New arrivals on the hunt for accommodation in San Diego will find that the city offers a considerable variety of housing and a diversity of neighbourhoods. Prospective tenants will have plenty of options, ranging from affordable apartments to single-family homes in the suburbs and luxury beachfront estates.
Many of those who move to the city rent accommodation first while getting to know their environment and the market before making a commitment to buy. If they don’t intend to stay long term, new arrivals in San Diego generally prefer to rent.
Areas and suburbs in San Diego
With more than 100 neighbourhoods, San Diego is as diverse as its landscape and residents. When moving to the city, you are sure to find a neighbourhood that perfectly suits your budget and personality.
Newcomers to San Diego will have their pick between urban, suburban, and beachfront living. Families with children typically prefer suburban and beachfront neighbourhoods because of their easy access to green spaces and sizeable, family-friendly accommodation. Pacific Beach, Hillcrest, Carlsbad, and Kensington are some of the most family-friendly areas in San Diego, and they all boast beautiful freestanding homes, easy access to transport links and proximity to excellent public schools.
Young professionals and single new arrivals will love neighbourhoods such as Little Italy and East Village in downtown, and Encinitas on the coast. These areas are well loved for their lively and diverse communities, as well as the wonderfully unique eateries, bars, and cafés lining their streets. The only downsides to these hugely popular neighbourhoods are the demand and prices for accommodation, which can both be high. New arrivals looking to snag a good deal in one of these neighbourhoods will need to act fast.
Areas and Suburbs in San Diego
Types of accommodation in San Diego
Having formed through waves of changing architectural trends, San Diego is a diverse city with a variety of accommodation options. Choices range from apartments and high-rise condominiums in pedestrian-friendly urban districts to Spanish-style homes and stately mansions in picturesque neighbourhoods.
Apartments are readily available in San Diego and range from compact to spacious, with beachfront or downtown units commanding the highest rent. Townhouses can also be found, sitting between apartments and detached homes in terms of space, privacy, and cost.
If you have the budget, you can consider a freestanding house in San Diego. These family-sized homes are most abundant in suburban neighbourhoods and are a great choice if you're after your own personal slice of paradise, often coming with large gardens and garages.
Finding accommodation in San Diego
The internet is a valuable resource when hunting for a new home, providing you with access to a wide variety of rental websites and online classifieds. Seeing a property in person is the best way for house hunters to make a considered decision, and opportunities can arise from exploring and responding to a neighbourhood’s 'for sale' and 'for rent' signs.
A real estate agent is also a good choice, as these specialists have intimate knowledge of the various neighbourhoods in the city and may have access to property listings before they are advertised publicly.
You might be lucky enough to have a relocation company assisting you with your home search. Some providers will shortlist properties and arrange viewings as part of their relocation packages, so be sure to check with your relocation company if these services are included.
Useful links
- Homes.com San Diego
- Good Life Property Management San Diego Rentals
- PorchLight Realty Southern California
Renting accommodation in San Diego
Properties can get snapped up quickly in San Diego, so you should be ready to act quickly if you find a place you like.
Making an application
Once you've found a property you like, you'll need to submit a lease application. Proof of income, social security number and identification details also need to be provided. It is likely that prospective tenants will be subject to a credit check, which may be an issue for some expats who have yet to build a credit profile in the country. You might be able to bypass this by securing a guarantor.
Leases
House hunters should be prepared to pay a rental application fee when signing up for a property. Lease length can vary, but most leases in San Diego are signed on a six-month or one-year basis.
Deposits
Tenants will need to put down a security deposit, usually the equivalent of one or two months’ rent. In addition, they will be expected to pay for their first month upfront. Deposits will be refunded within 21 days of vacating the premises, minus the cost for any damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Terminating the lease
If you break your lease contract early in San Diego, you'll generally be liable for the cost of rent until the contract is completed. The landlord is legally required to make a reasonable effort to re-let the unit after you leave, and your contract may have a clause that allows subletting, allowing you to find a tenant to cover the remainder of your contract. Be sure to check the wording of your lease agreement regarding the specifics of early termination.
Read Accommodation in the USA for more on rental processes in the country.
Useful links
- Tenant Rights USA Website on Renting in California
- California Department of Justice Circular on Deposits
Utilities in San Diego
Utilities such as water, electricity, and gas may or may not be included as part of the rental price – prospective tenants should inquire about this before signing the lease. Residents who will be renting a property in San Diego will likely need to set up their utilities.
Electricity and gas
San Diego Gas and Electric is the primary electricity and mains gas supplier in the city. To start or stop a service, newcomers will need to call or visit a local San Diego Gas and Electric branch. Digitally inclined new arrivals can also start a service online using the company’s website.
You'll simply need to supply your social security number, address and bank account details to get set up in a couple of minutes. It’s recommended to start the gas and electricity services at least a week before moving in to ensure you have access to these essential services by the time you take up residence.
Water
Most of the drinking water in San Diego comes from the Colorado River. The San Diego County Water Authority manages water distribution in the city. When renting accommodation in San Diego, you can simply fill out an online form, supplying your identification, contact details, service address, and the owner’s details to start the water and sewer service. It's a good idea to start this process at least a week before moving in.
Bins and recycling
The City of San Diego Environmental Services manages waste collection across most of San Diego. Bins should be placed by 6am and removed by 6pm.
There are restrictions on what can be placed in the rubbish container. Regular household waste, animal waste, broken glass, wet ashes or sawdust, and empty hazardous materials containers are allowed in the containers. Hazardous and medical waste are not allowed. You can contact Environmental Services for disposal information.
San Diego has several recycling programmes for its residents to take part in. The biggest among them is the Zero Waste Plan, which aims to ensure that San Diego is a zero-waste city by 2040. Additionally, the city’s government has entered into an agreement with a private company to secure discounts for composting bins for its residents.