While San Diego is known for its beautiful climate situated right on the Pacific Ocean, there are many other popular areas that are not located on the water.

This North Park vs. South Park guide dives into everything you need to know about these two trendy neighborhoods and what makes them different. Whether you are moving to the area and looking for a San Diego home or just want to know where to visit, you'll find this helpful.

Why Move to San Diego?

There are many reasons to move to San Diego this year! From the job market to so many things to do, you'll have to move there to believe it.

Weather

One of the main reasons people move to San Diego is because of the beautiful weather. The weather is pretty temperate year-round, encouraging everyone to spend more time outdoors, which positively impacts everyone's mental health in the city.

You can expect the weather to stay between 50 degrees and 80 degrees throughout the entire year.

The Job Market

For starters, the unemployment rate is pretty low, resting at 5% which is below the state's average rate. But it gets even better. The average wages in the San Diego area are 14% higher than the rest of the state.

Needless to say, San Diego has a great job market that you don't want to miss out on.

Great Public Transport Options

Not every city has great public transportation options, but San Diego does. Whether you don't want to pay for a car and the insurance that goes along with it or are trying to be more green when getting around the city, having a good public transport system is a major plus to city life.

Great Sports Teams

If you love sports, you'll love San Diego.

You have the San Diego Padres playing baseball, the San Diego Seals playing lacrosse, the San Diego Sockers, and the San Diego Wave FC for soccer, and you even have the Western Ultimate League for ultimate frisbee.

There is no shortage of sports in the area!

Constant Fun

San Diego is a ton of fun! There are so many things to do that it will take you quite some time to cross everything off the list.

Staring with the 70 miles of beaches where you can surf, swim, tan, or just relax, you also have many festivals throughout the year, a plethora of family attractions and museums to visit, and even more outdoor activities you can partake in.

You can try out rollerblading, biking, running, or walking, too. You can hike on one of the many trails in the city or right outside of it.

You truly won't ever wish there was more to do in the area. Here are a few places you don't want to miss:

• San Diego Museum of Art
• Balboa Park
• San Diego Zoo
• Botanical Building and Lily Pond
• USS Midway Museum 
• Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
• La Jolla Shores

If you have a family, don't miss these places:

• The New Children's Museum 
• San Diego Children's Discovery Museum
• Living Coast Discovery Center 

North Park

Now that you know why San Diego is so great, we have your attention. Let's start with the North Park activities and why this is a great neighborhood to live in.

This area has been one of the up-and-coming areas of San Diego for the last decade, but especially in the last few years.

It's a millennial paradise.

It's an Established Neighborhood

Your first sign that this is an established neighborhood should come from the sign you see the second you get to 30th Street and University Avenue. You know that you're in North Park without a doubt.

Variety of Houses

The best part of moving to North Park is that there are a variety of houses to choose from.

There are plenty of single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and multifamily units in the area of North Park.

Diverse

The area of North Park is pretty diverse, and within the last few years, it has continued to build on its reputation as an ethnically and economically diverse area of California. There are constantly cultural events as well as places you'll want to hang out at that each has a different vibe to them.

Has a Distinct Character

Part of the distinct character of North Park comes from the Arts District. This area is in the heart of North Park and can't be missed.

As part of its unique, charming character, North Park also has the North Park Vaudeville & Candy Shoppe. Not only is this a candy shop with a huge variety of vintage candies, but also a theater where you can enjoy shows, musical performances, and plays around town.

Delicious Food and Drinks

If you are a foodie, North Park is also a great place to be. One of the local favorites is Underbelly North Park for its hearty bowls of ramen & Japanese comfort grub in an industrial-chic setting.

Along with the food scene, there are plenty of places to grab a craft cocktail if you are in the mood to feel a bit on the fancier side. Not in the mood? Check out some of the local bars or breweries, or even a cafe, with more of a laid-back vibe.

You'll also want to be moved in and settled by October so you don't miss The Taste of North Park which features over 40 restaurants and 16 beers to enjoy.

There's a bit of everything here for the foodies! 

Easy to Walk

If you love being able to walk around most places, North Park is great for that. It's easy to get around to almost everything you need by walking.

South Park 

South Park has been around for quite some time, starting its growth back in the early 1900s. This area can be found between Balboa Park and Golden Hill. 

This area is generally quieter and more expensive than North Park.

However, even though there is that feeling, this is more of the historic neighborhood of San Diego. When living in South Park, you'll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, old taverns and bars, churches, offices, and more!

Economic Prosperity 

South Park has a median income of around $76,000, which puts it at 27% higher than the nationwide average. You can't go wrong with that.

Single family homes in South park pretty much start at $1.2+ and can easily get to closer to $2M+.

Cute Pedestrian Area

If you are in love with pedestrian areas, then South Park is calling your name.

Most of the cafes, bars, and restaurants are all in walkable areas with plenty of room on the sidewalks to walk comfortably.

All of the areas have their own unique feel as well.

Dog-Friendly

If it is not just you or your family moving to San Diego, and you have a furry friend coming with you, South Park has some great areas for pets.

While there are plenty of green spaces, there is also one of the only designated dog parks in the area at Grape Street.

You can bring your dog here to meet and play with other pups on a nice day!

Family-Friendly

Not only is South Park dog friendly, but it is also family-friendly. It's a great place to be with children.

Check out the Old House Fair and be sure to ride the trolley with your kids! They'll be sure to love it.

Low Crime Area

There's nothing better than hearing that an area that you are about to move to has low crime rates - and South Park does!

It's a safe community where you can freely walk around without worry, but as always be sure to exercise common sense when out and about.

San Diego Neighborhoods: North Park Vs. South Park

If you are ready to buy a home in the area of San Diego, you have two great neighborhoods to choose from: North Park vs. South Park.

You can hang out with your family and dog at some great places in South Park or adventure around the creative artsy areas in North Park. And, of course, wherever you do move to, you can always visit the other neighborhood for a nice dinner or for a day out on the weekend!

Ready to buy? Contact us today at Steele San Diego homes.