Scrolling through real estate listings in places we’ll never live and making elaborate renovation plans for homes we’ll never buy is one of our favorite pastimes. And the fact that pretend-looking for real estate is so fun makes it incredibly disappointing to discover that the actual process of looking for housing in San Diego is . . . not quite as fun.
While we can’t take all of the stress out of the housing hunt, we can direct you to the people, places, and lobbies who can make it a whole lot easier.
We’ve got options for everything from beach towns to downtown; tranquil retreats to bustling city blocks. There are spacious closets, walkable neighborhoods, and more amenities than you’ll know what to do with. Whether you’re seeking a condo or apartment, a single-family house or a pad in a mixed-use space, let us help you find your next home sweet home.
Mixed-Use Residential
The Hill District at North City | San Marcos
The people behind North City believe great neighborhoods don’t happen by accident; they’re a result of walkable streets, parks, and vibrant hangouts bustling with locals. That idea is what set the stage for The Hill District in San Marcos. It’s a modern urban village walking distance from coffee shops, local restaurants, a weekly farmer’s market, and community events. Find your spot within their thoughtfully-designed townhomes and condos, many with two-car garages, and an extensive list of amenities, including a 16-acre park, trails, private recreation center, pool and spa, fitness center, and indoor-outdoor gathering spaces.
AVRP Studios | San Diego
AVRP Studios was born when its founder, Doug Austin, started a small design firm in his Solana Beach condo. Now, nearly 50 years and 150 design awards later, the company has established itself as a prominent architectural firm in San Diego. From affordable family housing and residential luxury towers, there’s almost nothing AVRP doesn’t have expertise in. When it comes to mixed-use residential developments, downtown’s skyline is filled with AVRP designs, including the 36-story Pinnacle Marina Tower near Seaport Village or the appropriately-named Sapphire Tower on Kettner. AVRP’s designs extend beyond SD, too, with mixed-use residential projects in Oceanside, Los Angeles, and even Vancouver, BC.
Residential Homes
COMPASS—The Clements Group
You don’t rack up 30 years of experience and more than $1.5 billion in sales unless you’re doing something right. Which is to say: We know the team at The Clements Group is doing a lot right. These realtors pride themselves on offering a tailored, concierge approach to Coronado real estate services, and past clients rave about their superior market knowledge and communication—not to mention the client-centric approach. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer looking at condos or hoping to sell a home with a multi-million-dollar oceanfront view, this team knows how to get the deal done.
ANR Real Estate
Picking the right realtor is so important in a complex market like San Diego, so might we suggest ANR Real Estate’s Evan Tando? Tando has devoted more than 20 years to helping San Diegans navigate the market, whether they’re buying, selling, or financing a home. Better still, he genuinely cares about the people he works with. He’s not afraid to motivate a client to move forward with a deal or advise them to move on when he knows it’s right for their finances and family. In other words, he’s an industry expert ready to make his expertise work for you.
Townhomes & Condos
Tower24 Ponto Beach | Carlsbad
Ponto Beach’s Tower24 is the kind of place you move to when you’ve decided you want the beach and luxury, and you don’t want to compromise on either. This modern townhome community offers larger units of up to four bedrooms that come in eight different floor plans with three lot sizes. Other offerings include private backyards, two-car garages, and rooftop decks, alongside an on-site dog park plus community firepits and grills. And then there’s our favorite amenity of all: living just steps away from the beach.
RIVA Solana Beach | Solana Beach
Located in the hills of Solana Beach, RIVA pitches itself as a vacation where you live, and we can’t help but agree. The one- and two-bedroom units let you choose from three differently styled neighborhood collections, all offering custom finishes and that relaxing, coastal California feel. A resort pool and spa to relax or swim, outdoor TV lounges, golf simulator, and yoga deck are just a few of RIVA’s vacation-level amenities. And did we mention it’s located in Solana Beach: home of boutiques, cafés, and Fletcher Cove Beach Park? Consider our vacation mode permanently activated.
Andia | San Diego
There’s lots to love about Andia, but we’ll start with the view. Not only is it one of the few downtown high-rise condominiums with a rooftop lounge, but the lounge is located on the 40th floor, offering priceless views of the city and the bay. Other amenities include an indoor-outdoor fitness center, spin studio, and yoga studio, plus a fifth-floor pool terrace fully outfitted with cabanas, lawn games, and more. As for the residences themselves, expect luxury vibes with walk-in closets in the one- two- and three-bedroom options. The homes come with two color palettes that can lean more modern or natural, depending on your style.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
NewBridge School is San Diego’s only school dedicated to the education of students with dyslexia and related learning profiles. For 30 years we have successfully served students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, receptive/expressive language disorders, ADHD, executive functioning and memory deficits. Students transition successfully into academically rigorous high schools and colleges across the country. Why NewBridge? Training, training, training (plus intensive individualization, and comprehensive program design). All teachers are trained and retrained biennially in Orton-Gillingham, the only approach proven to remediate dyslexia based on Science of Reading research, and complete a year-long training program. Every aspect of our program is designed around our students’ learning styles and needs. Every class is taught by a highly-trained expert, and our Speech/Language and Occupational Therapy teams embed throughout the day. Our multisensory, multi-tiered math program has been developed in conjunction with sister schools and experts across the country. Don’t wait—early intervention is magic!
The Children’s School (TCS) is an independent school in La Jolla working with students from toddler through eighth grade. Rooted in the belief that every child has unique strengths and limitless potential, TCS provides a joyful, challenging education that inspires curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Experienced teachers know each student well and create meaningful opportunities for academic, social, and emotional growth through personalized instruction and hands-on, interdisciplinary learning. A culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration encourages students to ask questions, take thoughtful risks, and develop a strong sense of responsibility to one another and the world around them. At TCS, learning extends beyond the classroom through meaningful connections with the local community and natural environment. Graduates leave TCS with a strong academic foundation, a sense of purpose, and the character to thrive in high school and beyond as engaged learners, compassionate leaders, and thoughtful citizens.
Enrollment: 240
Grades: Toddler – Grade 8
Tuition: $10,800 – $34,000
Deadline: Priority Application & Tuition Assistance for new students: Feb. 1, 2027
Gender: All-inclusive
Details Progressive, independent school. No religious affiliation
Growing up, Laika Nur, MD, Scripps Clinic sports medicine specialist, loved watching beach volleyball when the Association of Volleyball Professionals tour came to her hometown of Chicago. A talented volleyball player herself, she remembers sitting in the stands all day, and once, even got a couple autographs. Years later, Dr. Nur was attending a professional event focused on women’s sports, and the discussion turned to a new professional women’s volleyball league. The general manager and coaching staff for San Diego’s team, the Mojo, happened to be in attendance, and Dr. Nur took the opportunity to ask them if they needed a team doctor. Flash forward to the Mojo’s inaugural 2024 season, when Dr. Nur officially became the team physician. Click here to read more about Dr. Nur and how she incorporates lessons she learned on the court into her practice.
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Your feet and ankles probably aren’t something you give much thought to—until something goes wrong. Orthopedic surgeons at Scripps Clinic are on the leading edge of foot and ankle reconstruction, treating patients with sports injuries, deformities, traumatic injuries and other conditions. That includes repairing torn Achilles tendons with a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks the incision site to less than a centimeter, and performing advanced ankle replacement on some patients with ankle arthritis. Read more about Scripps’ innovations in foot and ankle care here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Mai Vue was just 34 weeks pregnant when she delivered her baby. Her pregnancy had been complicated, and she’d had a recent second trimester pregnancy loss, which led to her receiving specialized care from Sean Daneshmand, MD, a Scripps Clinic perinatologist who oversees high-risk pregnancies. Dr. Daneshmand and his team took care of Mai during her pregnancy, through the birth of her healthy baby girl and beyond. Mai was part of a program Scripps launched to provide support to new moms in the weeks and months after delivery. The postpartum program, known as Scripps Health’s Fourth Trimester Continuum of Care, provides care for women with high-risk pregnancies to optimize their health after childbirth and reduce the risk of complications in future pregnancies. Click here to learn more.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
