$708,382Average Value$554Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
A lower-priced option near downtown San Diego
A few miles south of downtown San Diego, National City's location along San Diego Naval Base and the Port of San Diego makes it a natural hub for naval and maritime personnel. But it's not just for those in the military. In addition to the convenient employment, National City’s lower prices make it popular with incoming buyers. “It feels like you’re in San Diego, but you can actually find a starter home here, which is getting more and more rare across the county,” says Realtor Paula Gonzalez with Caldwell Banker West, who’s been selling here since 2006. Even though most people move here for work, there’s still plenty of charm and activity in the city center, where late-1800s homes displaying the city’s history are a few blocks from new food halls and coffee shops.
Mid-century minimalist homes make up the majority of housing stock in National City.
National City's historic district features historic homes and museums such as this Victorian.
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Direct access to San Diego Naval Base
San Diego Naval Base and the Port of San Diego occupy the city’s waterfront. The base is the largest on the West Coast and employs almost 40,000 military and civilian workers. The neighboring port is one of the busiest shipping terminals on the coast, which attracts many logistics and distribution businesses. The base and port cover miles of San Diego’s waterfront. Local employees can get to the different entrances by driving on Interstate 5, taking the Light Rail Train from Eighth Street Station or catching the bus at the nearest stop. “The freeway access is a big draw,” says Gonzalez. “You’re 10 minutes from downtown and 10 minutes from the border.” Downtown San Diego is 6 miles north by train or the 5, and San Diego International Airport is also downtown. Paradise Valley Hospital is the nearest large medical facility on the east end of East Fourth Street.
A National City residential neighborhood as seen from above.
MTS serves National City and is a quick way for residents to reach San Diego in minutes.
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Plenty of starter options, old and new
National City’s median home price is around $700,000. Homes at that price are few and far between in downtown San Diego, but there are still plenty in National City. Small cottages and ranch-style homes make up most of the options on the city blocks, and condos and townhouses often start well below the median. A bit more variety can be found around the city center. “The older side of town around the city center has some beautiful older homes,” says Gonzalez. “I recently sold a gorgeous Craftsman that was over 100 years old.” These early-1900s Craftsman and Spanish-style homes often have more yard space, bringing prices closer to $1 million.
Ranch homes are quite common in the established neighborhoods of National City.
Home styles of National City include Spanish Colonial as seen in this stately home.
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Storied restaurants and new food halls in the city center
Most of National City’s dining and activity can be found around the city center. Thoroughfares, like Highland Avenue, have spots steeped in local lore, like Café La Maze. This 1940s steakhouse gained its reputation as a celebrity hangout back in the day, and it still has the red-leather banquettes and portraits to prove it. East Eighth Street is home to newer additions, like Market on 8th, a food hall with stalls serving different beers and bites. The city center also has supermarkets, Latin grocers and seafood markets.
National City's Public Market features dozens of vendors including a sleek coffee shop.
Giant New York Pizza offers pizzas up to 28'' big in Lincoln Acres.
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Community parks and bayfront activity
The city is home to several large community parks and bayfront recreation spaces. Kimball Park provides acres of green space, walking paths and Little League fields in the city center. The city’s Arts Center and Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center also sit on its footprint. Pepper Park is at the south end of the city’s waterfront, where the Sweetwater River meets San Diego Bay. It has a fishing pier, boat launch and a playground. Coronado Beach — a filming site for “Top Gun: Maverick” — is 7 miles across the bay. National City benefits from the San Diego area’s famously temperate climate. Aside from the cloudy morning marine layer, it’s almost always in the 70s and sunny.
Butterfly Park located in the National City neighborhood.
With well-maintained facilities, Las Palmas Park is ideal for picnics and family gatherings.
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Brick Row showcases the city’s history
The city’s older charm is evident on Brick Row. On this meandering block of Avenue A, a row of late-1800s brick rowhouses display gothic revival architecture that’s mostly disappeared in the San Diego area. The larger homes across the way display the period’s variety of architecture, including Queen Anne, Craftsman and Carpenter Gothic designs. The expansive Craftsman anchoring the row of homes is the Frank Kimball House, now a museum exhibiting the city’s history.
These historic, brick row-homes were built in 1887.
New construction condominiums can be found closer to the bay.
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A-minus-rated Sweetwater Union High School District
National City’s public-school pipeline goes through two districts. The National Elementary School District serves students from kindergarten to sixth grade and receives a C overall rating from Niche. Middle and high schools are part of the Sweetwater Union High School District, which earns an A-minus grade from Niche and ranks in the top 10 districts in the San Diego area.
Slightly higher crime than San Diego
The National City Police Department serves the city. According to the department’s last reported statistics in 2022, National City had a violent crime rate of about 5 offenses per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of about 20 per 1,000. These numbers are slightly higher than San Diego’s 2022 reports, which state a violent crime rate of 4 per 1,000 and a property crime rate of 17 per 1,000.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Michael Hirsch
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Arianna Schwarz,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in National City, CA sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in National City, CA over the last 12 months is $715,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to 801 National City Boulevard. The home features one bedroom, one bathroom, a living area with beautiful laminate floors, a kitchen with stainless steel sink, faucets, granite counters, and a mini refrigerator. The full bathroom boasts a modern walk-in shower with sliding glass doors and a sink set in a granite counter. The patio off the primary suite provides additional seating and
Beautifully Remodeled Home in Prime National City Location! Welcome to this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence that has been completely remodeled with modern finishes throughout. Step inside to an open and inviting layout featuring updated flooring, a sleek contemporary kitchen, upgraded bathrooms, and stylish fixtures that blend comfort with modern design. Situated on an R-4 zoned lot, this
Welcome home to 801 National City Boulevard. The home features one bedroom, one bathroom, a living area with beautiful laminate floors, a kitchen with stainless steel sink, faucets, granite counters, and a mini refrigerator. The full bathroom boasts a modern walk-in shower with sliding glass doors and a sink set in a granite counter. The patio off the primary suite provides additional seating and
Tucked away on a peaceful cul-de-sac in Paradise Hills, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath, 1,844 sq ft home offers an exceptional blend of comfort, upgrades, and convenience in San Diego. Larger than many homes in the neighborhood, the property provides generous living space ideal for both relaxing and entertaining. The home features paid solar and updated appliances, helping maximize efficiency
Three detached units, all recently remodeled. Unit 1329: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath with laundry area, private parking, and backyard. Remodeled in 2025 with new flooring and paint. Projected rent: $2,600. Unit 1333: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, laundry hookup, and a new deck with a nice view. Fully remodeled with new siding, paint, flooring, and kitchen cabinets. Unit 1335: Approx. 1,000 SF leased to an appliance
Mixed-use property with strong upside and flexible potential for future development. The lot currently features three units. An ideal setup to live in one and rent the others while you plan the next phase. Unit 1 is the front home on the right side of the property and is a standalone detached 2 bed/1 bath with a basement. Units 2 and 3 are both 1 bed/1 bath. Two storage sheds are included. Buyer
Located in an Opportunity Zone on a corner of B Ave and E 8th Street in the heart of downtown National City ** ReDevelopment opportunity for a mixed-used concept, affordable housing or more. Can build up to a 5.0 FAR No parking required Fast approval for development with the city
Discover this delightful bungalow in the heart of National City—just minutes from Downtown San Diego, the Chula Vista Marina, and the bay. Set on a desirable corner lot of over 4,500 sq. ft., this home offers charm, convenience, and a wonderful opportunity in a centrally located community. Inside, you’ll find 2 bedrooms plus an optional 3rd room that works well as a den, office, or guest space.
Contact for more information: Eric von Bluecher D 760.929.7846 or evb@lee-associates.com Ivan Del Muro-Garcia D 760.448.2451 or idmg@lee-associates.com
Owner may carry 1st with right offer & terms! Prime multi-use development opportunity in the heart of National City. This 4,002 sq ft rectangular lot is zoned MCR-2 (Multi-Use Commercial-Residential, up to 48 du/ac) and offers excellent potential for a multi-family or mixed-use project. Per seller information, the site may allow construction of up to four units, up to three stories, with no
*Price Reduced and interest rates go down* Now these homes can be a reality to that extended family or investor.*. Ready to Move In****Multifamily ** Guest House**Two homes ready for you ** 1st home 1947 D Ave 3 Bedroom and 2 Bathrooms. Remodeled with newer roof , newer stucco , new paint , new fixtures , new shower , new toilet , new flooring , new cabinets , new quartz counter tops. Fresh
PRICED TO MOVE! Cute as a button duplex where the front home is a single family making it a versatile duplex offers an exceptional opportunity for both homeowners and investors. The front unit features a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath residence with a comfortable, well-designed layout ideal for everyday living having one of the bedrooms downstairs. Owners have updated the kitchen with quartz
We are pleased to present 1313-19 E 9th St, National City, CA 91950, a 4-unit apartment building built in 1962, with a unit mix of (4) 1+1. The building is located a short walk to Plaza Blvd, offering access to restaurants, shops, Walmart, banks, and coffee options. Buyer to verify lot size. The lot size on title may be shared with the neighboring property located at 1305 E 9th St. Per the deed.
1740 N Avenue presents a well-located multifamily investment opportunity in the heart of National City. The property has recently undergone significant capital improvements, including a brand-new roof, rebuilt exterior stairs, upgraded windows, fresh exterior paint, and a fully renovated laundry room. Approximately half of the units have been updated, providing a clean, modern living experience
REMODELED & UPGRADED, BEAUTIFUL APARTMENT, SHOWS LIKE A MODEL...Move-in ready, Newer Appliances, Newer Paint & Flooring, In Unit Washer & Dryer. Adjacent Kimball Park, STREET PARKING ONLY...(Please view this rental prior to submitting an application). Sorry NO Pets.
Where vibrant living meets comfort in our charming community of two and three-bedroom apartments nestled in the heart of National City, CA. Step inside our spacious layouts adorned with modern finishes that invite warmth and creativity, making every corner feel like home. Experience a wealth of amenities designed to enrich your lifestyle, from shimmering pools to inviting communal spaces perfect
Welcome Home to this bright and cozy National City retreat! SPECIAL INCENTIVE: Qualified tenants receive $500 OFF first month’s rent plus a FREE professional cleaning at move-in. This residence comes fully furnished and has been beautifully updated for modern living—truly a turn-key opportunity. The interior features brand-new wood-style flooring and a sun-drenched living room that serves as a
A comfortable new apartment home is waiting for you at Park Bonita. Our one and two-bedroom apartments for lease in Bonita, CA offers the best of charming features and great amenities. Pair that with our amazing location and you have Bonita's most sought-after homes.
Now Available for rent in National City. This beautiful unit in a duplex offers a very spacious layout and has been newly remodeled throughout. Enjoy generously sized bedrooms, in-unit washer and dryer, and a huge backyard space with room for parking.A great opportunity to enjoy comfort, space, and convenience in National City.
Granada Terrace Apartments — Where Comfort Meets Convenient Living Welcome to Granada Terrace Apartments, a beautifully renovated apartment community located in the heart of National City, California. Designed with comfort, style, and everyday convenience in mind, Granada Terrace offers a relaxed residential setting with quick access to everything you need. Our community features spacious one-
Beautifully remodelled studio for rent! All brand new inside. Very cozy space for one or two persons. Rent includes water/ gas/electricity. Walking distance to shops/ library/ public transportation. Near freeway 5. There is washer/dryer room inside the complex. Complex is very tastefully remodelled , great for sitting outside/ reading. Very nice complex!!! No pets. Studio is on first level
Bella Vita is a 70 unit community with many spacious floor plans to choose from! We offer a pool, spa, rentable clubhouse, parking, a childs playground, dog park and is a gated community! We have one, two and three bedroom floor plans to choose from.
For rent: 2-bedroom home with a bonus room and 1 full bath, offering a flexible layout ideal for a home office, guest room, or additional living space. Located at 1948 E 16th Street, this property provides comfortable living in a convenient area close to shopping, dining, schools, and major commuter routes. Monthly rent is $3,500. Available for immediate occupancy.
NC18 Apartments is a fully renovated, 78-unit residential community located in National City—a vibrant, culturally rich area with deep history and heritage. Each unit has received much more than just a fresh coat of paint, undergoing thoughtful renovations from top to bottom, inside and out. At NC18, you'll find apartments that are budget-friendly and offer the perfect opportunity to live in a
For rent: ADU for rent featuring 1 bedroom and 1 full bathroom at 1946 E 16th Street. This private unit offers a comfortable and functional layout, ideal for a single occupant or couple. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and major commuter routes. Monthly rent is $2,000. Available for immediate occupancy.
Parco is brand-new construction built in 2021.Welcome to Parco, National City's newest traditional, furnished, and coliving apartment community. Our furnished studio and coliving apartments minimize cost and maximize convenience while our traditional studio, 1, and 2-bedroom homes give you the freedom to personalize as you see fit. See a breakdown of our offerings, below, and always feel
Surrounded by National City within San Diego County, the unincorporated community of Lincoln Acres is as close-knit as a community can get. Lincoln Acres is gradually rising from its humble origins as a Great Depression farming community, and its strong connection to Chicano culture reflects itself in its local businesses and institutions. Single-story homes built from the 1930s to 1970s add a vintage charm to this San Diego enclave, but change is in motion. Local Realtor Ricardo Cervantes with Finest City Homes and Loans, says “Everything is changing here in Lincoln Acres little by little, and many parts of San Diego are totally turning around. Lincoln Acres is truly a community on the rise; renovating and upgrading for the better.” With the average home selling after just 21 days on the market, half that of the national average, it is clear that Lincoln Acres is one of San Diego County’s most up-and-coming communities.
While Lincoln Acres originated as a farming community during the 1930s, it was not long before California’s mass urbanization produced a densely populated residential community where farms once stood. The average year of construction of a Lincoln Acres house is 1959, reflecting the predominance of postwar residences along this community’s grid-patterned residential streets. Most of Lincoln Acres’ streets sit on an incline due to San Diego’s hilly landscape, and single-story residences tend to feature pastel colors, while hedges and white picket fences meet each street’s sidewalks. The classic appearance of these postwar homes helps shape Lincoln Acres’ appeal. Remodeled 1930s homes, with old-school charm and updated infrastructure, fill out the upper tier of this neighborhood’s housing market. Select homes even offer distant views of the bay and Coronado Bridge. This community’s ranch-style homes tend to sell for between $595,000 and $900,000. Cervantes adds, “I always tell people this is a great place to find a starter home. If it’s remodeled, we’re talking $750,000; but if you choose one that needs cosmetic updating you can often get them for closer to $650,000.”
Lincoln Acres’ restaurant scene explores the cultural and culinary diversity that San Diego has to offer. Teriyaki Sun is popular for its sushi, teriyaki platters and noodle bowls, while Giant New York Pizza brings New York-style pizza out to the West Coast. Tita’s Kitchenette serves up Filipino classics like pancit and lumpia, while the family-owned La Lomita Mexican Grill has an extensive menu of Mexican street food staples. International supermarkets like the Latino-themed Vallarta Supermarket and the Filipino Manila Seafood Oriental Market bring flavors from across the sea to the heart of San Diego County, while National City’s Walmart offers a broader array of conveniences.
While unincorporated, Lincoln Acres has several schools of its own; Lincoln Acres Elementary School, given a C rating by Niche, sits at the heart of the neighborhood, as does the B-minus-rated Granger Junior High School. Students can go on to attend the B-plus-rated Sweetwater High School in neighboring National City and study in an institution ranked among the top 250 standout schools in the state by Niche. Sweetwater High, founded in 1920, is one of the oldest high schools in the county, and the school has partnered with the local campus of the University of California and San Diego State University to provide students with post-secondary educational pathways. Its “Red Devils” athletics programs also bring the neighborhood together with strong school spirit. “You do have a community feel here,” says Cervantes, “where neighbors go to Friday night football games at Sweetwater High.”
While Lincoln Acres is a heavily urbanized area with few green spaces of its own, residents are never too far from opportunities to take in the California sun. At the northern edge of the community, locals can play tennis or shoot hoops at El Toyon Park. The park is bordered by mature palm trees, and curved walkways sprinkled with benches lead to the playground and a dog park. In 2021, Lincoln Acres Country Park opened near the local library, featuring three separate playgrounds, wide-open fields and a large basketball court. Created in alignment with the Live Well San Diego vision for healthy and thriving communities, this oasis of athletics includes retractable goal posts to transition from a basketball court into a multi-sport court for futsal or other activities. At the neighboring Lincoln Acres Library and Community Room, community events and programs from kids’ crafts to a series of Spanish-language parenting classes bring the community together.
Lincoln Acres’ location alongside Interstate 805 facilitates travel into downtown San Diego, which lays just 8 miles up the highway. The Mexican city of Tijuana is also right around the corner, with 805 taking international travelers into the “Gateway to Mexico” within a 10-mile drive. Paradise Valley Hospital, the nearest healthcare center and a local employment hub, is 1.5 miles northwest of central Lincoln Acres.
Property Mix - Square Feet
National City Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
54,970
Median Age
37
Population Density
103 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$56,851
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$72,120
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
73.9%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
15%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.9%
% Population in Labor Force
63.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
9''
Average Winter Low Temperature
50°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®®
53/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®®
73/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®®
47/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
