Location, Location, Location! What San Diego area is right for you?

A question I hear over and over again from folks beginning their home search is 'Where should I live in San Diego?', 'What's the best neighborhood?'

Certainly, not an easy question to answer because there's isn't a right answer. My advice - There isn't a wrong decision because it all depends on you, your wants, your personality, your family, your commute, your children's school choices. It's all up to the individual.

After receiving this question for the upteenth billionth time this past weekend at an Open House, I decided to do some digging so that at least I could direct my clients to something that could help them figure out the perfect answer to their mega big and mega important question.

In the San Diego area, there are so many options - neighborhoods within the city, suburbs, outlying cities, inland, coastal, mountain and they go on and on.

So for your researching pleasure, here are a few Web sites that will help you to narrow down your search to the right neighborhoods and/or cities for you and your family.

My suggestion, start with these sites, narrow it down to a few select locations and then do some exploring. Visit the area, check out the restaurants, entertainment and shopping options (grocery and otherwise), make sure you dig the vibe. Most importantly, you need to ensure that your needs will be met and then let your real estate agent know that you've narrowed down your search criteria so that you can find your dream home in your perfect area.

Top Rated Family-Friendly San Diego Neighborhoods
Our City San Diego magazine conducted a survey recently that rated family-friendly San Diego neighborhoods over a series of criteria. Both the criteria and their review can be found here.

North to South; Coast to Desert
Each area of San Diego, from the north to the south, the coast to the desert, has its own uniqueness. Click here to see an overview of those areas http://www.sandiego.org/discover.aspx.

Research it up: Schools, Demographics, Safety, Entertainment & More
Many folks want information about schools, demographics, safety and entertainment. You can find an abundance of sites that offer this information, but a personal favorite is Trulia's Localized page. One-stop shopping for an easy-to-read site with multiple menu options that allow the reader to explore by city, neighborhood, address or zip code. 

So.... Where should you live? What your perfect 'hood?

I would love to hear all about your findings. Leave a comment, send me an email and let me help you find your perfect place.