“Encinitas”
“With an influx of infrastructure, vogue businesses, and new housing options, Encinitas continues to be one of the hottest markets in San Diego. Home buyers are flocking to the ever-evolving beach city, and median home prices have increased 41.8 percent in 92024 since 2015. The revitalization of the downtown area enhanced the array of boutiques, restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops. New businesses and office spaces dot the 101. A recent SANDAG project added bike paths and pedestrian walkways, increasing walkability. Stellar schools, picturesque beaches, and a relaxed vibe make Encinitas a popular destination in today’s market.”
—Steve Matsumoto, broker, Compass
“Paradise Hills”
“The neighborhood of Paradise Hills has seen a significant jump in sales. The average across San Diego County is a 21.6 percent increase, and Paradise Hills has seen a 37.5 percent increase. It’s an up-and-coming neighborhood, as it’s in a central location in South Bay. The community comes together three times a year to put together events for the neighborhood. New businesses like Project Reo Collective (a community arts collective and café), as well as seasoned local businesses like Babycakes, are calling Paradise Hills home. People also visit to see the murals, and there’s the House of Boxing gym, which Canelo Álvarez frequents prior to main events.”
—Tommy Walker, broker, Willis Allen
“Oceanside”
“With new breweries and restaurants opening up along the coastal business areas, more people are enjoying the living space and culture. Both active service members and veterans are seeking their first home or step-up home here. The median home price in 2018 for a detached three-bedroom, two-bath home in Oceanside was $515,000. As of 2019, a similar property now costs $543,750. These price points, coupled with the growing food and retail culture, make Oceanside the most affordable coastal living in San Diego County.”
—Jennifer Wu, broker, Harcourts Pinnacle
“Rolando Village”
“This neighborhood borders La Mesa and is bounded by 68th Street on the west, El Cajon Boulevard to the north and University Avenue to the south. The area is seeing a lot of new buyers due to turnover of older homes. Being on the outside of San Diego creates more affordable opportunities and slightly bigger homes for less. With La Mesa’s burgeoning restaurant scene nearby, this is an attractive option—especially for people who are looking to buy and may have been renting in the urban core area of San Diego.”
—Jean Rivaldi, owner, Community Realty
“Mission Valley”
“Get excited, Mission Valley homeowners! The future of Mission Valley is looking up. The San Diego City Council is adopting the Mission Valley Community Plan. Not only can we expect a surge in housing inventory, and an increase in sales price for the location, we can also expect pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly pathways, more parks, and overall better amenities for the community. Considering this revitalization project and the residential population’s expected 248 percent increase, there’s no better time than now to be a homeowner in Mission Valley.”
—Ami Lewallen, owner, Red Rhino Realty