Firstly why San-Diego, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: San-Diego
• State: California
• Population: 1,423,851 people
• San-Diego’s quick summary would be Renowned for its beautiful beaches, the San Diego Zoo, and vibrant Gaslamp Quarter.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 120,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 70,000 annually
• Net Migration: 50000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 10,000
• Number of Homeless people: 8,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its beaches and military presence attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: San-Diego Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 36%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 49%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $76,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in San-Diego is $82,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & San-Diego’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 170 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,584
• Property Tax %: 1.08%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,450
• Rent for an average house: $3,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: La Jolla
• Top 5 Growing Areas: San-Diego, La-Jolla, Hillcrest, Mission-Valley, and probably could include Pacific-Beach
• Avg. Age of Homes in San-Diego: 47 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & San-Diego’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in San-Diego are  Military, Tourism, and Biotechnology
• San-Diego Job Scene: strong job market in defense tourism and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub with strengths in biotech, telecommunications, and software development
• San-Diego Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in San-Diego: 7.75%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 300 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 26

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in San-Diego

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $190 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-5 and I-15 run through San Diego offering extensive travel options
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy congestion on I-5 during rush hour
• Transportation Score: 70 out of 100 described as Excellent Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in San-Diego: 1,400,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1
• No. of Car Washes: 25 in and around the city
• DMV Website for San-Diego: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 76 of 100
• Local Airport: San Diego International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: San-Diego’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in San-Diego is best described as has mild winters with cool temperatures and warm dry summers with occasional heat waves
• Winter Weather in San-Diego i’d describe as mild and sunny
• Spring Weather in San-Diego can be described as mild and coastal
• Summer’s in San-Diego are mostly warm and coastal
• Fall ( the nicest time) in San-Diego is usually pleasant with low humidity
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 23 days in summer
• Days in a row in San-Diego below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 12 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained significantly by coastal flow
• San-Diego Winter Air generally good air quality minimal pollution influences

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: San-Diego Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in San-Diego 33
• While the number of trade schools inside San-Diegos’s city limits are 16
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the San Diego Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & San-Diego Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time San-Diego only Doctors is about 1,000
• Local Hospitals here is  39
• Full-time San-Diego only Police Officers is about 3,600
• Crime Rate Index: 50/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• San-Diego’s Monthly utility bill average is $220
• San-Diego’s Monthly Gym Membership: $80
• San-Diego’s Water Quality Score: 76

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in San-Diego

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 25 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture
• You might enjoy shows at the San Diego Civic Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), San-Diego  boasts a vibrant nightlife with clubs bars beach parties and an energetic atmosphere

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of San-Diego

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a diverse selection of restaurants including fresh seafood
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 200 scattered around San-Diego
• The Popular Sports Team is San Diego Padres
• Top Level Political Climate in San-Diego can be described as politically mixed urban area with strong progressive elements
• San-Diego’s Longer standing religious establishment is The Rock Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: San-Diego Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know San-Diego has 120 Parks?
• Balboa Park is San-Diego’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is SAN DIEGO FARMERS MARKET normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Beach activities, surfing, and hiking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: San-Diego Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in San-Diego can be described as energetic coastal city with diverse activities and nightlife
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in San-Diego beach outings local park activities visiting museums
• The Cities people commute to from San-Diego are Chula-Vista 7 miles away La-Mesa 12 miles away El-Cajon 22 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about San-Diego or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy congestion on I-5 during rush hour. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   San-Diego’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If La Jolla is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby San-Diego are Chula-Vista 7 miles away La-Mesa 12 miles away El-Cajon 22 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 50 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   San-Diego has 0 days in a row below freezing and 23 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in San-Diego people have an average (positive or negative) $6000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   8,000 homeless people living in San-Diego. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed urban area with strong progressive elements could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to San-Diego.

Retiree & Senior Life in San-Diego

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from property tax exemptions based on residence qualifications
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Atria Horizon
• San Diego Senior Center provides diverse programs fitness classes and community engagement opportunities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to San-Diego, California?

If San-Diego, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around San-Diego, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!