12 Things to Know Before Moving to San Diego, California

San Diego is a lovely and popular city on the southern coast of California, right next to the Pacific Ocean. San Diego, dubbed "America's Finest City," is known for its friendly people, laid-back vibe, and abundance of business options.

It's no wonder that San Diego is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States and one of the best locations to live in California, with bright mild weather all year, breathtaking natural beauty, a thriving job market, and a plethora of things to do. San Diego, which now has a population of over 1.42 million people and a median age of 35, is a wonderful city to meet people from all across the world.

While relocating to San Diego may be a wise choice, relocating to a new place can be stressful. As a result, it's preferable to have a thorough understanding of the city before contacting a moving company. Before you move to San Diego, here are twelve things you should know.

1. High Cost of Living

While San Diego has a lot to offer, be prepared for a higher-than-average cost of living. San Diego has a 44% higher cost of living and housing than the national average, according to Payscale. Thus, make sure to put aside at least $6000 for relocation expenses before you move. The cost of living continues to rise as a result of the city's flourishing economy and a large influx of people seeking high-paying employment. Expect to pay roughly $4,000 in rent and around $900,000 for a home in this city that is among the top cities for high housing costs.

The property market is still strong in 2021, and housing prices are not likely to fall. A resident must earn at least $126,000 per year to cover housing costs. San Diego, on the other hand, is 8.2% less expensive than Los Angeles. San Diego's average rent increased to $3,093 for a one-bedroom apartment and $3,789 for a two-bedroom apartment in 2021. After a period of decline during the pandemic, rents are beginning to steadily climb again. Nonetheless, San Diego apartments with move-in specials are still available.

2. High Tax Rate

Unfortunately, California is not a tax-friendly state. When you live in places like San Diego, you'll pay some of the highest taxes in the country. On top of a marginal income tax rate of 13.3%, they have a 7.75% base sales tax. In their respective tax categories, both are among the highest in the United States.

However, there is some positive news in terms of property taxes. California's overall property taxes are 0.73%, which is lower than the national average of 1.07%.

3. Lovely Weather

Many tourists go to San Diego because of its mild temperatures and low humidity, which has been dubbed "the best weather in the country." Summers are sunny and hot, with cool and dry winters, thanks to the warm Mediterranean climate influenced by the Pacific Ocean breeze. Swap off your winter coats and snow gear for shorts and sunglasses with an average daily temperature in the 70s all year. In fact, the coldest it gets throughout the winter is 40 degrees, with lows typically in the 50s.

December is the coldest month in San Diego, with an average nightly temperature of 48 degrees, while August is the hottest, with an average high temperature of 77 degrees. It never snows because the temperatures never get cold enough. In addition, San Diego receives only 42 days of rain on average per year. While the lack of rain is fantastic for enjoying the outdoors, it has resulted in a severe drought, forcing locals to conserve water. Much like the rest of the state of California, be mindful to monitor your water usage and avoid wasting water.

4. San Diego Public Transit

San Diego is densely populated, and a walkable, urban lifestyle is available. The majority of people, on the other hand, rely on automobiles to get around. If you're planning to live in a neighborhood or suburb where public transportation isn't available, you'll need a car or a substantial Uber and Lyft allowance.

In comparison to other cities, transportation will consume a larger portion of your budget. As a single adult, you can expect to spend around $5,000 on transportation.

5. San Diego Love Sports

Don't worry, if you relocate to the city, you'll always be able to enjoy your fair share of sports activities. The San Diego Padres, a major league baseball team, play at Petco Park in the city. In the summer and fall, Del Mar Racetrack holds thoroughbred racing sessions. The San Diego Sockers play indoor soccer, while the San Diego Gulls play AHL hockey.

Additionally, volleyball games and adult leagues are always going on at the beaches around town, excellent for individuals looking to test their inner athletes.

6. They Have Some of the Best Annual Events

San Diego may have a reputation for being a laid-back beach city, but numerous year-round events attract visitors from all over the country. Comic-Con is the year's greatest event, attracting fans of comic books and other forms of entertainment from all over the world. You can expect to see fans dressed up as their favorite characters wandering on the streets.

KAABOO, a multi-genre music and arts extravaganza in San Diego, is cutting-edge. You'll be able to witness some of the top performances, ranging from music to stand-up comedy, while also sampling the local cuisine.

7. Home to Several Job Opportunities

San Diego is an appealing destination for young graduates with big ideas and the passion to make them a reality, thanks to investment from the healthcare, biotechnology, and IT industries. The city's 250 acres of free wi-fi is a daily result of all this tech support.

San Diego, California is home to some of the most prominent jobs and businesses. If you're looking for a job in San Diego, you'll find lots of options thanks to the tourist, international trade, and manufacturing industries. San Diego had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country before the COVID-19 Pandemic, at 3.2%, but it has since risen to a staggering 12.3%. Thankfully, it has since dropped to 5.3%, and as the city recovers from this setback, more and more job opportunities are becoming available.

8. A Short Trip to Mexico

From San Diego, it's only a thirty-minute trip to Tijuana, Mexico. Since most San Diego residents are free to enter Mexico without any restrictions, visiting Mexico is quite stress-free. If driving across the border isn't your thing, the San Diego International Airport offers reasonably priced flights. Spend a weekend with your family discovering the culture and art of a small Mexican town, or go on a long trip to unwind at a resort.

9. It's a Place for the Foodie

San Diego offers a diverse range of dining options to suit your tastes and preferences. San Diego's shared border with Mexico makes it a hotspot for tacos, burritos, ceviche, and other Mexican cuisines. There are numerous trendy and fine dining options in the city.

In San Diego, craft beer reigns supreme, with more than 90 breweries. In addition, with over 115 wineries throughout the county, wine culture is gaining traction.

10. Great Place to Spend Some Outdoor Time

San Diego has a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from. Spend your weekend swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or learning to surf on the more than 70 miles of dazzling beaches to explore and admire. The Cuyamaca, Laguana, and Julian mountain ranges surround the city, providing excellent hiking and sunset viewing opportunities. Spending time outside in San Diego is part of the culture, making it ideal for active adults and adventurers.

Other outdoor sports popular in the city include golf (over 90 courses), mountain biking, and skydiving.

11. Home to Well-known Colleges

San Diego is home to several prestigious colleges and universities, so there are plenty of college students roaming the streets. There are numerous possibilities available to people looking for higher education opportunities. San Diego State University has been regarded as California's third-best undergraduate business school, with 73 majors in more than 24 disciplines of study available to its students. San Diego City College, The University of San Diego, The Design Institute of San Diego, and San Diego Mesa College are just a few of the many universities in the area. San Diego was ranked as the 38th best school system in California for elementary and middle school students.

12. Fine Art, History, and Live Performances

San Diego has it all, whether it's exquisite art, history, or live events. Culture lovers can choose from 52 museums and galleries, including 17 in Balboa Park alone. In Balboa Park, there are four museums aimed specifically for children to visit. San Diego also has a vibrant live music and theater scene; in fact, it has produced and sent more shows to Broadway than any other city in the United States. There are more than 50 music venues in the city where you may see live performances.

San Diego offers something for everyone, from job opportunities to culture to beachfront living. Ready to move to San Diego? Start by contacting us on how we can help you with your move.

things to know before moving to san diego what to know before moving to san diego what is san diego known for