San Diego is a unique city with an interesting past. It’s consistently considered one of the best places in the country to live, and was ranked the 9th safest city in the country by Forbes in 2010. If you’re buying a home in San Diego, here are a few things you’ll want to know:
1. The weather’s great. With a year-round average high of 70 degrees, expect the weather to be sunny and nice most days. However, during spring, you may have to get used to fog. This period, called “May gray” or “June gloom,” covers the beaches with gray fog and can last for a few weeks.
2. Diverse people and cultures. People from around the world flock to San Diego, so get ready to experience a variety of cultures. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the diverse restaurants and grocery stores sprinkled throughout the area.
3. Get ready for traffic. San Diego highways can get congested – with over 3 million people living in the metro area, it’s no surprise that the roads back up. If it rains, tack an extra twenty to forty minutes onto your commute.
4. Moving with a car? You’ll want to register it in a timely fashion, since there are severe penalties for failing to register your vehicle. If you have a truck, keep in mind that all trucks are considered “commercial vehicles” (even if you just use it to drive your kids to school) and you’ll have to pay extra taxes.
5. Tons of stuff to do. From the San Diego Zoo to the terrific beaches, you’ll never run out of things to do in San Diego. Your weekends are sure to fill up fast with all the great museums, monuments, old-timey villages and fantastic parks in the area.
6. Prepare for fire season. June through October is considered “fire season” in San Diego. Although fires rarely spread into the city, you should prepare just in case. Keep important documents in a fire safe, and have emergency bags packed.
7. There are lots of neighborhoods. Chances are, you won’t have to venture out of yours – unless you want to. Most neighborhoods in San Diego are clearly laid out and include most of your day-to-day needs. So get to know your neighbors if you’re buying a home – even though this is a big city, it can have a small-town feel at times.
San Diego is a fantastic city with great weather and friendly people. Even though it’s a big city, its laid-back and friendly attitude is sure to charm you right away. Make your relocation as smooth as possible by learning more about the area before you make the big move.
