The Best Places to Live in San Diego & How to Remodel Your Home to Match the Neighborhood
San Diego is known for its diverse neighborhoods, coastal charm, and vibrant lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to historic districts with timeless architecture or modern coastal communities with breathtaking views, each area has its own unique character and real estate appeal.
But finding the right home is just the beginning—remodeling to enhance its value and reflect the neighborhood's character is what truly makes it yours. At Honeycomb Design & Build, we specialize in transforming homes across Mission Hills, La Jolla, North Park, and beyond, ensuring they blend seamlessly with their surroundings while meeting modern-day needs.
If you're considering a move or planning a home renovation in San Diego, here's a look at the best places to live, the types of homes you'll find, what makes each area special, and how to remodel to match the neighborhood's charm.
Mission Hills– Historic Charm & Timeless Elegance
One of San Diego’s most desirable neighborhoods, Mission Hills is perched above Old Town and Downtown, offering panoramic views, tree-lined streets, and a collection of historic homes. It has a peaceful, upscale vibe while remaining close to city conveniences.
Mission Hills is known for its preserved early 20th-century architecture, including Spanish Revival, Craftsman, and Mid-Century Modern homes. It’s an ideal neighborhood for those who value history and refined design.
Remodeling Tips:
Preserve original woodwork, built-ins, and exposed beams
Upgrade kitchens and bathrooms with vintage-inspired yet modern touches
Expand outdoor spaces to take advantage of canyon and city views
Average Home Price: $1.55M–$1.9M
Hillcrest– Vibrant, Inclusive, & Urban
Hillcrest is one of San Diego’s most lively and diverse neighborhoods, known for its LGBTQ+ friendly community, walkability, and vibrant nightlife. It has a mix of condos, modern townhomes, and early 20th-century Craftsman and Spanish-style homes.
Residents love the restaurants, indie shops, and weekly farmers' market, making it a hotspot for young professionals and creatives.
Remodeling Tips:
Maximize space in smaller homes with open floor plans and multi-functional rooms
Use bold colors and modern design to reflect the neighborhood’s vibrant energy
Update older buildings with smart home technology and energy-efficient features
Average Home Price: $785,000
North Park – Hip, Creative, & Walkable
North Park is one of San Diego’s trendiest neighborhoods, packed with coffee shops, breweries, and a thriving arts scene. It’s popular among young professionals and families, offering a mix of historic bungalows and modern apartments.
Remodeling Tips:
Preserve Craftsman-era details like exposed beams and built-ins
Upgrade kitchens and bathrooms with bold, modern fixtures
Maximize small spaces by creating open-concept layouts
Average Home Price: $902K - $950K
South Park – Artsy, Green, & Community-Driven
Nestled between Golden Hill and North Park, South Park is known for its craft beer, independent boutiques, and tight-knit community vibe. The neighborhood features Craftsman bungalows, Spanish-style homes, and historic cottages, making it perfect for homeowners who appreciate charm and character.
Remodeling Tips:
Restore original hardwood floors, detailed molding, and classic tiling
Use eco-friendly materials and sustainable upgrades
Enhance curb appeal with lush landscaping and welcoming porches
Average Home Price: $850K–$1.3M
University Heights – Eclectic & Residential
University Heights blends urban convenience with a laid-back residential feel. The neighborhood has a mix of Craftsman bungalows, Spanish Revival homes, and mid-century modern properties, making it popular among young professionals and families.
Remodeling Tips:
Open up small spaces with modern layouts and bright interiors
Preserve classic details like arched doorways and tile work
Incorporate sustainable materials for energy efficiency
Average Home Price: $850K–$1.4M
Bankers Hill – Upscale & Scenic
Overlooking Balboa Park and the San Diego Bay, Bankers Hill is a mix of luxury high-rises, historic mansions, and sleek modern homes. Its central location and stunning views make it a top choice for upscale city living.
Remodeling Tips:
Enhance indoor-outdoor flow with large windows and sliding doors
Use high-end materials like marble, glass, and steel
Update historic homes with modern amenities while maintaining charm
Average Home Price: $1M–$1.78M
Point Loma – Coastal Views & Nautical Charm
Point Loma offers breathtaking views of the San Diego Bay, a rich maritime history, and a mix of mid-century homes, custom waterfront estates, and classic California bungalows. This is a neighborhood for those who love boating, fishing, and coastal serenity.
Remodeling Tips:
Maximize water views with floor-to-ceiling windows
Use coastal-inspired materials like light wood, stone, and glass
Expand outdoor living areas with rooftop decks and fire pits
Average Home Price: $1.5M–$2.5M
Bird Rock – La Jolla’s Hidden Coastal Gem
A small but highly desirable coastal neighborhood within La Jolla, Bird Rock is known for stunning ocean views, walkable streets, and a relaxed beach-town feel. Homes here range from cozy beach cottages to multimillion-dollar contemporary estates.
Remodeling Tips:
Prioritize indoor-outdoor living with open floor plans and large sliding doors
Use light, airy colors and natural materials to reflect the coastal vibe
Upgrade bathrooms with spa-like finishes and modern fixtures
Average Home Price: $1.8M–$3M
Pacific Beach – Surf, Sun & Energy
Pacific Beach, or PB, is San Diego’s go-to neighborhood for young professionals and beach lovers, offering a lively bar scene, oceanfront boardwalks, and casual coastal living. Housing ranges from small beach bungalows to newly built contemporary homes.
Remodeling Tips:
Optimize small spaces with open layouts and built-in storage
Use durable, water-resistant materials for beachside living
Add decks or patios to take advantage of sunset views
Average Home Price: $1.3M–$2M
Ocean Beach – Bohemian, Laid-Back & Local
Ocean Beach, or OB, is San Diego’s most laid-back and free-spirited beach community, filled with local surf shops, dog-friendly beaches, and a strong sense of local pride. Homes here have a vintage feel, with 1920s cottages, Craftsman bungalows, and beach-style homes.
Remodeling Tips:
Maintain boho, eclectic touches while modernizing key spaces
Use vintage-inspired fixtures to keep the character of older homes
Add sustainable features like solar panels and rainwater collection
Average Home Price: $1.2M–$1.8M
Coronado – Luxury Island Living
Coronado is one of San Diego’s most exclusive communities, offering pristine beaches, historic mansions, and waterfront properties. It’s home to the iconic Hotel del Coronado and some of the most luxurious real estate in the county.
Remodeling Tips:
Use high-end materials like marble, quartz, and custom cabinetry
Expand outdoor spaces with wraparound decks and ocean-facing patios
Incorporate coastal design elements like bright whites and soft blues
Average Home Price: $2M–$4M+
La Jolla – Coastal Luxury & Breathtaking Views
La Jolla is San Diego’s premier coastal community, known for oceanfront estates, high-end dining, and world-class beaches. With its cliffside views, luxury boutiques, and top-rated schools, it offers an upscale yet laid-back lifestyle.
Remodeling Tips:
Maximize ocean views with open layouts and floor-to-ceiling windows
Use coastal-inspired materials like natural stone and light wood
Create seamless indoor-outdoor spaces with retractable doors and outdoor kitchens
Average Home Price: $2.5M–$6M+
Rancho Santa Fe – Private, Spacious & Upscale
One of the most prestigious communities in Southern California, Rancho Santa Fe is home to equestrian estates, sprawling ranch-style properties, and Mediterranean villas. This neighborhood is all about privacy, luxury, and grand design.
Remodeling Tips:
Emphasize grand entrances with custom ironwork and lush landscaping
Upgrade to spa-like bathrooms and chef’s kitchens
Preserve traditional Spanish and Mediterranean architectural elements
Average Home Price: $4M–$7M+
Final Thoughts: Finding & Remodeling Your Dream Home in San Diego
San Diego offers a neighborhood for every lifestyle, from the historic charm of Mission Hills to the coastal luxury of La Jolla and Coronado. Once you find your dream home, a well-planned remodel can enhance its beauty, functionality, and long-term value.
At Honeycomb Design & Build, we specialize in full home renovations and kitchen and bathroom remodels that bring out the best in every home. Whether you’re remodeling a Spanish-style bungalow in North Park, a beach house in Pacific Beach, or a historic home in Mission Hills, we’ll ensure your space is tailored to your lifestyle and built to last.
Ready to renovate? Schedule a consultation today!
