Relocating to San Diego: What People Always Get Wrong
What do people get wrong about moving to San Diego? Many expect effortless beach living and perfect weather without realizing how the city’s costs, geography, and other aspects affect daily life. These are serious challenges you should know about before making a move.
As an associate broker with Coldwell Banker West with over two decades of experience, Melina Rissone knows all about how to help clients understand those realities. She guides buyers through lifestyle choices, local housing options, and community fit so the move feels smooth from the start.
The San Diego Dream Isn’t What You Think
Many newcomers arrive with a picture of morning surf sessions and short walks to the sand. In reality, most residents live several miles inland, because that’s often where comfort and value align. North Park, Clairemont, University City, and Serra Mesa each offer their own version of San Diego living, shaped by local restaurants, parks, and community routines rather than beach access. It’s important to explore how you’ll spend your daily routine before deciding whether coastal life is essential or simply a nice idea.
Balancing Budget and Lifestyle
This leads into the next issue many buyers overlook: San Diego’s beauty comes with a cost, and the biggest shift for many people is adjusting expectations. Homes near the coast command premium values, while inland areas often offer more space and quieter streets. Rancho Peñasquitos, Tierrasanta, and Linda Vista provide strong access to work hubs with a far more manageable price point than La Jolla or Coronado. Melina Rissone works with buyers to create practical budgets and guides them toward neighborhoods where their lifestyle goals match what they can realistically sustain.
San Diego Schools Aren’t Created Equal
Families often assume San Diego schools all operate at the same level. In practice, there are several separate districts, of varying quality and each with their own strengths. Poway Unified is well regarded for consistency, while the University City cluster of schools draws many families due to strong academic programs and proximity to parks and recreation. Other neighborhoods appeal for different reasons, such as smaller school populations or walkable morning routines. Melina provides buyers with the tools to research districts so they can make informed choices that support their family’s needs and preferences.
Finding Friends Takes Time
San Diego is friendly, but what can surprise people is how difficult it often is to make genuine connections. Military families rotate frequently, tech professionals move for new opportunities, and students come and go around SDSU and UC San Diego.
That means established friendships sometimes take longer to build than expected. You can help find and nurture those social bonds through parts of your regular routine such as attending farmers markets, going to the gym, or finding a local pick-up beach volleyball or basketball game. It’s a good idea to explore neighborhood events early, so you can form connections that make the city feel like home.
San Diego’s Lifestyle Isn’t Always Laid Back
While the climate is mild, San Diego’s day-to-day lifestyle is anything but slow. Many people commute between neighborhoods, juggle active schedules, and spend weekends exploring parks and local businesses rather than sitting on the sand. Someone relocating from a quieter region might find North Park energetic, while the same person could feel more at ease in Carmel Mountain Ranch or Scripps Ranch. Melina Rissone helps clients understand how each neighborhood feels throughout the week so they choose an environment that supports their routine.
Traffic In San Diego Isn’t Logical
Just looking at a map doesn’t reflect the true driving experience here. A ten-mile trip can take far longer depending on your route and time of day. Someone working downtown might imagine living in Pacific Beach, only to learn the commute feels overwhelming. Kensington, Normal Heights, or Mission Hills might be far more manageable. Public transportation such as the trolley system is improving, but it’s still limited in reach. One useful precaution is to test routes during typical commute times to avoid surprises after moving.
The Hidden Expenses You Don’t Plan For
The region’s climate helps with some costs, but increases others. Water bills can be higher due to landscaping, and older homes in areas like Clairemont, Talmadge, and the College Area sometimes need upgrades to plumbing or electrical systems. Homeowners also face maintenance expenses related to age, terrain, or coastal moisture. Buyers who understand these costs up-front won’t be taken by surprise during inspections and negotiations. Melina prepares clients for these realities so their long-term budget reflects more than just the mortgage payment.
New Homes Aren’t Always Better
New construction often appeals to buyers who want modern layouts or energy efficiency. But in San Diego, new developments are typically located farther east in places like Otay Ranch or 4S Ranch, where land is available. These homes may also come with homeowners’ association fees, limited lot sizes, and longer commutes. Established neighborhoods often offer larger yards, mature trees, and walkable streets. Buyers who compare both options clearly tend to make better long-term decisions.
Luxury Living Comes with Noise
Premium neighborhoods such as La Jolla or Coronado deliver incredible scenery and access to world-class amenities. At the same time, they attract visitors year-round, which affects parking, privacy, and seasonal activity levels. Inland luxury communities like Santaluz or Poway’s Green Valley provide a different type of experience with more land and far less foot traffic. Understanding these contracts will help you choose the type of living that fits you best.
Couples Often Want Different Things
A move to San Diego can expose differences in what partners value. One may want beach proximity, while the other prefers more space or a shorter commute. These are normal differences, and they become easier to resolve with data. Appreciation trends, local amenities, and long-term resale patterns help couples narrow priorities. Melina guides many clients through these conversations so they can choose a home that supports both partners’ daily lives, rather than one person’s vision alone.
Not Everyone Feels at Home Immediately
Some people fall in love with San Diego right away. Others need time to adjust to the climate, pace, or distance from family. Neighborhood feel plays a big role. Someone who wants creative energy might love Golden Hill, while someone who wants convenience and structure may feel more settled in Carmel Valley. That’s why it’s important to experience several pockets of the city before committing to one location, either by renting first or just taking time to explore.
Getting It Wrong Can Be Expensive
Choosing the wrong neighborhood or rushing the decision can lead to regret. A careful approach supported by local expertise protects your investment and helps you make confident choices. Melina Rissone provides guidance built on years of experience in San Diego real estate, helping clients understand market conditions, neighborhood character, and long-term value so they don’t make critical choices based only on first impressions.
Relocating to San Diego Takes Forethought
Moving to San Diego can be an excellent decision when you understand the details behind the sunshine. Each neighborhood offers something distinct, and knowing how those differences affect cost, commute, and daily living is essential.
Melina Rissone offers personal guidance to help you choose a neighborhood that supports your goals and makes your transition smoother. If you’re thinking about moving to San Diego, reach out today for a personalized consultation tailored to your lifestyle and priorities.
Melina Rissone
Having sold properties for more than 20 years and earning various prestigious awards throughout the course of her career, Melina Rissone has more than earned her reputation as one of San Diego's most skilled and trustworthy real estate brokers selling homes and luxury condominiums. Her loyal clientele would share that Melina brings structure and planning to chaos. She specializes in supporting her clients and their referrals; families and individuals going through divorce and seniors and active adults planning their moves and financial decisions during their retirement years.
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Institute of Luxury Home Marketing certified.
Certified Senior Advisor by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors
RCS-D Designation, a Real Estate Collaboration Specialist for Divorce.
SRES Certification through NAR is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist certification.
Melina is bilingual in English and German.
Recognized as the Top 4% of all real estate brokers in San Diego County in 2021 and the Top 3% of Coldwell Banker International.
Coldwell Banker Presidents Elite Award.
Recognize as the Top 2% of Coldwell Banker West in 2024.
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Institute of Luxury Home Marketing Certified.
Melina is a true professional! She is responsive and thorough. She offers important insights through the home buying and selling process. She has a network of connections so that specialists may be brought in when needed. Melina was our real estate broker when buying a home in 2017. And she is the person I have returned to as we consider selling. Melina is a top notch broker in San Diego!
-Catherine
