Skip to main content
Why San Diego Is a Great Place to Move After College

Why San Diego Is a Great Place to Move After College

Image source There are countless amazing things to do and see in San Diego. With nearly perfect weather year-round and a thriving diverse culture, it’s no wonder that so many people have flocked to this California city, landscaped by beautiful nature. Consistently referred to as the most beautiful city in the United States, there are plenty of reasons why it’s a great place to settle after college. Here’s what you need to know: Ideal Buyer’s Market San Diego is currently an ideal buyers market, making it perfect for recent grads looking for a solid starting ground. A report from CoreLogic demonstrates that there’s a higher volume of homes to choose from, and sellers are considering lower offers than they may have previously. Southern California as a whole has seen a bigger price dip than the previous three years. Furthermore, in one survey conducted by a group of over 200 economists, it is likely we will experience another recession in 2020 or 2021. Recent should view this as an opportunity to leverage the real estate market. Startup Culture The startup culture in the United States is thriving. And while San Francisco has long been the startup capital of the world, San Diego is building its own startup scene, too—and for many, it’s better than California’s oversaturated headrunner. Because startups are becoming increasingly easier to launch, the entrepreneurial spirit in America is seeing a major boost. In 2015 alone, startups added 2 million jobs to the United States economy. In 2018, that number ballooned to 30.2 million. So what makes San Diego a great place to grow a startup? For starters, there’s less competition than in crowded areas like San Francisco and New York. Investor dollars are tough, and winning a deal and/or building relationships with angel investors and VCs becomes a more attainable goal when those investors aren’t getting dozens of pitches per day. Additionally, you’re no longer competing with big-name startups like Facebook and Uber for company talent. San Diego also offers the perfect balance between work and play. It’s no secret that startup founders have a lot on their plates, but with plenty of nature and open space around you, it creates a healthy working environment. And as studies have shown, the happier you are, the more productive you’ll be. The year-to-year growth of startups in San Diego is also on the rise. There’s been a steady increase in the amount of incubators, co-working spaces, startup events happening in the city. No matter what industry your business, there’s a program for you. And with the startup community growing ever stronger, there are plenty of resources at your disposal. Easy Mini Vacations Experts have found that short vacations throughout the year are better for your mental health than one longer vacation. And because of this, weekend trips are becoming increasingly popular; a survey from Enterprise found that 85% of Americans above the age of 25 were planning to take at least one weekend trip that year. Short vacations are less stressful to plan, take away less from your time off, and offer a much-needed reprieve from your day-to-day post grad work life. San Diego is close to the border of Mexico, which creates a unique blended culture in the city itself. It also makes for quick and easy mini excursions. Opt for a gastronomic experience in Tijuana, just a 30 minute drive outside of San Diego. Relax on the beach or visit the reefs in Rosarito. A little further away, Los Cabos, La Paz, and Loreto are all stunning mini vacation options. Outside of Mexico, there are plenty of other choices, too. Palm Springs, Sequoia National Park, and Joshua Tree National Monument are all just a few hours drive from outside the city. Here, you’ll find beautiful nature and plenty to see and do on an excursion. Great Neighborhoods As a whole, San Diego is a great place to live. But there are also plenty of great options when it comes to choosing specific neighborhoods in this city. The Gaslamp Quarter is the hip and young heart of San Diego; Pacific Beach is a laidback community known for attracting local and visiting surfers; Hillcrest is a proud LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood chock full of pedestrian-friendly streets; and North Park has reasonable rent and plenty of craft breweries. Plenty of Nature There are countless studies that demonstrate the positive effect that nature has on the mind. And fortunately, San Diego doesn’t disappoint on the nature front. Whether you prefer the beaches, the mountains, or the woods, this is a city framed by nature—and it delivers. At the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, sandstone formation and Pacific Ocean views come together to form a beautiful scene. The La Jolla Underwater Park is the first underwater preserve on the West Coast, and it’s chock full of sea caves and beautiful coral. Let’s not forget about Potato Chip Rock, Annie’s Canyon Trail, and much more San Diego nature spots. Growing Craft Beer Scene It’s no secret that college students love a good beer. But this admiration for ale doesn’t have to end with college. In fact, San Diego is one of the best places to be for beer enthusiasts. With an amazing craft beer scene (considered the best in the country by some), there’s little left to be desired. There are over 150 diverse breweries in the city, each with their own zest and flavor. Enjoy the tasting room over at Societe Brewing Company or sample rare and seasonal beers over at Green Flash Brewing Co. No matter what your palate craves, there’s a beer and brewery for you.
back