Section Image

Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach

4.2
$1,584,664 Average Value
$1,041 Average Price per Sq Ft
65 Homes For Sale

Pacific Beach offers access to the ocean and an artistic vibe

There’s a colorful, bubbly vibe in Pacific Beach that draws a dedicated surfing crowd to its beautiful shore, and residents find their dream homes here on palm-lined streets. In Pacific Beach, widely known as simply “PB,” you can walk to the ocean, stroll the boardwalk, launch your paddleboard, catch a wave and cast a line. All over the neighborhood, whether at the beach or inland at the store, you’ll see a menagerie of ocean-themed murals, featuring everything from mermaids to sea life to sunsets. You can sometimes catch local artists deep in their craft outdoors or selling freshly painted creations at the park. As one of San Diego’s oldest suburbs, PB also features a historic pier, as well as a lively boardwalk peppered with beach-gear kiosks.

A paddle-boarder enjoys the calm waters before sunset.
A paddle-boarder enjoys the calm waters before sunset.
A man rides his bicycle near Fanel Street Park.
A man rides his bicycle near Fanel Street Park.
1/2

From historic Crystal Pier to surfing and swimming at the beach

Locals relax on the hilltop green space along Palisades Park or walk down its slope to the lifeguard-supervised beach. At the historic Crystal Pier, built in 1920s, you can get in a day of fishing. At night, however, it’s private for guests staying in cottages on the pier. And if you’re into surfing, you’ll find the best place in PB is Tourmaline Surf Park. At the Pacific Beach Recreation Center, adorned with a massive art installation of flowers made from surfboards, you can enjoy pickup basketball on multipurpose outdoor courts. And if golf is your passion, PB is home to the night-lit, 18-hole Mission Bay Golf Course and Practice Center.

Crystal Pier, completed in 1927, is a Pacific Beach landmark.
Crystal Pier, completed in 1927, is a Pacific Beach landmark.
An elevated view shows the Mission Bay Golf Course and nearby athletic area in Pacific Beach.
An elevated view shows the Mission Bay Golf Course and nearby athletic area in Pacific Beach.
1/2

Pacific Beach's high-rise condos, cottages and custom builds

Homes include waterfront high-rise condos with striking views of Mission Bay, as well as chic condos built above retail shops on Mission Boulevard. Steve Springer, local resident and Realtor with Compass, says, “It’s a pretty eclectic mix of classic beach cottages, mostly single-level, and some are expanded. There’s also been some modern infill development that’s a bit grander in scale. Lots are fairly sizable and the streets are laid out in a grid. They’re named after gemstones, such as Diamond Street, Garnet Avenue and Sapphire Street.”Within the streetscapes, you’ll see accessory dwelling units (ADUs) intertwined with single-level stucco homes in soothing sky and earth tones. Multi-story homes with pastel siding and white-rail balconies share the landscape with dreamy bayfront homes with massive balconies. Custom homes are found near Crown Point Park in Pacific Beach, some positioned on corner lots for wide sunset views. Sophisticated 1940s remodels on interior streets average around $2 million, and homes in legacy neighborhoods can ask more than $3 million.

High-rise condos in Pacific Beach take advantage of Mission Bay views.
High-rise condos in Pacific Beach take advantage of Mission Bay views.
There are many custom homes at Crown Point in Pacific Beach.
There are many custom homes at Crown Point in Pacific Beach.
1/2

A-minus-ranked public schools zoned for Pacific Beach

Public-school students can start out at several elementary schools including Pacific Beach Elementary and move on to Pacific Beach Middle. They then continue to Mission Bay High. Pacific Beach Elementary, Pacific Beach Middle and Mission Bay High all receive an A- grade from Niche.

Mission Bay High School is a public magnet school.
Mission Bay High School is a public magnet school.
Pacific Beach Elementary is home of the penguins.
Pacific Beach Elementary is home of the penguins.
1/2

Beachside burger shacks and fresh, to-go seafood around Pacific Beach

You’ll have no shortage of eateries to enjoy in PB, whether along the oceanside boulevard, or in neighborhood shopping malls. You can step off the beach into the cash-only Lahaina Beach House for burgers and beer on the deck. On Mission Boulevard, the ocean-theme Taco Surf is a hip place to stop for lunch, and Bare Back Grill is a local favorite for artisanal New Zealand style fare. Springer says, “You’ll for sure want to eat at The Fishery on Cass Street. They have this amazing macadamia-crusted halibut. They also have a fish counter where you can buy fresh seafood and take it home. Ambrogio15 on Turquoise Street is another one that PB’s proud to claim. They’re constantly rated the top pizza in San Diego.”Much like its neighbor, Mission Beach, PB maintains a relaxed vibe. And all your essentials, from Vons supermarket to Trader Joes and CVS are close by in community shopping plazas. “The neighborhood streets are quiet and walkable,” says Springer, “and it’s all very accessible. So, it doesn’t take a ton of time to get in and out of PB. It’s truly a pleasant, family-friendly community.” In easygoing Pacific Beach, residents value their comfortable and active waterfront lifestyle.

Bare Back Grill is a local favorite for New Zealand food in Pacific Beach.
Bare Back Grill is a local favorite for New Zealand food in Pacific Beach.
Locals enjoy drink spots and trendy shops along the Pacific Beach boardwalk.
Locals enjoy drink spots and trendy shops along the Pacific Beach boardwalk.
1/2
Lia Girard
Written By
Lia Girard
Stephen Cammell
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Cammell
Matthew Link
Video By
Matthew Link

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Diego International

12 min drive

Bus

Grand Av & Lamont St

Bus

Ingraham St & Grand Av

Bus

Ingraham St & La Cima Dr

Bus

Ingraham St & Crown Point Dr

Bus

Mission Bl & Beryl St

Bus

Grand Av & Cass St

Bus

Garnet Av & Haines St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.2 34 Reviews
2.0 Current Resident
7/22/2022 Niche Review
The diversity is not there. Everyone thinks they own which ever block they live on. Most people are racist deep down . The neighbor hood might look clean but the people are not clean. They are the ones doing drugs and because whatever they get is expensive they think it's ok.
5.0 Current Resident
3/9/2019 Niche Review
This area is full of life; Beautiful beaches along the coast, and scenic paths on the beach. A lot of places to hang out for a drink or for a bite with some friends.
5.0 Current Resident
3/7/2020 Niche Review
I like living here, the people are nice but the biggest problem with PB is the amount of homeless people around. There are great options for restaurants and bars. Lots of fun things to do but not very safe.
5.0 Current Resident
5/8/2019 Niche Review
Love the proximity of not only the ocean, but Mission Bay as well. There are plenty of restaurants and bars that offer super healthy to not so healthy options. Over the summer, there are tourists in town. You will be able to hear all sorts of languages at the coffee shop during that time.
Are you familiar with the Pacific Beach neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Pacific Beach US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Pacific Beach Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$1,350,000
Median Sale Price
$1,316,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$2,136,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,197,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$961,500
Median Studio Sale Price
$434,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
260
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,041

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
8,471
Number of Homes for Sale
65
Median Year Built
1973
Months of Supply
3.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,862
On par with the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,566
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,120
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
696
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
459
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Mar 7
    11am - 2pm

    1801 Diamond St, San Diego, CA 92109

    $549,900

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 678 Sq Ft
    • 1801 Diamond St
    • New 11 days ago

    A rare penthouse end-unit residence in the coveted Plaza community, this exquisitely remodeled Pacific Beach condominium offers refined coastal living with elevated design and resort-style amenities. Positioned on the top floor, the home is filled with natural light and enhanced by vaulted ceilings and an open, airy floor plan that lives far larger than its square footage. The designer kitchen is

    Maggie Pucci eXp Realty of Southern California, Inc

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Mar 7
    11am - 2pm

    1855 Diamond St Unit 5-230, San Diego, CA 92109

    $505,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 653 Sq Ft
    • 1855 Diamond St
    • Unit 5-230

    ***OPEN HOUSE SAT. 2/21 FROM 12PM-3PM. Please contact Betty Kerr @ 760-250-9326 for access to the unit! **** Located in the highly desirable Plaza complex in Pacific Beach, this beautifully refreshed one bedroom, one bath condo showcases stylish upgrades & an exceptional coastal lifestyle. The unit has been renovated throughout with new flooring, fresh interior paint, a brand new kitchen

    Lynne Soja LPT Realty, Inc.

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Mar 7
    1 - 4pm

    4750 Noyes St Unit 218, San Diego, CA 92109

    $650,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 800 Sq Ft
    • 4750 Noyes St
    • Unit 218
    • New 12 days ago

    Welcome to this private top-floor corner unit ideally located in north Pacific Beach. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath residence offers 800sqft of thoughtfully updated living space, combining modern finishes with comfort and convenience. Inside, luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout the main living areas, complemented by plush carpeting in the bedrooms. Custom plantation shutters add both style and

    Mike Poehler CityMark Realty

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
42,331
Median Age
36
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.7%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$101,538
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$126,481

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.4%
College Graduates
67.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
22.2%
% Population in Labor Force
81%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
9''
Average Winter Low Temperature
50°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

95 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

45 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Pacific Beach