San Diego, CA

What’s it like buying a home in San Diego?

San Diego is one of the priciest markets in the country. You are paying for the weather, the coast, and the quality of life. Buying here is competitive. Inventory is tight and good homes get multiple offers. You need a strong pre-approval and a clear budget. The military presence is huge, so VA loans are very common. If you can make the numbers work, San Diego is hard to beat. Just go in with your eyes open on price and payment.

What’s the average home price in San Diego?

The median home price in San Diego is around $900,000. You will see a wide range: condos in the $500s, single-family homes in the $700s to $1M+, and coastal properties well above that. Prices have been high for a long time. Know exactly what you can afford and get pre-approved before you shop. We can run the numbers so you see your real payment including taxes and insurance.

What are the best neighborhoods in San Diego for families?

North County (Carlsbad, Encinitas, Poway) is popular with families and has strong schools. East County (Santee, La Mesa) offers more space and relative value. South Bay (Chula Vista) has grown a lot and has good options. In the city, University City and Carmel Valley have solid schools. Each area has different price points and commutes. Visit and compare. Mello-Roos and HOA can add a lot to your payment in some communities.

What mortgage rates are available in San Diego?

Rates are national. Your rate in San Diego is the same as anywhere else for the same loan type. What is local is the loan size. Many buyers need jumbo loans. We shop 100+ lenders including jumbo specialists so you get a competitive rate. We also run VA, conventional, and FHA so you see all your options.

What loan programs work best in San Diego?

VA loans are huge. Multiple bases and a large veteran population mean zero down and no PMI are very common. Conventional and jumbo are next for high earners. FHA is less common at these price points but still used. We work with many VA-friendly and jumbo lenders. We will show you the best fit for your income, credit, and down payment.

How much do you need for a down payment in San Diego?

At a $900,000 median, 3% down is about $27,000 (conventional first-time if within limits). VA can be zero down. 20% down would be $180,000. Jumbo loans often want 10–20% down. Add closing costs and reserves. In San Diego, down payment and reserves can be six figures. We will run the numbers for your price range and program.

What are property taxes like in San Diego?

California has Proposition 13. Your property tax is based on purchase price and limited annual increases. Effective rate is often around 1.10% or so of purchase price. On a $900,000 home you could pay roughly $9,900 or more per year. Newer communities may have Mello-Roos on top of that. Factor both into your monthly budget.

San Diego vs Los Angeles: which is better for homebuyers?

San Diego is smaller and often feels more livable. Los Angeles is massive and traffic is tough. Both are expensive. San Diego has a stronger military presence and a more defined coastal vibe. LA has more job diversity and entertainment. If you work in one, living in the other is usually not practical. Pick based on job and lifestyle. We can help you see what you qualify for in either market.

Is San Diego a good real estate investment?

San Diego has had strong appreciation and rental demand. Entry prices are high so your cash flow may be tighter than in cheaper markets. Run your numbers on rent, appreciation, and hold period. We can help you see what loan options work for an investment or second home, including jumbo and non-owner-occupied programs.

Who’s the best mortgage lender in San Diego?

One bank gives you one rate. A broker shops 100+ lenders. Mpire Direct does the shopping so you get the best rate and terms, including VA and jumbo. We know the San Diego market and we close on time. Take our 60-second quiz to see what you qualify for. No credit pull, no commitment.