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Usually you would think of an island as being surrounded by water. Well, Tierrasanta is our island in the middle of the city. This family neighborhood is bordered on one side by Interstate 52, and on another by MCAS Miramar. To the East is Mission Trails Regional park, which offers a wide variety of outdoor activities.

This is a family friendly neighborhood, as stated, with loads of kids swarming the streets on their way home from school. While there's no nightlife or major shopping right in the neighborhood of Tierrasanta, all you have to do is hop on the 52 and you can be an any number of malls within 10 to 15 minutes. The 52 will lead you to the 805 where you can head up to University Town Center, or to the 125 where you can get to Grossmont shopping mall.

Sunset Cliffs lives up to it's name! It's a great upscale neighborhood which boasts amazing sunset views from the cliffs. Although there are indeed beaches below, the way to get to them could be a little treacherous. There may be only one or two areas that are really safe for descending the steep cliffs, although local surfers use multiple "trails" which have been created over time. Bottom line, there's news of cliff rescues on the news quite often, so maybe it's best to enjoy the views from the top of Sunset Cliffs.

Homes in the area are quite nice, many of them being remodeled over the years. Sunset Cliffs is kind of it's only little world, located away from everything in the city. That being said, you can still get to stores, Point Loma, and the beach areas within a few minutes.

San Carlos is considered to be on the Eastern side of San Diego, and is really a nice family neighborhood. Most of the residences in this part of town are single family homes, with some apartments or condos thrown in here and there.

When it comes to activities, San Carlos provides lots of outdoor areas. Cowles Mountain, for one, allows folks to climb a mile and a half trail (watch out for snakes) to take in amazing views. The climate of the area and this particular trail is desert-like and gets hot; but it's still a fun hike. San Carlos is also where you will find Lake Murray. This man-made lake has been around for ages, and is a great place to walk, jog, ride your bike or rollerblade. Every day of the week, you'll see locals walking their dogs around the rim of the lake.
More outdoor activity can be found at Mission Trails Regional Park, where one can partake in a baseball game, tennis, or a lazy afternoon picnic. There used to be a playground for the little ones located here as well...I would assume it's still there and probably upgraded from the original wood structure to something more user friendly.

San Carlos is easy to get to using Friars Road, Interstate 52 or 8. There is an LA Fitness to the East, and Mission Valley shopping just a few minutes towards the West. For settling down, you can't really ask for more!

San Carlos is considered to be on the Eastern side of San Diego, and is really a nice family neighborhood. Most of the residences in this part of town are single family homes, with some apartments or condos thrown in here and there.

When it comes to activities, San Carlos provides lots of outdoor areas. Cowles Mountain, for one, allows folks to climb a mile and a half trail (watch out for snakes) to take in amazing views. The climate of the area and this particular trail is desert-like and gets hot; but it's still a fun hike. San Carlos is also where you will find Lake Murray. This man-made lake has been around for ages, and is a great place to walk, jog, ride your bike or rollerblade. Every day of the week, you'll see locals walking their dogs around the rim of the lake.
More outdoor activity can be found at Mission Trails Regional Park, where one can partake in a baseball game, tennis, or a lazy afternoon picnic. There used to be a playground for the little ones located here as well...I would assume it's still there and probably upgraded from the original wood structure to something more user friendly.

San Carlos is easy to get to using Friars Road, Interstate 52 or 8. There is an LA Fitness to the East, and Mission Valley shopping just a few minutes towards the West. For settling down, you can't really ask for more!

If you don't mind being away from the coast, and can stand a little heat during the summer, then you may just love Rancho Bernardo. This part of San Diego is filled with business parks and revived neighborhoods. It is a well-known neighborhood for retirees; but it is shared with professionals and families as well. However, one can still find neighborhoods reserved for seniors.

The most noise that you hear in Rancho Bernardo neighborhoods, sad to say, is the local ambulance and fire engine handling the many medical calls that come in throughout the day.

Shopping is easy, with a Vons and Albertsons both in close proximity. Dining options are here too, with an El Torito, a Denny's and even a Hooter's among quite a few smaller dining establishments and fast food places.

Rancho Bernardo is located right off interstate 15 and just South of North County Fair shopping mall. The closest movie theater is located in Carmel Mountain Ranch, just an exit or two south. Rancho Bernardo has a rich history both long past and somewhat recent. It is home to the first winery in Southern California, and has recent history in the Witch Creek Fires, which burned much of the area, including private homes, in 2007.

For the true beach lovers, PB is one of the best parts of San Diego. Sure, it's noisy and filled with traffic throughout the summer months and most weekend throughout the year, but so what! If you LIVE here, you never have to get in your car if you don't really want to. That's the best thing about PB - that you can walk anywhere you need to go. Someone said to me "I have more tread left on my tires than I do on my flip-flops". That's life in PB!

For real treats, seek out local dives like Cass Street Bar and Grill or PB Sports Club (right on the beach). Breakfast at The Broken Yolk is yummy; but lacks the view and ambiance of World Famous, located at the end of Pacific Beach Drive. What's better than enjoying some Carne Asada Eggs Benedict while watching dolphins catch waves next to surfers! Seriously!

Pacific Beach is not as upscale as La Jolla, no; but there are some really nice neighborhoods as you head North up Mission Blvd towards Bird Rock. The farther North you go from Garnet, the quieter the neighborhoods get, even nice enough for families to live full-time.

PB is more than just a place to visit, it's a great place to live!

Old Town literally IS an old town. This is known as the birthplace of San Diego, and when you visit, you really do feel like you've stepped back in time. This tourist hot spot is near to the San Diego trolley (Old Town station), and is also easy to get to by car or bus. In Old Town there are over 150 shops, 17 museums (including a haunted house) and countless award-winning restaurants which are packed almost every night of the week.

In Old Town, there is Presidio Park, located atop a hill just north of the Mission Hills neighborhood. From this sprawling hillside park you can take in views that stretch out over Mission Valley West and towards the ocean. This is a great area for a picnic, and also contains a small museum.
Heritage Park is another beautiful area where you can take in true historical architecture. This park features several restored houses that were originally built in the 1880's. A walk through this park feels like a walk through time. Just beautiful.
Couldn't really say if Old Town is a great place to live, but it's really a great place to visit!

Ocean Beach is a mix of beach bums, literally, hippies and professionals who love the beach life. That said, this is a bustling little neighborhood where you can hit up the farmer's market every Wednesday to pick up fresh local produce. Any day of the week, Dog Beach fills up with friendly local canines out to splash in the low riding waves. From Dog Beach, you can view the jetty at South Mission and see sailboats breezing across the water.
On the weekends, Robb Athletic field fills up with local families coming out to enjoy a game of soccer, football or even catch a rugby game. The Athletic field also has it's own gym, basketball courts, tennis and handball courts and baseball fields, of course. Oh, and there's even a skate park there now!

Is it upscale? not really. In fact, I wouldn't even say it's totally set up for tourists the way that Mission Beach or PB is; but it's definitely a great place to visit. Even a walk down the pier at sunset is enough to relieve stress and put a smile on your face.

Mission Valley West may better be known as Fashion Valley. Lying just west of the 163 and north of the 8, this is where you go if you want to spend a day strolling the upscale outdoor Fashion Valley Mall. The mall was remodeled several years ago, but you'll still find some areas that are getting a facelift. It doesn't even matter, though. This is one of the best shopping areas in town, featuring Macy's, Pottery Barn and The Cheesecake Factory. If you want some awesome food, head over to PF Changs, but go early or be prepared to wait.
Mission Valley West is great for travelers because there are tons of hotels. Some are better than others. The Motel 6 at the West end of Hotel Circle North offers great prices, but the place has been featured on the news for it's "nightime activities"..This was awhile ago, so maybe it's better now.

The best thing about this neighborhood is that it's easy to get to and really has a lot to offer. Spas, salons, restaurants and hotels line Hotel Circle North. Hotel Circle South is primarily a business district, with car dealerships and private offices as well as hotels. Some restaurants are over on the South side as well, such as TGI Friday's and El Torito.

There are a few residential areas on the West side of the 163, off Friars Road. If you drive up into the hills a bit, you may even get a view!

Mission Valley has two sections: East and West. The East side of Mission Valleys lays on the East side of Interstate 163, so that puts Mission Valley Mall and Ikea, Costco and Lowes in this neighborhood. Most residences in this part of town are newer, as the area did not begin to develop until the 1940's. Most homes are apartments or condos, but many are newer construction and quite nice. Resale value would be pretty good.
Shopping, of course, is easy to find. On Friars Road at Mission Center, there is a small strip mall with a Ralphs and Long's or CVS. Here, there are also a few fast food type places, a Starbucks and a Jamba Juice.

InCahoot's is the resident nightclub on Mission Center Road, offering Karaoke nights and sometimes even hosting Dodgeball games - yes, you actually get out on the dance floor and hurl the ball at your opponents! Ah, good times!

A new gym just for women has opened up just across the street from InCahoots, on Mission Center Road. However, plenty of people get their workout in by jogging along the San Diego River.

Traffic can get heavy in this part; but there is the trolley and also bus lines that stop in the area. Catch the trolley here and you can stop off at Fashion Valley, Qualcomm Stadium or Old Town. Be anywhere you want in just a matter of minutes, since this area is close to the 15, the 8 and also the 163.

At the beginning of the 20th Century, Mission Hills was an up and coming neighborhood featuring street cars! Now, this part of town is bustling with both foot and vehicle traffic. Just West of Hillcrest, Mission Hills main corridors are University and Washington streets.
This neighborhood is interesting in that there are streets which feature charming bungalows as well as sprawling mansions on the canyon rim; and then there are streets (like Reynard Way), which are lined with apartment buildings. Many of the streets are a bit narrow, but there aren't many streets where one wouldn't feel safe visiting or living.
Just down the hill (Washington Street) is India Street, where you can go out for some yummy Mexican cuisine at the famous El Indio taco shop. Also, depending on the street you're on, you will be treated to some amazing views of downtown and the bay where you can watch the planes take off all throughout the day.

Compared to La Jolla, Mission Beach may be quite average. But who cares? This touristy area has great places to eat and a long long looong stretch of sand where one can walk, jog or just hang out. Dogs can come out to play during certain hours too...just check the signs on the boardwalk, as they change based on the time of year. Also, if you want to avoid a rowdy crowd, bypass Belmont Park on Sunday nights, when the Wave House has their jamming dance parties.

Mission Beach is great any time of year, not just during the summer months. In fact, it's quite a bit more enjoyable after all the tourists have gone home!

Rent will be higher in this part of town, simply because it's the beach. Home prices, higher as well.

What can I say about Little Italy!! Wow! You could spend every day here and never run out of great things to do and see....and EAT. What anyone should try in this trendy neighborhood is the Saturday morning farmer's market. This sprawling outdoor market spans three blocks up date, running straight through India Street. Go early if you want to avoid the crown and find nearby parking. Be sure to glance up from your yummy treats every now and then to enjoy the view of the harbor!

The Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown is THE place to go for entertainment. Even if all you do is walk around a people-watch, you will be glad you visited this part of San Diego.

Nearby the Gaslamp is Seaport Village and Horton Plaza. At Petco Park, you can take in a Padres game if you come during the playing season.

If you love music, dining and dancing, or any of the above, then you've got to come here. Streets are lined with upscale restaurants such as Dovovan's Steakhouse and lively dives like Dick's Last Resort. Family dining is at it's all-time best at the Spaghetti Factory.

Jazz buffs can take in a concert at Croce's and then hit the dancefloor at Altitude Sky Lounge!

Bottom line, come here for fun and classy entertainment. You may have to drive around or pay for parking; but its totally worth it.

Hillcrest is the IT place in San Diego; an all-inclusive area which has somewhat become our de facto gay community. However, there are students, families and retirees who also call Hillcrest home.

To get straight to the point about this busy community - if you like the idea of doing most of your social activities, shopping and dining right where you live, then you'll love this colorful area! Just a short walk in any direction from the starting point of University Avenue at Fifth Ave will lead you to unique shops and scrumptious delicacies. Just East of our starting point is City Deli, which has been a hot spot for decades!

In the area is UCSD medical Center and also Mercy hospital and medical plaza. Driving down 5th Avenue, one could arrive in Downtown in under 10 minutes. Drive down Park Blvd and you'll be at Balboa Park or the San Diego Zoo in a flash. If you want to do some major shopping, continue down 5th to Horton Plaza or hop on the 163 North at University and ma

Clairemont Mesa West, located in the heart of a bustling family area, is a great place to live! Nearby you've got Interstate 805, which can take you straight down to Mission Valley for some shopping, or North to University Town Center to take in some ice skating.

Right in the neighborhood, there's a Henry's Market, a Home Depot and a local movie theater on the North side of Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

Because this is an older neighborhood, you'll find original homes as well as homes that have been updated and remodeled. This mixture adds character to city streets. Nearby is the Kearny Mesa Park and Rec center, where area residents can go enjoy a nicely warmed 86 degree pool with diving boards and baby changing stations.

Pretty much any Clairemont neighborhood is great for families, students, singles or retirees! This is just a great place to live or visit.

Clairemont Mesa East can get busy, mainly on Balboa or Clairemont Mesa Blvd when residents are going to or coming home from work. But being so close to the 805 is certainly worth dealing with a little traffic every now and then.

A great area for kids, there are well established schools in the area, as well as countless home daycare centers run by loving childcare workers. For fun, families can head out to Boomers or hop on the 52 and make their way to the bay or beaches. Get on the 805 and drive South and you'll be in Mission Valley in under ten minutes, where you can shop til you drop or enjoy a great desert at the Cheesecake Factory.

There is also great outdoor options with the Marion Bear Nature park located nearby. But you don't have to leave your own front yard to enjoy fun in the outdoors. Most residential streets in this par

Carmel Valley was just a spark in developers eye during the 70's, with actual construction in the area occurring only as recently as 1983. That said, development off of Highway 56 continued through the most recent housing boom, with the area boasting single family homes, condos, apartments and townhomes.

The median age in this area is just 36, showing that there is a wide mix of ages residing here. The average income of residents of Carmel Valley is just over $100,000 annually.

In terms of schools, the area actually falls into a few different school districts. The northern end of the neighborhood falls into the Solana Beach K-6 District, and the southern part falls into the Del Mar Union School District for K-6. Middle and High schools fall into the San Dieguito Union School District, with many high schoolers attending schools in Torry Hills or Pacific Highlands Ranch.

Carmel Valley is located in close proximity to the 56 as well as Interstate 5, which means residents ca

Just off ot the Interstate 15, South of Rancho Bernardo and West of Poway lies Carmel Mountain, also called Carmel Mountain Ranch. This inland area contains small shopping plazas such as Carmel Mountain Plaza, Carmel Mountain Ranch Town Center and others. Inside of those centers, and also lining Carmel Mountain Road, residents and visitors can find several dining establishments - one of the busiest being the In-N-Out Burger.

This is a newer area of San Diego, which resides in the Power Unified School District. Families have the option to send their younger children to Highland Ranch, Shoal Creek or Creekside Elementary schools.

There are no middle schools or High schools inside of Carmel Mountain neighborhoods. Middle schoolers will go to Bernardo Heights Middle School in Rancho Bernardo, Meadowbrook Middle School in Poway, or Black Mountain Middle School in Rancho Penasquitos. Rancho Bernardo High is where area high schoolers attend public school.

Recreation can be f

Just between National City and Bonita is where you will find Bay Terraces, an area sprinkled with town homes and single family houses, as well as apartment buildings.

This neighborhood is closest to the 54, with access to Interstate 805 to the West. Just Northwest is Paradise Valley Hospital, to the South is Sharp Medical Center in Chula Vista.

Public transportation in the area is good, with bus access along Paradise Valley Road and Woodman, to name just a couple of streets. Plaza Bonita is also located in close proximity to Bay Terraces neighborhoods.

Boone Elementary school, Penn Elementary, Bell Middle school and Morse High are some of the educational facilities in the area. Southwestern College is located in Chula Vista, just a short drive from Bay Terraces.

Bay Ho is a great area that consists of both residential and business areas. Up and Down Morena Blvd you will find all sorts of businesses, ranging from Costco to small furniture or art shops.
Drive North on Moraga from Balboa and you will find a medical plaza. Continue North and you will enter into the residential area of Bay Ho as the neighborhood sprawls out up the West facing hillside.

Homes in Bay Ho are older, but many have been remodeled over the years, bringing new breath into the streets where families, singles and retirees all live. The neighborhood also features apartment and condo living as well.

Bay Ho also has Cadman Recreation Center, where resident youth can partake in Soccer or Basketball leagues. The Rec Center also offers arts and crafts classes on occasion.

All in all, Bay Ho features quiet family streets and affordable home prices. Being close to the 52 and the 5 allows those living in the area to get anywhere in the city within just a few mi

For folks who work or just love spending time in Downtown San Diego, but desire a neighborhood feel, the area surrounding Balboa Park is ideal!

Not only does Balboa Park offer easy access to Downtown nightlife, dining and shopping; it is also just south of the sophisticated Hillcrest area, where even more dining and shopping can be found. Located near to Interstates 5 and 163, this is yet another San Diego neighborhood that leads you anywhere you want to go. Hop on the 163 North from Park Ave, Robinson or other streets, and you're less than 10 minutes from Mission Valley shopping malls; only 15-20 minutes to Mission Beach, Pacific Beach or La Jolla Shores.

Dwellings in Balboa Park are mostly condos and apartments. Homes in the area are older, but many have been remodeled over the years. This area is quaint, quiet and totally chic!

Bay Park is a wonderful family neighborhood with easy access to interstate 5, 52 and 8. Located just East of the Mission Bay area, some homes on the West side of Bay Park boast bay views and amazing sunsets.

Growing in popularity amongst young families, this neighborhood has developed a stellar school system consisting of Bay Park Elementary, Marston Middle School and Clairemont High. There are also a few private schools in the area, like Horizon Christian school and St. Mary Madeline (K-8 only).

Bay Park is ideal for those who desire a nice, quiet place to live that is still close to most of what the city has to offer. Pretty much any street in Bay Park is only a couple of minutes from a freeway, which then opens access to the entire city of San Diego. In this part of town, you are only 10 minutes from the beach or Mission Valley, where ample shopping and dining can be found.

Situated near to Interstates 52 and 805, North Clairemont offers easy access to these freeways, which means you can be in East County, Mission Valley (for shopping), or on the sand in La Jolla in under twenty minutes.

Even if you don't want to leave the neighborhood, there is plenty for the entire family to do. Clairemont Town Square, located on Clairemont Mesa Blvd between Genesee Avenue and Clairemont Drive, boasts a movie theater and several retail shops, including Bath and Body Works and TJ Maxx, and currently even a Krispy Kreme doughnut shop!

Also in the area is an LA Fitness gym and also a 24 hour fitness. If getting fit inside the gym is not your thing, you can run or mountain bike the trails of Marion Bear Park or get your swim on at the local recreation center.

While traffic on Genesee or Clairemont Mesa Blvd can get a bit jammed during morning and evening hours, with everyone going to and returning from work, the extra planning is worth it. Quiet cul-de-sac str