If you're incoming Navy or Marine Corps personnel, buckle up (or perhaps loosen up); you’re about to embark on a Southern Californian odyssey of perpetual sunshine, insufferably perfect tans, beautiful neighborhoods, and long commutes (if you choose to live in the 'burbs). 

What People Love (and Hate) About It
Let’s start with the obvious: the weather. It’s the perpetual 75 degrees and sunny cliché you’ve heard about, except it’s real, and it’ll lull you into believing winter is a myth. Naturally, this breeds an outdoorsy ethos. Everyone here is biking, hiking, surfing, paddleboarding, or simply walking aggressively.

As military personnel, you’ll find yourself in good company—San Diego is, after all, a military town at heart. The Navy and Marine Corps are woven into the city’s identity. You’ll experience camaraderie not just with your fellow service members but also with locals who grew up knowing someone stationed at Coronado or Camp Pendleton. Your uniform will get you thanks, occasional discounts, and a knowing nod from the guy behind you in the In-N-Out line.

That said, the military presence here is part of the scenery, not the whole show. Expect to blend into a civilian culture that, while grateful for your service, is busy figuring out their own very active lives. San Diego takes its food scene seriously but not pretentiously. It’s a city where a Michelin-starred chef might also be slinging $2 tacos from a food truck. Speaking of tacos, you’ll quickly learn that San Diegans have a near-religious devotion to Mexican food, especially Baja-style fish tacos. Pair them with a local craft beer—there are hundreds to choose from—and you’ll understand why no one here ever seems to leave.

Final Thoughts
San Diego County is a place where contradictions coexist beautifully. It’s both a Navy town and a haven for bohemian dreamers, a land of endless sunshine and deep droughts, a chill vibe with an undercurrent of ambition. It’s a place where you’ll work hard, play harder, and maybe, just maybe, find yourself lucky enough to stick around for a while.  

When considering your move, it's helpful to understand how the area is organized. San Diego County is often described as being divided into several main areas:


A Sun-Drenched Paradox

The San Diego County Area

[**Central San Diego**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/san-diego/neighborhoods): Includes neighborhoods throughout the city of San Diego: Downtown, Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest, North Park, South Park, University Heights, Normal Heights, and Barrio Logan. It also includes the Point Loma peninsula and the city of Coronado. This is where young professionals, military students, military (singles and couples), artists, and LGBTQ communities live, and renters dominate the community. It's the center for social activity in the region, with tons of bars/restaurants, entertainment venues, and easy access to the waterfront.

Here are a few samples of popular apartment/condo buildings: 
- [**4th + J**](https://www.4thandj.com/)
- [**Market Street Village Apartments**](https://www.equityapartments.com/san-diego/downtown-san-diego/market-street-village-apartments) 
- [**Pacific Gate Condos**](https://svpremier.com/downtown-san-diego/district/columbia/condos/pacific-gate/) (rent or purchase)

Central San Diego

**East County:** Includes the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Poway, and Santee, as well as suburban and rural unincorporated communities such as Lakeside, Spring Valley, Jamul, and Alpine. Many also include vast swaths of the backcountry of San Diego County, also known as the Mountain Empire, in their definition of East County. Other sources consider communities within the entire eastern two-thirds of the county to be East County, including places like Ramona, Julian, and Borrego Springs.

East County 

**North County**: Divided into Coastal and Inland cities/neighborhoods. Includes communities north of San Diego and all cities and communities - including and to the west of - Ramona and San Diego Country Estates. This includes: [**Carlsbad**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/carlsbad): A lovely beach town that's home to flower fields and Legoland California. Del Mar: A small, pretty Bavarian-style seaside town famed for its charming beach, fairgrounds, and horse racing track. [**Encinitas**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/encinitas): A small picturesque beach town with wonderful surf, beachside camping, & coastal wetlands. [Escondido](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/escondido): A large inland city, mostly suburban but with a few attractions. Fallbrook: An agricultural community along I-15 at the north edge of the county. [**Oceanside**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/oceanside): The largest city of North County, with a beautiful beach and pier, coastal wetlands, and Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, the largest of the Spanish missions in California. [**Poway**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/poway): A large suburban community mostly surrounded by San Diego just off I-15. [San Marcos](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/san-marcos): A mostly suburban community along SR 78 between Oceanside and Escondido. [**Solana Beach**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/solana-beach): A laid-back beach town with a lovely beach and plenty of shops and galleries. [**Vista**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/vista): Mostly suburban community between Oceanside and Escondido, home to a couple of small historical attractions.

Additionally, portions of North San Diego are also considered part of North County. This includes San Pasqual Valley, home to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the sister park to the San Diego Zoo that contains massive African savanna exhibits.

North County

The South Bay, also known as South County, is an area in southwestern San Diego County, that includes the cities and unincorporated communities of Bonita, [**Chula Vista**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/chula-vista), East Otay Mesa, Imperial Beach, Lincoln Acres, National City, and [**South San Diego**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/san-diego).

It runs alongside the San Diego Bay and the Mexico-United States border and includes the town of Imperial Beach, one of the most legendary surf spots in the world. Imperial Beach is also one of the last remaining "untouched" beach communities in California. Not yet overrun with development and wealthy interlopers. 

South Bay

There is seriously so much to do in Southern California. Individuals, couples, and families are all sure to enjoy their time here. From museums to beaches, San Diego has it all. Start in Balboa Park, an open green space near downtown San Diego, where you can find art and history museums, a Shakespeare Theater, a Japanese Garden, and lots of food trucks.

MUSEUMS: San Diego is sporting some serious military museums and memorials. Among the most popular are the [**USS Midway Museum**](https://www.midway.org/), The [**Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum**](https://www.flyingleathernecks.org/), and the [**San Diego Air & Space Museum**](https://sandiegoairandspace.org/). The USS Midway Museum is housed on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier. One could spend days here exploring the history through tours, interactive exhibits, and a wide variety of events and activities. The USS Midway is even host to the virtual exhibition, The Wall of Gratitude, in which you can submit a photo of your Service Hero and have them honored with their brothers and sisters in service. The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is the only Marine Corps Aviation museum in the nation and worth a visit. Admission and parking are free to see all this unique museum has to offer. The San Diego Air & Space Museum offers an extensive collection of aircraft and spacecraft from all over the world, as well as simulators and special interactive activities for the kiddos. Admission is free for the active military.

BEACHES: The San Diego area is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in America, 70 miles of beaches, to be exact. Some local favorites are Mission Beach, La Jolla, and Del Mar. Enjoy surfing, bike riding, or just some relaxation. All of the beaches offer something a little different, and you could spend a while exploring all the beach life here has to offer.

FOR THE KIDS: If the beaches happen to get boring for the kiddos, there are tons of other things to occupy their time and energy. San Diego is home to the famous [**San Diego Zoo**](https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/), which you are probably aware of, it’s also home to the 100-year-old [**Birch Aquarium**](https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/) and the [**San Diego Zoo Safari**](https://sdzsafaripark.org/safaris). Other excellent attractions for families include Legoland, Belmont Park, Sea World, and Aquatica. Aside from theme parks, favorite activities include whale watching, seeing the sea lions at La Jolla, or catching a baseball game at Petco Park. With so many options in San Diego, it’s hard not to have a good time while stationed here.

For The Kids (and the grownups)

Area Attractions

San Diego (and Southern California in general) has an extremely high cost of living. Housing is expensive, and San Diego BAH rates are designed to match the average rental costs in the area. San Diego BAH varies depending on rank and whether or not you have dependents. To determine your BAH at Naval Base San Diego, use the [**BAH calculator**](https://www.pcsgrades.com/bah-calculator?_gl=1*89b4p9*_ga*MTAwNzYxODQ4MC4xNjk4MzUwNzIz*_ga_W3KKTX2LGE*MTY5ODM1MDcyMy4xLjAuMTY5ODM1MDcyMy42MC4wLjA.). 

The San Diego area is not an extremely affordable area to live in or buy a home in. With the median home price of $575,000, the local markets are quite a bit higher than the national average and a rate increase is inevitable. However, if you don’t mind paying what some refer to as a “Sunshine Tax,” San Diego is a beautiful place to live, work, and play.

Pricey

Cost of Living and BAH and Housing Costs

[**Naval Base San Diego**](https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Regions/cnrsw/installations/navbase_san_diego/) is located on the Pacific coast in San Diego, California, about 15 minutes from Downtown San Diego and 3 hours from Los Angeles, California. The base supports over 20,000 military members and serves as the home port of the Pacific Fleet. Being stationed in Southern California provides many opportunities for every sort of family. The location boasts beautiful beaches, outdoor fun, and plenty of close attractions to keep you busy throughout your time here.

Naval Base San Diego

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD San Diego) is one of two facilities where the Marine Corps trains its enlisted recruits (the other being MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina). Located on the edge of downtown San Diego and adjacent to the San Diego International Airport, the depot is steeped in history and tradition, dating back to its establishment in 1919.

The primary mission of MCRD San Diego is to transform recruits into United States Marines through a grueling and disciplined 13-week training program. Recruits from the western United States report here, while those from the eastern United States report to Parris Island. This base is responsible for instilling Marine Corps values: honor, courage, and commitment.

The training program is designed to challenge you physically, mentally, and emotionally, preparing you to uphold the Marine Corps' legacy of excellence. Recruits live in barracks, are drilled relentlessly, and are taught everything from physical fitness and martial arts to marksmanship, teamwork, and Marine traditions

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

Naval Base Point Loma (NBPL) is a key installation within the Navy's Southwest Region. It’s on the scenic Point Loma peninsula, which overlooks San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. A recruit assigned to this base will find that NBPL combines operational significance with a beautiful coastal environment, which is vastly different from other installations.

Naval Base Point Loma is primarily home to submarine operations, naval communications, and support services. It serves as a hub for the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet submarines, making it a critical part of the country’s undersea warfare strategy. Its mission focuses on providing support to fleet units, shore commands, and tenant activities while ensuring operational readiness. The base also manages several specialized commands, including:

Submarine Squadron 11 – Oversees operational readiness of submarines.
Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center (FASWTC) – Trains sailors in anti-submarine warfare techniques.
NAVWAR (Naval Information Warfare Systems Command) – Focuses on information dominance and advanced naval technology.
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SPAWAR) – Specializes in research, development, and technical support for communication systems.

If you are assigned here, your role may directly contribute to submarine maintenance, technical support, or advanced training, depending on your rating (job specialty). For example, electronics technicians, sonar technicians, and information systems technicians play significant roles at Point Loma.



Naval Base Point Loma

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar sits approximately 15 miles north of downtown San Diego. Known as the "Home of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW)," it serves a critical role in Marine Corps aviation operations and logistics. If you’re a recruit assigned to this base, here’s a detailed look at what you can expect and experience during your time there.

MCAS Miramar is primarily focused on supporting Marine aviation units. It is home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW), which includes numerous squadrons and support units that specialize in fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aerial operations. The aircraft stationed here range from F/A-18 Hornets and MV-22 Ospreys to helicopters like the CH-53E Super Stallion.

Recruit roles include:

Aircraft Maintenance: Supporting aircraft through mechanical work, logistics, and operational readiness.
Flight Operations: Assisting in training exercises, air combat missions, and aviation safety.
Logistics and Support: Providing the infrastructure and supplies needed for flight operations.
Training: Participating in specialized aviation and ground combat training programs. MCAS Miramar is known for rigorous operational readiness standards, making it a cornerstone for Marine aviation combat preparedness.

Key Mission: The base operates as a hub for training and deployment readiness. Pilots and aircrews conduct exercises and maintain qualifications critical to mission success worldwide.



 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

The U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego is a critical part of the Coast Guard's operations on the West Coast, known for its dynamic mission profile, strategic location, and significant role in national security and maritime safety. Located on San Diego Bay; this sector is uniquely positioned to support a variety of maritime operations that will likely define much of your experience as a recruit.

Mission and Operations:
Sector San Diego is responsible for a large area of operations extending over several hundred miles of coastline and into the Pacific Ocean. This includes:

Search and Rescue (SAR):
San Diego's coastline and offshore waters see heavy maritime traffic and recreational boating. The Coast Guard here is renowned for its fast response times and successful rescue missions. You may experience being part of helicopter crews, small boat stations, or communication teams that respond to distress calls.

Law Enforcement and Border Security:
San Diego's proximity to the Mexican border means a strong focus on countering drug smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration. You’ll likely encounter operations that involve intercepting suspicious vessels, boarding inspections, and working alongside federal partners such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Marine Environmental Protection:
Given its rich marine ecosystem, this area is a hub for environmental protection efforts. The Coast Guard monitors pollution, enforces fishing regulations, and responds to oil spills or other hazards that could harm the coastline and marine life.

Defense Operations:
San Diego has a strong military presence, with the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet headquartered nearby. The Coast Guard works closely with the Navy on port security, anti-terrorism, and homeland defense efforts. This creates opportunities to experience joint operations and exercises.

The U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego

Naval Base Coronado (NBC) is a critical installation that serves as a major hub for the Navy’s operations on the West Coast. Spread across multiple areas, the base is not a single location but a collection of facilities, with Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado (NAB Coronado) being the largest locations.

The base is a vital center for Navy aviation, amphibious operations, and SEAL training. It is often referred to as the “Navy’s premier West Coast installation” due to its strategic location, size, and mission-critical role. The base supports over 30,000 active-duty military personnel, 10,000 civilians, and numerous tenant commands. Key operations include:

1. Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI): Aviation Hub
Home of Naval Aviation: NASNI is known as the "birthplace of Naval aviation" and is one of the busiest airfields in the Navy. You will likely see F/A-18 Super Hornets, MH-60 Seahawk helicopters, and other aircraft conducting training and operational flights.
Aircraft Carriers: NASNI is home to two aircraft carriers (usually the USS Carl Vinson and USS Theodore Roosevelt), providing crucial sea-based air power. Carrier flight operations and readiness drills are frequent here.
Maintenance and Logistics: NASNI houses aviation repair facilities and supply logistics centers that keep the Navy’s air fleet operational.

2. Naval Amphibious Base Coronado (NAB): Amphibious Warfare and SEALs
Navy SEAL Training: NAB Coronado is the headquarters of Navy SEAL teams and BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training. Recruits and trainees undergo some of the most grueling physical and mental challenges here, including Hell Week.
Amphibious Operations: NAB supports amphibious units that focus on integrating Navy and Marine Corps operations, preparing for joint land and sea missions.
Special Warfare Units: Expect to encounter Naval Special Warfare operators, SEAL boats, and extensive training on the beaches and waters nearby.

3. Fleet Readiness and Support
Naval Base Coronado supports missions across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It houses various tenant commands that provide everything from combat support to advanced logistics, ensuring that Navy personnel and vessels are ready for deployment.

The base sits on the scenic Coronado peninsula, adjacent to San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Here’s what the surrounding environment and daily life look like:

Coronado is a beautiful, affluent community with palm-lined streets, upscale restaurants, and boutique shops. It's also home to the historic Hotel del Coronado, a stunning Victorian resort that attracts visitors year-round.
The island has a small-town feel but is close to downtown San Diego (just across the Coronado Bridge), providing access to a larger urban environment for entertainment and services.

Expect near-perfect weather year-round: mild temperatures (65–75°F), plenty of sunshine, and cool breezes off the Pacific Ocean. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the ocean, the San Diego skyline, and occasional flyovers from Navy aircraft conducting operations.

Housing: Depending on your rank and status, you’ll either live on base or have access to housing allowances for off-base accommodations. Coronado’s housing is competitive, so many sailors live in nearby San Diego neighborhoods like Imperial Beach or Chula Vista.

Recreation and Fitness: The base features world-class gyms, training facilities, and beach access for physical fitness. NAB Coronado’s Silver Strand Beach is often used for SEAL training and recreational activities like paddleboarding or surfing.

Family Services: For sailors with families, Naval Base Coronado offers childcare, medical clinics, and family-oriented events to support military life.


Naval Base Coronado

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, located along the Pacific Coast, is one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the United States and serves as a major hub for Marine Corps training and operations. Covering over 125,000 acres, the base sits between the cities of San Diego to the south and Los Angeles to the north. Its location provides a mix of rugged inland terrain, pristine coastline, and temperate weather, which makes it an ideal environment for military training exercises.

As a recruit or new Marine arriving at Camp Pendleton, you’ll find the base is far more than just a place to live and work. It is a training epicenter for Marines and serves as the premier West Coast installation for expeditionary forces. The base is home to the I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), one of the largest and most versatile combat units in the Marine Corps, as well as supporting units like infantry battalions, artillery, aviation units, and logistical elements. Whether you're infantry, support, or aviation-focused, you’ll find that much of the Marine Corps’ operational backbone flows through this base.

Camp Pendleton’s mission is to train combat-ready forces capable of deploying anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice. The base hosts large-scale training operations, including amphibious landings, live-fire exercises, and urban warfare simulations. If you’re preparing for deployment or honing your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) skills, expect realistic and demanding training that mimics the challenges of modern combat zones.

Surrounding Camp Pendleton are the beautiful coastal towns of [**Oceanside**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/oceanside), San Clemente, and [**Carlsbad**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/carlsbad), which offer plenty of options for recreation, dining, and relaxation. Oceanside, immediately adjacent to the base, has a fun beachfront community where Marines often visit on weekends to surf, enjoy the nightlife, or grab a meal.

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

San Diego: Military

**Where to live in san Diego?**

**I'm a married e-4, heading to san Diego in a few months, what towns and cities nearby have a commute that's not terrible where I'm not gonna be paying 3500$ a month for a studio apartment**

I’m on a carrier in San Diego as well, I live out in lemon grove. The commute isn’t bad at all (20 minutes with no traffic) the only thing that makes the commute bad sometimes is the Coronado bridge traffic which you literally can’t avoid unless you live on Coronado. It’s cheaper than downtown San Diego as well. I bought a house and my mortgage is $2700 which is still less than a 1 bedroom apartment in most of San Diego, I’d imagine rental prices out here aren’t bad either

**Where to live in san Diego?**

**I'm a married e-4, heading to san Diego in a few months, what towns and cities nearby have a commute that's not terrible where I'm not gonna be paying 3500$ a month for a studio apartment**

You’ll be stationed on North Island if you’re on a carrier. Like others have said, Imperial Beach, San Ysidro, and Chula Vista are places that aren’t too expensive and will allow you to avoid the bridge. The silver strand (the road that connects Imperial Beach to Coronado Island) rarely has traffic. The bridge on the other hand almost always has a slowdown.

Chula Vista, or IB. Old Chula Vista is a smaller commute than the Otay area, and usually less expensive. Check out San Diego 's Rental Partnership Program, it is an agreement between the Navy and local landlords to provide housing at a discounted rate or without a security deposit since on base housing is wait-listed.

Best of luck!

**Housing in San Diego?**

**Hello newer E-5 coming from Japan to San Diego next month and I have a question about housing. I've seen people mention housing is way too expensive rn.**

Go to Fleet & Family on dryside where the NEX is. Ask them about the Military Rental Partnership Program, they’ll have you Bring in your current orders and your LES and give you a list of approved apartments that allow you to -apply at no cost -not run a credit check -low downpayment -sometimes discounted rental prices This is how I found my current apartment

Single bed and studios are relatively the same price. I've seen plenty of studios cost more than single beds both in and out of Central San diego. With traffic so absolutely god awful, living 30 min out is like live an hour+ away so everyone has to look closer to where its more expensive. Alot of us complaining are e3s whos pay barely barely covers the cost of living when gas and food are calculated even with bah. I imagine low rank with families are in a similar spot. If you don't mind the commute living doesn't have to be expensive but losing 2 hours a day to commuting is both extremely unpleasant and all the more expensive due to gas.

San Diego: Military, California

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