South Bay Communities

South Bay is a catchall term for all of the neighborhoods South of downtown San Diego real estate. These south-side communities include some of the most affordable in the county, along with Coronado, one of the most expensive. It is a diverse region which includes entry-level homes and luxury estates, older homes and new home communities. The proximity to the border of Mexico makes it a truly international locality, yet most neighborhoods are still very convenient to all that San Diego has to offer.

National City (91950): Heading south out of Downtown, National City is the first major community. The incorporated city is highly industrial, but also home to a large number of residential neighborhoods. National City in South Bay would be considered entry-level San Diego real estate. It is a low-to-moderate income neighborhood, and the houses are among the most affordable in the county. Zip code 91952 is also part of National City, but it is not a residential area.

Chula Vista (91910 / 91911 / 91913 / 91914 / 91915): Much of South Bay is part of Chula Vista, the 2nd largest city in San Diego County (the 14th largest in California as a whole). Nearly ¼ million people reside here. The older parts of the city were populated by retired servicemen after World War II, and more recent housing developments in Eastlake and Otay Ranch provide some of the lowest-cost options for upscale new homes in San Diego. The Eastlake neighborhood has received national recognition as one of the best master-planned communities in the United States.

Coronado (92118): The island paradise started as a resort destination in 1888 with the construction of the world-famous Hotel Del Coronado, and later became home to the North Island U.S. Naval Base during World War II. Today, the island has some of the most valuable real estate in San Diego County.  Homes for sale in Coronado include a mix of detached homes, town houses, and high rise condominiums.  There are also a handful of hotel resorts, and two Coronado golf courses. With only two roads on or off the island, it is an isolated community where residents enjoy views of San Diego without the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Imperial Beach (91932): The southern-most beach area in the western United States, I.B. is also the most affordable beach area in the County.  Homes for sale in Imperial Beach start in the low $400,000 range.  The north end of IB is connected to Coronado, providing easy access to upscale shopping and dining. The south end of IB is bordered by the Tijuana River National Estuary Research Reserve, which serves as a buffer zone to Mexico. Houses, condos, and multiple-unit residential properties are available here at a fraction of the cost of similar beach properties in San Diego.

Bonita (91902): This is an unincorporated city that is nestled between San Diego, National City, and Chula Vista. In includes only about five square miles of mostly residential neighborhoods, and actually feels like one of the older but more upscale neighborhoods of Chula Vista. Houses are entry-to-mid level, and the prices are quite affordable in comparison to similar homes elsewhere in the County.

Otay Mesa (92154): Bordering Mexico, Otay is evolving from a low-income border town to a more affluent neighborhood at the south side of Chula Vista. It is a diverse area, and new home developments have given it a facelift in recent years. The new 125 toll road has made it much easier to travel from Otay Mesa through Chula Vista and into East County San Diego.  Real estate developments continue today, so there are a many new homes for sale in Otay Mesa.

San Ysidro (92173): Surrounded on three sides by Otay Mesa and bordering Mexico to the South, San Ysidro is a border-crossing neighborhood.  Highways 5 and 805 both converge in San Ysidro and proceed to the Mexican Border crossing. There are low-to-moderately priced houses and condos available in the neighborhood, which has serious development potential in the future.  San Diego real estate investors are counting on growth of demand for San Ysidro homes in the future.