San Diego

Located on the western southern tip of the United States bordering Mexico, San Diego enjoys a great climate, 70 miles of pristine beaches and world-famous recreational activities, including Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Sea World and the Wild Animal Park. San Diego County has a population over 2.5 million in a terrain that varies from gentle hills and sun-drenched beaches to snow covered mountain ranges. It is an excellent place to live, retire, do business or visit as a tourist. It is a combination of some of the best corporations in the high-tech and biomedical sectors, diverse entertainment settings and the casual California lifestyle. New homes are being built at a rapid rate particularly in the North and South Counties. These new communities have proven to be an excellent investment, with home values increasing at a constant pace.  In general terms, San Diego County is divided into the following areas; each region having different characteristics that give it a definable flavor all its own:

North County Inland. It is considered one of the best places to raise a family. It offers modern homes with many amenities, a wide range of employment opportunities and high state ranking schools. Home to the cities of Vista, San Marcos, Escondido and Poway, North County Inland also has smaller communities with such charming names as Harmony Grove and Elfin Forest. These areas are a mix of second and third generation families and young couples just starting out.

North County Coastal. Many sun and sea lovers are attracted to the beautiful coastal areas of La Jolla, Del Mar, and Solana Beach, where migrating California gray whales can be seen in winter. Homes vary in size and prices ranging between entry-level condominiums and townhomes to unique oceanfront estates.
Several attractions make these cities very enjoyable including: the Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, the stunning Torrey Pines State Reserve and Beach, the Torrey Pines Golf Course, Lego Land and the Del Mar Racetrack and Thoroughbred Club

East County. This part of the county provides a special climate; its proximity to the Pacific Ocean allows for a relatively mild climate year round with lesser swings of temperature and coastal fog. East County has plenty of open land to build ranches.  Its residents take pleasure in living more of a country life knowing that the lights of the big city are only a short drive away.

The City of San Diego. It is the region´s economic hub, with well over half the county´s jobs and nearly three-quarters of the largest employers in the high-tech and biotech industries.

There are three separate business areas: Downtown, Mission Valley and the Golden Triangle.  Downtown is the financial district. It is undergoing a major rejuvenation of older buildings being converted into mixed use space. The old fashion gas lamps, brick sidewalks and Victorian style homes create a friendly pedestrian atmosphere for walking to shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.
   
Mission Valley is close to San Diego´s major attractions and retail stores like Westfield shopping centers, Ikea, Lowes, Borders, Target and K-Mart. It is comprised mostly of townhomes and condominiums for working families and singles.

The Golden Triangle is considered an affluent area. It is bounded by Interstate 5, Interstate 805 and Highway 52. Real estate prices here are approximately 20% higher than in surrounding neighborhoods. The Golden Triangle´s urbane character is due in part to the presence of the intellectual community of the University of California at San Diego, which borders its west side.