast of downtown San Diego. It consists primarily of residential properties with a few commercial establishments. It is also home to the University of California at San Diego. University City is an ideal location for students or academics who want to live close to school but still enjoy all the city’s fun activities. It is also a short drive away from Downtown San Diego and the Gaslamp Quarter.

The University City neighborhood connects to public transport via the Green Line trolley route. It is also close to the San Diego International Airport.

Hillcrest

Hillcrest is another popular place for young professionals to settle down. Located in central San Diego, this neighborhood is known for its eclectic mix of people, culture, and history.

Hillcrest is home to some of the most prestigious universities, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, and San Diego State University. It is also home to the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Opera.

Several cultural institutions in the Hillcrest neighborhood, including the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Jewish Film Festival, and the San Diego Repertory Theatre.

There are several parks within walking distance of the Hillcrest neighborhood. These include the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Balboa Park, and the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

La Jolla

Located in southern San Diego County, La Jolla is a beautiful seaside community. It is home to the world-famous La Jolla Cove and Torrey Pines Beach. Therefore, it should be no surprise that La Jolla is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the San Diego Bay area.

La Jolla is also home to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the University of California at La Jolla, and the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. The latter two institutions attract scientists and researchers from around the globe.

La Jolla is also home to the renowned La Jolla Playhouse. It is considered one of the best theaters in the United States.

Other notable landmarks in La Jolla include the Coronado Bridge, Hotel del Coronado, the Cabrillo National Monument, and the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

Corona Heights

Corona Heights is a quiet residential neighborhood in the eastern part of San Diego. It is bordered by Interstate 805 on the east, Interstate 15 on the west, Highway 94 on the north, and I-5 on the south.

Corona Heights is home to many schools, such as Corona High School, Notre Dame de Sion Catholic Academy, and St. Augustine Catholic Elementary School. There are also numerous churches in the neighborhood, including Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, Saint Francis De Sales Church, and Holy Cross Cathedral.

Many residents work in San Diego’s financial district, including the Bankers Hill area. However, plenty of jobs are available in the nearby communities of Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and Oceanside.


If you’re looking for tree-lined streets in San Diego, check out one of the above popular neighborhoods in the area. San Diego has many beautiful homes and sandy beaches: a little paradise in Southern California. Register for The Good Stuff for more real estate content in your inbox every week!