San Diego has been called the birthplace of California and for good reason. Originally home to the Kumeyaay tribe, it was the first West Coast location visited by Europeans. Today, the city is home to over a million people from all different backgrounds, and being adjacent to Mexico and just 120 miles from L.A., it’s a great place to live and raise a family for many commuters. There are many, many reasons to move to San Diego, but here are a few of the standout ones.
The Climate
According to Farmer’s Almanac, the city is on the list of top-ten locations for great climates. Residents of the area enjoy warm, dry summers and mild winters. However, it is important to note that the climate varies depending on one’s location in the area: areas farther from the ocean are often hotter; areas closer to the Pacific experience cool Marine Layer cloud cover, making it appear gloomy in May and June.
The Real Estate
Right now, it would seem the city is experiencing a shortage of homes in comparison to people who want to buy them, driving up prices a bit. However, real estate in San Diego is a reasonable option compared to other parts of the southern coast of California. The recent median price of a home in Orange County, for example, was $715,000!
The Nature
The area includes quite a few large nature preserves. Among them are Torrey Pines State Reserve, the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, and the Mission Trails Regional Park. The area is also one of two locations where a rare species of pine tree can be found. The county also boasts one of the highest counts of plants and animals that appear on the U.S. endangered species list. It also is home to 492 different bird species which is greater than any other region in the United States.
The Arts
Balboa Park is a 1,200 acre cultural park featuring museums and art galleries. It also contains the world-famous San Diego Zoo. One of the highlights of the park is the architectural landmarks: the site hosted the 1915-1916 Panama-California Exposition and the 1935-1936 California Pacific International Exposition, leaving behind breathtaking structures that are now preserved as a National Historic Landmark and are on the National Register of Historic Places. Another highlight of Balboa Park is the Museum of Man. The museum shows anthropological findings from over the years like rare artifacts from the Egyptian city of Amarna, bog mummies, Mayan relics, and collections featuring Native American culture. A new exhibit also explores the history of cannibalism!
Interestingly, parts of the park were used as a stand-in for Orson Welles’ character’s home Xanadu in the cinematic masterpiece Citizen Kane.
