• 1803 GRAND AVENUE (listings)
• BELLA PACIFIC – 4809 TO 4809 BELLA PACIFIC ROW (listings)
• LA PORTOTLA – 2344 TO 2394 GRAND AVE (listings)
• OCEAN SPRAY – 5051 TO 5059 MISSION BLVD (listings)
• THOMAS TOWNHOMES – 1240 TO 1248 THOMAS AVE (listings)
• PACIFIC WOODLANDS – 2605 TO 2609 PICO PLACE (listings)
• PACIFIC WOODLANDS – 4647 TO 4651 PICO STREET (listings)
• 1752 REED HOA – (listings)
• ROSE CREEK PLACE – 4615 PICO STREET (listings)
• SAN DIEGO BEACH CLUB – 4205 LAMONT STREET (listings)
• THE PLAZA – 4600 LAMONT STREET (listings)
• THE PLAZA – 1775 TO 1885 DIAMOND STREET (listings)
• TURQUOISE VILLAGE – 840 TO 860 TURQUOISE STREET (listings)
• OCEAN POINT

The community of Pacific Beach was put on the map with the the completion of the railroad connecting the East Coast to San Diego in 1885. By 1886, thousands of people started arriving in Pacific Beach and other San Diego communities hoping to benefit from the land boom.

The area known as False Bay (now called Mission Bay) was the epicenter of this community. By 1887, the first lots went on sale in Pacific Beach. In 1902, lots were selling for between $150 to $700. Lots closer to the ocean commanded the higher end of the price range. Lot sizes at the time were 25′ x 125′ (about 3125 square feet). Many lots were sold in pairs so buyers had 6,250 square feet.

The homes built in the early 1900s consistent of detached cottage-style homes, many with less than 1,000 square feet. These homes sat on either a single lot (3,125 square feet) or a double lot (6,250 square feet).

While these older cottages remain throughout pacific beach, the community has been transformed by larger homes and condominiums.

One configuration seen throughout Pacific Beach are lots that have been subdivided into two separate lots. For example, the property below has a single-family detached home in the front portion of the lot, and the rear portion of the lot contains a multi-unit condominium.

There are many condominium projects that have replaced the original detached homes that occupied the lot. The picture below is a multi-unit condo complex in the Pacific Beach area.

In some cases, several lots were combined to create a large multi-unit condominium or apartment complex. The picture below shows a large condominium complexe in North Pacific Beach.

Some old cottages have been replaced by spectacular beach-front detached homes. The picture shows a large beachfront home on the Boardwalk in Pacific Beach.

The community of Pacific Beach has several bodies of water that provide for spectacular views. The prices on homes and condos for sale in Pacific Beach are greatly influenced by a home’s proximity to any of these bodies of water. Homes or condos that either have a view of the Ocean or the Bay, or are located within close proximity to the Ocean or Bay, command higher prices than properties without a view or those that are further out. Properties that are directly on the waterfront command a premium price.

In addition to traditional factors that impact a home’s value such as single-family home vs. condo, year built, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, lot size, etc., the presence of a view or close proximity to the ocean are especially important in Pacific Beach. For example, a small cottage (800 sq ft) within 1 block to ocean may be more expensive then a 2,000 square foot townhome in Central Pacific Beach.

If you are relocating to Pacific Beach from another county or State, you should know that properties in this community tend to be much smaller, older and more expensive than many other areas of the country.

9 Neighborhoods

There are roughly nine distinctive neighborhoods within the Pacific Beach community. These neighborhoods include: South Mission Beach, Mission Beach, Sail Bay, Crown Point, Pacific Beach, North Pacific Beach, Kate Sessions, Soledad South /Pacifica, and East Pacific Beach.

SOUTH MISSION BEACH

The South Mission Beach neighborhood is situated at the very southern end of Pacific Beach. The main attraction is the wooden roller coaster at Belmont Amusement Park, as well as the rides, stores, and restaurants located within the Park. The properties in this area located on either side of a thin peninsula, with the Pacific Ocean on the West and the Bay on the east. There is a mix of single-family homes, condominiums, and multi-unit buildings. Prices in South Mission Beach tend to be higher than other neighborhoods due to its proximity to the Ocean and Bay. Besides the business establishments located in and around Belmont Amusement Park, there are not many businesses situated south of the Belmont Amusement Park.

MISSION BEACH

The Mission Beach neighborhood starts at Pacific Beach Drive and spans south to the Belmont Amusement Park. The major street in this neighborhood is Mission Blvd, which contains many stores, restaurants, cafes, and surf shops. There is a mix of both single-family homes, as well condos, which are situated either facing the Bay or the Pacific Ocean. The properties in this neighborhood tend to be smaller and more expensive than other parts of Pacific Beach because of its proximity to the water. Public parking in this neighborhood is very limited.

NORTH PACIFIC BEACH (PB)

The Kate Sessions neighborhood takes its name from the Kate Sessions Memorial Park, which is located in the heart of the community. This neighborhood has several hills and valleys. In fact, many of the homes in this area are situated on a hill and have spectacular views of Mission Bay, Point Loma and Downtown San Diego. The neighborhood mostly contains detached single-family homes, although there are some condominiums. There are not many businesses located directly in the Kate Sessions area; however, the businesses on Turquoise Street, Garnet Ave, and Grand Ave have a variety stores and shops.

SOLEDAD SOUTH / PACIFICA

The Soledad South / Pacifica area takes its name from Soledad Mountain Road, which is the main road that runs through the neighborhood. The community is situated near Interstate 5 and contains mostly detached single-family homes. The community also has some condominium complexes. The business district on Mission Bay Drive is located nearby. The community provides for quick access to Interstate 5.

EAST PACIFIC BEACH

The East Pacific Beach neighborhood covers the area from Interstate 5 to the east, and to Lamont Street to the west. This neighborhood contains a mix of commercial businesses, schools, restaurants, and residential dwellings. Housing options in this region include detached single-family homes, condominiums, and apartments. There are plenty of businesses within walking distance to all areas of East Pacific Beach.

PACIFIC BEACH

The Pacific Beach neighborhood contains the main business district in Pacific Beach. Garnet Ave is hub of the business district and the many bars up-and-down the street making this a lively destination. The beachfront section of Pacific Beach contains the famous Boardwalk. In addition to spectacular sandy beaches, the boardwalk area contains numerous hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, clothing boutiques, and seaside kiosks. The Boardwalk area is considered one of the busiest neighborhoods in Pacific Beach. Residential options in Pacific Beach include detached single-family homes and cottages, large condominium complexes, small 2-4 unit condo units, and a variety of apartments. Many of the homes in this area are located on the beachfront with direct views of the Ocean or Bay.

CROWN POINT

The Crown Point neighborhood is enclosed by a body of water known as Fiesta Bay. This neighborhood contains the popular Mission Bay Park, which houses picnic tables, volleyball sand pits, and numerous grass areas. Fiesta Bay is used by boaters, sail boaters, rowers, water-skiers, picnickers, joggers, and swimmers. The community is mainly characterized by larger detached single-family homes; however, there are also many smaller condominium complexes throughout the community. The community also has a limited number of large condominium complexes, as well as some apartment communities.

SAIL BAY

The Sail Bay neighborhood takes its name from the body of water which surrounds it. The portion of Sail Bay that directly faces the water is comprised on both large and small condominium complexes. Many of these condo units have spectacular views of Sail Bay, the Pacific Ocean, Point Loma, and Downtown San Diego. Riviera Drive encompasses Sail Bay. Sail Bay also has a cemented Boardwalk that encircles the bay and is used by walkers, bikers, rollerbladers, skateboards, etc. Sail Bay is one of the most popular areas in Pacific Beach for sailing, boating, water-skiing, and other water sports. Most of the residents of Sail Bay live within the many large condominium buildings, however, there some smaller condo complexes and small and large detached single-family homes. Fanuel Park is one of the major attractions within Sail Bay and contains a children’s playground and a grassy area for picnics and exercise.

The community of Pacific Beach falls within the boundaries of the City of San Diego. The current property tax rate within the City of San Diego for the 2009/2010 tax year is 1.10065% of the assessed value of a property. The assessed value of a property is normally the most recent purchase price of a property, although other factors can influce the assessed value. For example, if a home sold in 2009 for $$300,000, the annual property tax would be around $3301.95 (calculated by multiplying $300,000 by the tax rate of 1.10065%). Depending on the property, there may also be special assessments and fees.

The tax rate varies in each city within San Diego County, and tax rates can change. If you have questions about property taxes in San Diego, be sure to contact the San Diego County Tax Assessor before making any decisions about buying or selling real estate.