If you’re considering a move to America’s Finest City, make sure you have all the necessary information before making a decision. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about moving to San Diego, from what to expect from its job market to the most exciting things to do. So whether you’re just starting your research or are in the process of packing up your belongings, make sure you memorize our guidelines.
Pros of Moving to San Diego
SD is a beautiful city with a lot to offer – after all, it wouldn’t be named America’s Finest City for no reason. Although living in San Diego doesn’t come without challenges, many people agree that the pros of living here outweigh the cons by far. If you’re thinking about getting long-distance movers and relocating here, here are some of the relocation benefits you’ll meet:
- The weather is near-perfect – with an average year-round temperature of 70°F, this city basically has the best weather in the country. On the other hand, thanks to its location on the Pacific Ocean, it also enjoys cool ocean breezes that keep things comfortable even on the hottest days.
- It has outstanding scenery – beautiful mountains, valleys, and caves, as well as 70 miles of untouched coastline should be enough reason for you to pack relocation essentials and move swiftly.
- There’s always something to do – no matter your interests, chances are good that you’ll find something to love. From world-class museums and theaters to exceptional nightlife scenes to an abundance of outdoor activities, there’s always something to do here.
- Great job market – many people decide to move to SD because it has a lot of well-developed industries that offer many job opportunities, as well as a growing tech scene.
- It offers a diverse and inclusive community – home to people from all over the world, this city is truly a melting pot of cultures. But that’s not all! Thanks to its large LGBTQIA+ community, it’s also one of the most inclusive cities in the US. No matter who you are or where you come from, you’ll feel welcome here.
- It’s home to top-notch universities – students are able to attend renowned universities such as San Diego State University and University of California San Diego, the former being ranked among the top twenty best public universities in the States.
- It’s a safe place to live in – America’s Finest City is one of the safest metropolises in the country. The crime rate in this city is lower than the national average, so it’s a great place to raise a family.
For many, the combination of these advantages represents a good enough reason to move. If you’re one of them, don’t hesitate to get the best long-distance moving services and start making your relocation to-do list.
When Moving to San Diego, California, Pick the Best Neighborhood to Settle In
With its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back lifestyle, SD is one of the best places to live in the United States. But with such a large city, it can be hard to know where to begin your search for the perfect neighborhood. Once you choose the cross-country moving company and move from your old home, here are some of the neighborhoods to consider settling in.
Point Loma and Ocean Beach Are Great Choices for Nature and Art Lovers
These neighborhoods are ideal for young professionals who want to live in a safe, hip, and affordable area close to the city center. There are a lot of things that bring people from all over the world to this neighborhood, like a growing arts district, a rich history and culture, and beautiful beaches with amazing views.
If you’re an outdoorsy person, you’ll be able to enjoy nature at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, discover amazing wildlife in the Point Loma Tide Pools, or hike and explore the winding trails that overlook the ocean.
The first Friday of every month brings “Friday Night Liberty,” a free night when art galleries are open to the public. On the weekends, you can go to Kobe’s Swap Meet, the largest open-air market in the area that offers everything from fresh food to old treasures. When you’re not working, you’ll also be able to enjoy amazing dining, shopping, and the nightlife scene.
At the same time, these neighborhoods are known as busy but also family-friendly areas that offer a great quality of life. They also have more than decent walkability scores, perfect for those who enjoy long walks or plan to move with pets.
If you want to learn more about these neighborhoods’ vibes, take a look at the video below:
Normal Heights and Kensington Should Be Your Choice if You’re Searching Tight Community
Unique neighborhoods located close to downtown, these areas are known for close-knit communities – a not-so-common occurrence in a metropolis. If you want to move to a big city but don’t want to lose a small-town feel, note that you’ll find it all here.
Old record stores, cute coffee shops, and used bookstores give these areas a unique and charming atmosphere – just a few miles away from the city center. At the same time, large music festivals and live music venues will allow music lovers to listen to and discover new bands even before they become popular.
If good schools, affordable homes, locally-owned restaurants and businesses, and friendly and kind neighbors are what you’re looking for, these neighborhoods may be the right places for you.
If you want to know more about magical and not-so-Normal Heights before getting packing services and planning the move, watch the following video:
America’s Finest City Offers Plenty of Jobs and Employment Opportunities
Good job prospects in a new city can help you reduce relocation stress and deal with the anxiety about the move much easier. As we mentioned above, SD is a great place to live and work, with plenty of employment opportunities in a variety of industries such as healthcare, technology, science, the military, education, tourism, and manufacturing.
At the same time, according to Ycharts, the city’s unemployment rate is 3.2% as of August 2022, which is below the national average. Therefore, no matter what your skill set or experience level, you shouldn’t have many problems when moving to San Diego without a job already secured.
Still, while there are plenty of jobs available, there is also quite a bit of competition for those jobs. This means that you’ll need to put your best foot forward when applying for positions in order to get a job. Make sure your resume is up-to-date and tailored to the position you’re applying for, and be prepared to compete with other qualified candidates.
Biggest Employers in San Diego
Many talented and skilled people are relocating to SD because of its well-established and profitable tech scene, which is still growing. Companies and startups in tech and biotech, like Amazon, Apple, Qualcomm, Illumina, and Dexcom, are all present here.
Moreover, keep in mind that Qualcomm, a global leader in wireless technology, is one of the biggest employers in SD. Besides Qualcomm, many jobs are offered by UCSD, Sharp Healthcare (San Diego’s largest private employer), Navy Region Southwest, and Northrop Grumman.
The High Cost of Living Is One of The Drawbacks of Life in SD
All that America’s Finest City has to offer, however, doesn’t come without a price. Like the rest of the Golden State, SD has a high cost of living – not being prepared for it would be one of the biggest relocation mistakes. Not only is housing very expensive here, but so are groceries, transportation, and utilities. Whether you plan to move to a new city alone or with your family, note that SD has become one of the top 10 most expensive cities in the country.
Due to the current economic situation, home prices in the States have risen dramatically in the last couple of years. It’s estimated that the median home price in the first quarter of 2022 was just below $429,000. However, the median home price in SD doubles that price and amounts to $878,000. Rent doesn’t come cheap either, especially if you don’t plan on living on your own. One-bedroom apartment in the city center is estimated to cost $2,600, while you’ll have to set aside around $4,500 for a three-bedroom apartment in the same location. Therefore, you may need to prepare to move into a smaller home in order to save on housing costs.
Getting Around SD Is Fairly Easy
The easiest way to get around the city is by car, so it’s always a good option to get car shipping services and transport your vehicle here. However, there are also several public transportation options available, such as:
- The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) – provides bus and trolley services,
- The North County Transit District (NCTD) – offers bus, train, and ridesharing services in northern San Diego County,
- San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) – operates the regional Rapid transit system.
In addition, you’ll be glad that the average commuting time is around 26 minutes, which is lower than both the national and California averages.
At the same time, note that this city has two major airports – San Diego International Airport (SAN) and McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). SAN is the larger of the two airports and offers service to destinations all over the world. CLD is a smaller airport that primarily serves domestic destinations.
Packing Services
Our professional packers have methods and techniques to ensure all your items are intact during and after the move.
Car Shipping Services
We can ship your vehicles using the best freight options available. Your car will be moved safely and securely and arrive as planned.
Storage Services
Looking for storage space while you get settled? California-Seattle Express provides 30 days free storage with your move.
Entertainment Options in San Diego
SD is a major tourist destination, which means there will always be plenty of things to do. Once you’ve finished with your relocation day preparation and you have finally relocated here, you’ll be able to enjoy engaging museums, lively nightlife, and interesting theaters.
San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and the Timken Museum of Art are all world-renowned institutions. If you’re interested in history, you can visit the San Diego History Center or the Fleet Science Center. For a truly unique experience, check out the Museum of Man, which explores the history and cultures of human beings around the world.
For a night out on the town, visit one of San Diego’s many nightclubs or bars, such as Bang or Coin-Op Game Room. And if you’re looking for live music, you can’t go wrong with The Observatory North Park or Humphreys Concerts by the Bay. Of course, don’t forget about The Old Globe Theater company, which produces Broadway-caliber plays and musicals throughout the year. If you prefer something more low-key, catch a film at the historic Balboa Theater or take in a comedy show at The American Comedy Co.
For more interesting entertainment ideas to put on your moving-out list, don’t miss watching the following video:
About Relocation to San Diego
Are people moving from San Francisco to San Diego?
According to a recent study, more people are relocating from San Francisco to San Diego than ever before. While the cost of living and housing market in San Francisco are major contributing factors, there are also a number of other reasons why people decide to move here, such as a more laid-back lifestyle.
Are people moving from Los Angeles to San Diego?
If you’re thinking about relocating from LA to SD, you’re not alone. In recent years, an increasing number of people have moved from LA to SD because of the lower living expenses, as well as better weather and traffic conditions.
Are people moving from Seattle to San Diego?
It seems that many Seattleites are ready to pack up and move to a new state. Although many people still tend to hire movers from California to Seattle in order to move to the Emerald City, note that many choose to get movers from Seattle to California to help them move efficiently to America’s Finest City.
If You’ve Decided to Make SD Your New Home, Let the Best Cross-Country Movers Help You With It
Relocation is a hassle no matter where you’re going or how close by. However, when you have to move to a new city, it can be even more overwhelming and tiring – especially if you’re doing it on your own. Therefore, if you’ve decided that SD should be your new destination and the time to move has come, let the best long-distance moving company help make your transition easy and stress-free.
