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Is it possible to have the quiet, suburban life while experiencing the taste of the big city? As someone from a premier big city–Chicago–I can tell you there is definitely a vibe that can be missed when one moves to a suburb. Those moving to a San Diego County suburb from a metropolitan area will notice a difference in the environment, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t any cities in sunny San Diego with their own variance on big-city living.

Here are six San Diego suburbs with the best downtowns.

Escondido

Part of Old Escondido's historic district, the downtown area has a noticeable difference to many other regional cities as soon as you walk along the charming streets in this neighborhood. The only historic district in North San Diego County, this area is full of vintage homes such as stately Victorians and quaint Craftsman bungalows, as well as eclectic Art Deco and Post World War II residences.

Centered along Grand Avenue, the area has experienced a renaissance thanks to the opening of multiple restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, antique shops, and sidewalk cafes. Still in transformation, the city is trying to make it a more walkable community, adding more condo complexes on each side of the downtown area.

Oceanside

Downtown Oceanside offers more than just quick access to the beach. There’s no shortage of restaurants that offer West Coast-style fast food. It’s also a prime spot for antiquing in places like Lucky Street Productions and Sea Hive. The weekly Sunset Market, a food and music street fair, has as many as 200 merchants spanning four city blocks.

It’s also a downtown on the rise, with multiple hotel and resort projects under development. There’s also the impending arrival of Block 19, a seven-story mixed-use project that will bring more housing, retail shops, and restaurants to its ever-growing main street scene.

Encinitas

Known by locals as Old Encinitas, this historic downtown area features plenty of shopping and dining options along the bustling South Coast Highway. A stop at the outdoor market called Seaside Bazaar, provides endless shopping, and the sidewalk cafes that line the streets are perfect for a quick bite on-the-go. There’s also a farmers market every Wednesday where you'll see residents of the community shop for fresh produce and artisan products. Residents often flock to popular establishments in the downtown area like the historic La Paloma Theatre or the Lumberyard Shopping Center.

Carlsbad

Dubbed Carlsbad Village, this downtown area is just a few steps from the beach but also offers tree-lined streets and sidewalks. As an added bonus, there is plenty of free street parking in this bustling downtown community. Among its many trendy shops, residents also have access to a variety of antique shops and boutiques at the Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall as well as fresh local produce at the popular State Street Farmers' Market.

Covering several blocks, the village’s uniqueness comes from balancing big-city amenities with small-town charm. One of its popular landmarks is the historic Carlsbad Village Theater, which has been around since 1927. Some of the other must-see spots in the neighborhood include the restored Victorian hotel, the Twin Inns of Carlsbad and the Alt Karlsbad Hanse House/Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa.

San Marcos

A fairly new and still in progress scene, San Marcos’s Downtown Creek District is making a name for itself with new dining and shopping developments such as Creekside Marketplace, Grand Plaza, and Nordahl Marketplace. Despite its small-town atmosphere, its rapid growth is garnering attention for city-life in the suburbs. It also offers commuter service with the SPRINTER rail line and solid bus service. 

The area also serves the largest student population in North County, with Palomar Community College and California State University San Marcos located here.

Cardiff By The Sea

Courtesy of Cardiff 101 Main Street

Like many of the cities mentioned, this downtown spot has its fair share of dining, breweries, boutiques, and beaches, though with an upscale focus. Residents often flock to Cardiff Towne Center, which is home to the popular Cardiff Seaside Market that offers fresh produce and prepared food for on-the-go. Restaurant Row is home to quite a few fine dining options such Chart House and Pacific Coast Grill, which are all located on the popular South Coast Highway

Spas, yoga studios, clothing stores, and galleries line the main streets, providing enough activities and shopping options to match what’s available in the city. It’s also not uncommon for a special event and family-friendly activities to pop up throughout the year, such as Taste of Cardiff or Movies in the Park.