Five Affordable Neighborhoods in the Eighth Most Expensive City

Everyone knows that Southern California is an expensive place to live. The rent is high and so is the cost of living. People pay top dollar for the amazing weather, proximity to just about everything you could need, and miles and miles of coastline. While most places in the area are quite expensive, you can find some affordable neighborhoods in the San Diego suburbs. San Diego County is so much bigger than the city and other pricey neighborhoods like La Jolla. Below are five quite affordable options for neighborhoods to make your home in San Diego, which ranks as the eighth most expensive city in the U.S.

Chula Vista

The closest city to the border, Chula Vista has an undeserved reputation. It isn’t nearly as dangerous as people think it is. Chula Vista is quaint, charming, and coming up in real estate and local businesses. Third Street has a downtown area with breweries, cafes, and vintage shops. The rent is cheap and the environment is solid. People are nice. Chula Vista has a specific border culture all its own. The food is great, the weather is perfect, and living there is affordable.

La Mesa

Located in the Southeastern part of San Diego County, La Mesa was originally constructed by Spanish missionaries. This suburb retains its old tradition of arts and culture. La Mesa hosts its own Oktoberfest and a 1950s car show. The suburb is diverse and family-friendly. With great schools, parks, trails, and amazing views, buying a home in La Mesa is a great way to invest in property that is your personal residence. It is one of those neighborhoods that will go up in price in the future.

El Cajon

El Cajon isn’t necessarily the most sought-after neighborhood in San Diego, but that also makes it one of the cheapest. It is an affordable place to live with a lot of potential. No one knows how El Cajon will change, but it remains one of the cheapest places to live in the area. As the rest of San Diego County comes up in price, El Cajon may be the last stand for cheap property. If you’re thinking about the long-term, buying a house here may be a great investment in the next few years. Bordering La Mesa, you may be able to find property that is cheaper in El Cajon.

Santee

Santee is a strange town in the valley of East San Diego. It is known for its warm climate, good schools for kids, and a friendliness that makes it seem like it is a smaller town than it is. Santee has more and more homes for families and apartments. It’s no surprise that the city is growing economically, with more shopping and restaurants. In addition, there are hiking trails that make Santee an amazing place to raise kids and set up a life.

National City

The neighbor just to the north of Chula Vista, National City is a diverse suburb where you can create your own world. It is affordable, close to the city, near the beach, and full of amazing Asian food. The apartments in National City are 25 percent cheaper than San Diego’s average. There is a lot to do here, with a Westfield shopping mall, great restaurants, and an auto mall if you’re looking to buy a new car. Like the other neighborhoods above, National City is an affordable place to live without moving too far away from the action.

San Diego is known for its weather, its beaches, and its downtown party culture, but there is so much more. The suburbs in San Diego are varied, diverse, and unique. They are affordable and interesting. If you want to live in a place with the best weather in the world but don’t want to pay the top dollar of La Jolla, Coronado, or downtown, look into one of these places and find your own little spot to set up your foundation and start a family.

You will especially be glad you did if you invest in property. California will always be a place people want to live and while a lot of people have left in the last 15 months, it only makes it prime time to double down and invest in a property that will go up in price. What are you waiting for? The suburbs of San Diego await you.