San Diego’s Top 10 Residential Zip Codes

From its beachfront and surf spots to its breweries, there’s a lot to like about San Diego. The welcoming, balmy climate is the reason why many people to choose to relocate here. Whether you’re looking to move to San Diego or already a resident who wants to switch neighborhoods, here are the best zip codes in San Diego you may want to consider if you want to enjoy the very best of what the city has to offer.

10. Imperial Beach (Zip Code 91932)

Things to do: 8/10
Schools: 8/10
Parks and landmarks: 9/10
Events: 8/10
House Prices: Competitive
Location

Sitting at the border with Mexico, Imperial Beach is renowned for its surf culture and good Mexican restaurants. The town has a unique relationship to the environment, as home to a significant part of the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, Border Field State Park, and the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. 

9. Mission Valley (Zip Code 92108)

Things to do: 9/1
Schools: 8/10
Parks and landmarks: 8/10
Events: 7/10
House Prices
Location

Currently serving as an important shopping and entertainment center, Mission Valley is one of the hottest places to be in San Diego. The region is within a 15-minute drive of the Downtown Gaslamp District, San Diego Zoo, and SeaWorld San Diego. It offers a wealth of affordable accommodations, quaint boutiques, and family-friendly dining options. Outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking and rock climbing in Mission Trails Regional Park.

8. South Oceanside (Zip Code 92054)

Things to do: 9/10
Schools: 8/10
Parks and landmarks: 7/10
Events: 7/10
House Prices
Location

South Oceanside, or South O’ as the locals call it, is a charming beach community where you can enjoy a laid back atmosphere. Some of the most popular pastimes here include skateboarding, surfing, and bike riding. Breweries are also on the rise here, as many residents have started opening eclectic breweries, restaurants, or coffee shops. It’s one of the best places to visit to enjoy some truly delicious food and drinks.

7. La Mesa (Zip Code 91941)

Things to do: 9/10
Schools: 8/10
Parks and landmarks: 7/10
Events: 9/10
House Prices
Location

La Mesa, also dubbed by the locals as the Jewel of the Hills, is a city that maintains a small-town charm. Each year in October, La Mesa holds its biggest event, Oktoberfest. The event spans over three nights and is attended by hundreds of thousands of people. Another interesting annual event is the 50s Car Show where classic car enthusiasts can display their beloved vehicles.

6. El Cerrito (Zip Code 92105)

Things to do: 8/10
Schools: 8/10
Parks and landmarks: 8/10
Events: 9/10
House Prices
Location

El Cerrito has been long overlooked as a great place to live but it all changed when an important real estate brokerage company named it the best up-and-coming neighborhood in San Diego a few years back. Now, El Cerrito remains one of the most desirable cities to live in thanks to its fascinating historical architecture and many recreational parks and undeveloped nature areas.

5. Hillcrest (Zip Code 92103)

Things to do: 8/10
Schools: 7/10
Parks and landmarks: 8/10
Events: 7/10
House Prices
Location

Hillcrest is a suburban neighborhood known for its gender diversity and tolerance and acceptance. It enjoys a buzzing nightlife, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, bars, and clubs to choose from. Its annual CityFest is a lively festival where people can enjoy good food, beer, and live entertainment, and check out the street vendors have to offer. Hillcrest is also home to the Springside Nature Reserve, a must for nature lovers.

4. Little Italy (Zip Code 92101)

Things to do: 9/10
Schools: 7/10
Parks and landmarks: 8/10
Events: 9/10
House Prices
Location

Little Italy is home to generations of Italian families that have turned the neighborhood into a haven for Italian cuisine lovers. Little Italy in San Diego is known for its dynamic food and drink scene, urban wineries, art galleries, boutique hotels, and fine shops have turned it into one of the hippest places to be in San Diego. Little Italy’s annual Little Italy FESTA! brings food, music, arts, and crafts to the streets of the neighborhood to celebrate its Italian heritage.

3. Normal Heights (Zip Code 92104)

Things to do: 9/10
Schools: 9/10
Parks and landmarks: 8/10
Events: 8/10
House Prices
Location

This lively residential area, Normal Heights, boasts numerous hip cafés, craft beer bars, gastropubs, and diverse restaurants. Several annual events take place here, including the Adams Avenue Street Fair and Adams Avenue Unplugged – two large free music festivals, and Art Around Adams – a local community art event where artists can display their work.

2. Ocean Beach (Zip Code 92107)

Things to do: 9/10
Schools: 8/10
Parks and landmarks: 10/10
Events: 8/10
House Prices
Location

Ocean Beach is San Diego’s vibrant and bohemian neighborhood. The Pacific Ocean is just steps away, so it’s riddled with surfers and beachgoers. Ocean Beach’s Street Fair and Chili Cook-off brings people together each summer as arts and crafts vendors and performers fill the streets. The Ocean Beach Pier is also a popular fishing spot, while Newport Avenue is lined with numerous shops, surf boutiques, and breweries.

1. La Jolla (Zip Code 92037)

Things to do: 10/10
Schools: 8/10
Parks and landmarks: 10/10
Events: 9/10
House Prices
Location

Also among the San Diego top 10 zip codes is La Jolla, a seaside area with a rugged coastline. It offers some truly sweeping ocean views, with the cliffs at Torrey Pines State Reserve being a favorite spot among visitors and residents. The region is also renowned for its unique diving opportunities, attracting scuba divers and snorkelers from all around the country.

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