Accommodation in San Diego

New arrivals on the hunt for accommodation in San Diego will find that the city offers a considerable variety of housing and a diversity of neighbourhoods. Prospective tenants will have plenty of options, like affordable apartments, single-family homes in the suburbs and luxury beachfront estates.

Many of those who move to the city rent accommodation first while getting to know their environment and the market before making a commitment to buy. If they don’t intend on staying for the long term, expats in San Diego generally prefer to rent.

Areas and suburbs in San Diego

With more than 100 neighbourhoods, San Diego’s areas and suburbs are as diverse as its landscape and residents. New arrivals moving to the city are sure to find a neighbourhood that perfectly suits their budget and personality.

Newcomers to San Diego will have their pick between urban, suburban and beachfront living. Families with children typically prefer suburban and beachfront neighbourhoods because of their easy access to green spaces and sizeable, family-friendly accommodation. Pacific Beach, Hillcrest, Carlsbad and Kensington are some of the most family-friendly areas in San Diego, and they all boast beautiful freestanding homes, easy access to transport links and proximity to excellent public schools. 

Young professionals, retirees and single new arrivals will love neighbourhoods such as Little Italy and East Village in downtown and Encinitas on the coast. These areas are well-loved for their lively and diverse communities, as well as the wonderfully unique eateries, bars and cafés lining their streets. The only downside to these hugely popular neighbourhoods is the demand and price for accommodation, which can both be high. New arrivals looking to snag a good deal in one of these neighbourhoods must act fast. 

See Areas and Suburbs in San Diego for more on the city’s neighbourhoods. 

Types of accommodation in San Diego

Having formed through waves of changing architectural trends, San Diego is a diverse city with a variety of accommodation options. Choices range from apartments and high-rise condominiums in pedestrian-friendly urban districts to Spanish-styled homes and stately mansions in picturesque neighbourhoods.

Finding accommodation in San Diego

The internet is a valuable resource for newcomers on the hunt for a new home, providing them with access to a wide variety of rental websites and online classifieds. Property sections in print media are another choice resource. Seeing a property in person is the best way for house hunters to make a considered decision, and opportunities can arise from exploring and responding to a neighbourhood’s for sale and rental signs.

A real estate agent is also a good choice, as these specialists have intimate knowledge of the various neighbourhoods in the city and may have access to property listings before they are advertised publicly.

Renting accommodation in San Diego

Properties can get snapped up quickly in San Diego, so expats should be ready to act quickly if they find a place they like.

Making an application

Once a prospective tenant has found a property they like, they submit a lease application. They will need to show proof of income and provide their social security number and identification details. It is likely that prospective tenants will be subject to a credit check, which may be an issue for expats who have yet to build a credit profile in the country. Still, expats may be able to bypass this by securing a guarantor. 

Leases, costs and fees

Tenants will need to put down a security deposit, usually the equivalent of one or two months’ rent. In addition, they will be expected to pay for their first month upfront. House hunters must also be prepared to pay a rental application fee. Lease length can vary, but most leases are signed on a six-month or one-year basis. 

Read Accommodation in the USA for more on rental processes in the country.

Utilities

Utilities such as water, electricity and gas may or may not be included as part of the rental price – expats should inquire about this before signing the lease. Residents who will be renting a property in San Diego will likely need to set up their utilities. 

Electricity and gas

San Diego Gas and Electric is the primary electricity and mains gas supplier in the city. To start or stop a service, newcomers will need to call or visit a local San Diego Gas and Electric branch. Digitally inclined new arrivals can also start a service online using the company’s intuitive website.

They will simply need to supply their social security number, address and bank account details to get set up in a couple of minutes. It’s recommended to start the gas and electricity services at least a week before moving in to ensure they have access to these essential services upon moving in. 

Water

Most of the drinking water in San Diego comes from the Colorado River. The San Diego County Water Authority manages water distribution in the city. Tenants renting accommodation in San Diego can simply fill out an online form, supplying their identification, contact details, service address and the owner’s details to start the water and sewer service. Tenants are advised to begin this process at least a week before moving in, as it could take up to five days to get a response to their request. 

Bins and recycling

The City of San Diego Environmental Services manages waste collection across most of San Diego. Residents in San Diego must ensure they place their city-provided containers at the designated collection point by 6am on their scheduled collection days. It is essential that the containers are removed by 6pm on the collection day. 

There are restrictions on what can be placed in the rubbish container. Regular household waste, animal waste, broken glass, wet ashes or sawdust and empty hazardous materials containers are allowed in the containers. Household hazardous waste, medical waste and universal waste are some of the disallowed items. Tenants can contact Environmental Services for disposal information. 

San Diego has several recycling programmes for its residents to take part in. The biggest among them is the Zero Waste Plan, which was accepted by the City Council in 2015. This initiative aims to ensure that San Diego is a zero-waste city by 2040. Additionally, the city’s government has entered into an agreement with a private company to secure discounts for composting bins for its residents. 

Useful links

• San Diego Gas and Electric has more on gas and electricity rates and starting and stopping a service. 
• For information on water quality, visit the San Diego County Water Authority’s website, and for more on starting a water service, check out the City of San Diego’s Public Utilities page. 
• See the City of San Diego Environmental Services website to find your collection schedule and learn more about the city’s recycling programmes.