Where to Find Affordable Homes in San Diego County
When many imagine homes for sale in California, astronomical prices typically come to mind. Yet, truth be told, there are affordable options that fall under the $500K price point, and when it comes to San Diego County, there are several neighborhoods of interest that have homes for sale which won’t break the bank. If you’re ready to make a home purchase and want to stay within budget, check out our list of affordable homes throughout San Diego that may fit your financial needs.
San Marcos
Located in North County, San Marcos has a suburban vibe but also offers plenty of things to do. The area is home to Restaurant Row, which has become North County’s largest dining and entertainment spot, featuring eateries and bars with great entertainment and live performances. San Marcos also has no shortage of outdoor recreational facilities and activities, including public parks, golf courses, hiking and equestrian trails, kayaking, and snorkeling. Homebuyers looking for a house will find a variety of neighborhoods in San Marcos (such as Palomar Estates, Hunter Valley, Panorama, Sun Park, and Westlake Ranch) with median home prices under $500K.
Escondido
Escondido is rich in history as it’s one of the oldest cities in San Diego County, with homes dating as far back as 1858. The town is home to San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park as well as Dixon Lake, a scenic natural area that’s popular for picnics, camping, and fishing. Escondido is also a vibrant area with plenty of restaurants, art galleries, boutique shops, museums, and more. Homebuyers looking for an affordable home will have plenty to choose from including single-family homes and multi-unit housing. Some of Escondido’s neighborhoods with median prices under $500K include Champagne Village, Conway, Silverado, and Parkwood.
El Cajon
Located in East County, El Cajon is an exciting town that offers many attractions, with its industrial attributes, a certified farmers market, gardens, and museums. The city is also known for its affordable housing as well as its dense and diverse neighborhoods. From newly constructed communities to historical homes dating back to the 1800s, homebuyers are sure to find something that appeals to their tastes and budgets. El Cajon’s real estate market ranges from $80,000 and goes all the way up to $1.5 million. Some affordable neighborhoods to check out within El Cajon include Rancho San Diego, Harbison Canyon, Belair Estates, and Flinn Springs.
Spring Valley
Named after the natural spring that’s located here, Spring Valley offers the best of both worlds as it has the quiet serenity of a suburb, but offers easy access to major roadways. Spring Valley features plenty of outdoor recreation spaces, such as Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, which has a 960-acre artificial lake along with sites for hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. The town also offers a mixture of new developments as well as homes built from the early 1900s. Some neighborhoods with affordable homes include Sweetwater Village, Spring Valley Estates, Carefree South, and Pointe Lakeview.
Oceanside
The coastal city of Oceanside is the third-largest city in the county with a populations just over 175,000. Oceanside offers everything from beaches to vineyards, and it’s only a skip away from Downtown San Diego, Legoland, SeaWorld, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. But that doesn’t mean you can’t stay local, as activities in town include, surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, and coastal skydiving. Shopping and golfing are also easy to find in Oceanside, as well as farm-to-table restaurants, wineries, and breweries. If you think you can’t find affordable homes within a coastal setting, then think again. Some reasonably priced homes are located in various neighborhoods throughout Oceanside such as Oceana, Whelan Ranch, Peacock Hills, Costa Serena, and Tri City.
La Mesa
Located in a quiet section of East County, La Mesa is great for those who are on a budget, just starting out, or attracted to an urban feel. La Mesa has great walkability thanks to the La Mesa Boulevard, which is lined with restaurants and shops, and many parks. The city also promotes walking, which allows residents to explore its urban walking trails like the five-mile “Stride,” or the hilly and step-laden three-and-a-half mile “Challenge.” If you’re on the go and want to be environmentally friendly, La Mesa also has great public transportation options. If La Mesa appeals to your lifestyle but you’re wondering if it fits your budget, then check out these neighborhoods: Avocado Village, Lake Park, La Mesa Springs, and Westwood Village.