Pacific Beach (known locally as “PB”) is situated between La Jolla and Mission Beach along the Pacific Ocean. It’s a rambunctious community of over 50,000 with primarily young, laid-back types with a dash of more conservative, young, professionals.

Predictably, surfing and beach related sports and activities are the main focal point. It features it’s famous boardwalk approximately 3 miles long. Here cyclists, pedestrians, roller bladders, enjoy the usually excellent sunbathing weather and intermingling that goes along enjoying a small narrow area to transverse in. Shops, bars, and restaurants are in abundance along Garnet Avenue and other streets, this whole area can be entertaining for just about everyone. (Many of the streets are names of gems and emeralds.)

Most of the homes

Homes, once were considered “cheap” though this has totally changed. Prices of single-family homes here have skyrocketed and now can average over $600-700,000 easily. Most of the homes were built after the ‘40’s and ‘50’s (i.e., “cottages”)and have been totally renovated. In addition, many of the homeowners have added sky roof additions to really appreciate the beautiful weather. Fireworks can be seen as far away as from Seaworld - which is several miles away. There are newer homes on the hill slopes, many with excellent views.

Condos, town homes, are also prevalent, and are a plentiful. Obviously, those condominiums facing the ocean or the bay, command a premium. These particular condos are upscale , many with gorgeous views of the bay.

One of the best things about living in Pacific Beach is the energy and excitement that goes along with living there!

Oh, and the sunsets are just beautiful.

Mission Beach

Occupying the lower area next to Pacific Beach, this peninsula is about three blocks wide and about fifty blocks long. Most of the roads are tiny “courts” primarily named for famous beaches, islands, and native missions. This area used to primarily consist of rental apartments where young beachgoers used to inhabit. It’s still has it’s youthful energy, and vacation rentals still abound. However, homes alongside the boardwalk run over $1million and the smaller homes in the tiny inner streets command a premium. Just opening your bedroom window, one can hear the beautiful ocean and take in the fresh ocean breeze. No wonder!!

Mission Beach is broken up halfway down by a large park and amusement park with a vintage roller coaster and a bridge link to the Interstate 5 and 8. On one side is the Pacific Ocean, and on the other side is Mission Bay. For those who want a “slower” pace, the homes alongside the bay offer the perfect solution. This area is also excellent for bike-riding. The bay offers very clean, sandy areas, where the action is more tamed and subdued. As in most homes in this area, square footage is at a premium!