San Diego, CA Reviews

Decide what you value in a city - 7/27/2015
I currently live in San Diego, and while no place is perfect, the pros outweigh the cons. You get the beach, mountains, professional sports, great climate, international influence in dining and entertainment, safe for a large city, micro breweries, commitment to health and fitness. However, you get much less space for your money, gas is expensive, air quality isn't great, mildy noticeable difference in seasons, extreme drought, work commute can be long, and state tax is high. Read More

Expensive - 7/11/2015
I was born and have lived in San Diego all of my life (43) years old now. San Diego is Expensive and crowded. California is a high tax state. Do a lot of research before moving to Read More

advice on wildfires - 3/21/2015
Hello,
My husband and I are thinking of relocating to San Diego from the East Coast. It has a lot of things we want--lots to do, sunny weather, a progressive vibe. However, I've been a little freaked out about all the reports of wildfires. Is this an increasing risk that should make us think twice about relocating there? Also, I have very mild asthma and I am concerned about how air quality may be affected---are there places in the area that would have less fire risk/better air quality. Thanks for your Read More

Unbiased Review - 3/8/2015
Take some of these comments with a grain of salt. I've lived in Southern California for most of my life and have lived in San Diego for 15 years. To start, San Diego is ComicCon! it's Military! It's Sunshine! and It's Fun!. It's important to realize that San Diego is very large and very diverse. There is San Diego proper and then there's the County of SD. The city of San Diego is very different from its surrounding cities in the county. San Diego is progressive and diverse whereas San Diego county is mostly ultra conservative, monologic, and older. The city of San Diego is really a big town with a small town feel. We have a thriving arts scene (La Jolla playhouse, Shakespeare's theatre,San Diego Opera/Ballet, Countless Farmers Markets, Diversionary Theatre,etc etc) , a large craft beer community, the second largest LGBT pride event in the country, a progressive attitude, and a laid back feel. Anything East or North of San Diego proper, however, is another world entirely. Now, on to Read More

Over-priced - 1/17/2015
I'm a 2nd-generation San Diego native. I can honestly say, San Diego is NOT "America's Finest City!" This is not the same city I grew up in, too many non-natives with big $$$ have ruined it. Housing is WAY overpriced, utilities are insane, traffic is a nightmare...except at 3am! Friends, who were not born in San Diego, comment that it's the "price you pay" for the weather. Sorry, but NOTHING is worth the price it costs to live in San Diego now. You need at least a 6-figure income to survive here anymore & I'm counting down the days until I can leave this place to the tourists that our City Council caters to, instead of the citizens who elected Read More

Low quality of life - 10/7/2014
I moved to San Diego ten years ago from Chicago. These are my observations:
The high cost of living makes finding fun things to do unaffordable, as there are very few free or inexpensive options. Constant seventy degree weather gets boring. Few cultural offering offerings in comparison with similar sized cities. The ocean is beyond freezing. In general, a superficial, shallow air to most citizens. In my opinion, it's just dull, and lacks soul. For further reference, I'm from Nashville, TN, and have also lived in New Orleans and south Florida. Read More

Recreation for San Diego - Fantastic !!! - 8/30/2014
There are more things to do in San Diego than you have time for. There is always something for all ages:

Beautiful beaches can be enjoyed for FREE!

Many events at the gorgeous 100 year-old Balboa Park are FREE!

Ballet / Operas can be enjoyed at low costs; some world-class performances can be enjoyed very inexpensively at university campuses. And the performers are not just university students – some are professional from London, NYC, etc.

One can’t list all those activities here in this section. Just Google “things to do in San Diego” and you will find more many activities than you can possibly participate!Read More

Paradise - 6/10/2014
San Diego is the little hidden gem south of Los Angeles with almost the same things as LA has to offer only less people, pollution and traffic. We have a blossoming craft beer culture and some great new eateries. New buildings going up in downtown east village are the norm. Beaches are fantastic if not some of the best in the country however all this paradise comes at a cost! It is not cheap to live here, but as far as crime and quality of life San Diego is pretty awesome and has relatively low crime for its size/population. Fashion is laid back as well as the attitude.  Read More

cost of housing - 4/22/2014
High rent and purchase price of homes.
High fuel and utilities.Read More

Remember why I left - 3/14/2014
Southern CA Is lovely, I am a native and spent my youth there. So much to do but it is stressful and expensive. The job market and housing are really tough. People tend to be smug, on something, and empty. Weather is best by the coast and it is quickly becoming LA with lots of traffic. Too many people for the resources so it has changed but not for the better. Mexico is a threat as is the lack of fresh water. No place for my kids to get established and the schools are a mess as is the economy. It has always been liberal but now borders on true Communism. What a hassle everything tends to be. Feel great there tho due to sun and sea breezes, but unless you are wealthy forget peace. You will slave for a dirty old box, no middle class left, and believe it they can and will have an earthquake. Huge drug culture there wrecked my family and the weather is hotter and humid now. Absolutely the best Mexican food anywhere and it's great to have mountains/desert too. I have been visiting for a Read More