Did you know that the City of San Diego is made up of more than 50 officially recognized community planning areas—each with its own unique character, identity, and voice? Whether you're exploring a move, investing in real estate, or simply curious about the layout of America's Finest City, understanding these distinct communities gives you a deeper sense of what San Diego is all about.

Here’s a full breakdown of the communities and neighborhoods that make up the City of San Diego, organized by geographic region. These planning areas are used by the City for zoning, development, and infrastructure decisions—and they also serve as a practical guide for understanding San Diego’s diversity.

Central San Diego

• Downtown San Diego (Gaslamp Quarter, East Village, Marina, Core-Columbia, Cortez Hill, Little Italy)

• Hillcrest

• Bankers Hill / Park West

• Mission Hills

• North Park

• South Park

• Golden Hill

• Balboa Park

Uptown

• University Heights

• Normal Heights

• Kensington

• Talmadge

Mid-City

• City Heights

• Rolando

• El Cerrito

• Oak Park

• College Area

• Allied Gardens

• Grantville

• Del Cerro

• San Carlos

Southeastern San Diego

• Lincoln Park

• Valencia Park

• Encanto

• Emerald Hills

• Paradise Hills

• Skyline

• Jamacha-Lomita

• Alta Vista

• Bay Terraces

Southern San Diego

• San Ysidro

• Otay Mesa

• Otay Mesa-Nestor

• Egger Highlands

• Ocean View Hills

Eastern Area

• Serra Mesa

• Tierrasanta

Northeastern San Diego

• Mira Mesa

• Scripps Ranch

• Sabre Springs

Northern San Diego

• Rancho Peñasquitos

• Torrey Highlands

• Black Mountain Ranch

• Del Sur

Northwestern San Diego / Coastal

• La Jolla (Bird Rock, Windansea, The Village, Mount Soledad)

• Pacific Beach

• Mission Beach

• Ocean Beach

• Sunset Cliffs

• Point Loma

• Midway District

• Morena

Mission Valley Area

• Mission Valley East/West

• Grantville

• Linda Vista

• Fashion Valley

Clairemont & Surrounding

• Clairemont Mesa East/West

• Bay Park

• Bay Ho

• North Clairemont

• Kearny Mesa

University City Area

• UTC (University Towne Center)

• University City (East and West)

• Torrey Pines

Carmel Valley Area

• Carmel Valley

• Del Mar Mesa

• Torrey Hills

• Pacific Highlands Ranch

Far Northern Communities

• Rancho Bernardo

• Rancho Encantada (part of Scripps Miramar Ranch)

• Santaluz

• Fairbanks Ranch (partially within city limits)

• 4S Ranch (technically unincorporated but often associated with City planning discussions)

These 50+ areas not only help with city planning and infrastructure—but they also give each resident a sense of home, belonging, and community pride. Whether you're buying a home in North Park, investing in Otay Mesa, or exploring the historic streets of La Jolla, you’re stepping into a unique chapter of San Diego’s cityscape.

Ready to discover which San Diego neighborhood fits you best?
Our team knows the ins and outs of these communities—because we live, work, and serve right here. Whether you're relocating, investing, or looking for the right vibe, we’ll help you narrow your search and land exactly where you belong. Reach out to us and let’s find your place in San Diego together.