According to the San Diego Military Advisory Council, “San Diego’s military history is closely intertwined with the city’s growth and development. The military presence has had a significant impact on the local economy, culture, and community, making it an integral part of the city’s identity.”

For anyone considering a move to San Diego—whether you're active-duty, a veteran, or a civilian professional in defense, healthcare, or support services—understanding the military’s role in the region is key to understanding the city itself.

A Strategic Military Hub on the Pacific

San Diego is home to more than 115,000 active-duty service members. These forces are split almost evenly between the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. Major military installations in the region include:

• Naval Base San Diego – The principal homeport of the Pacific Fleet and the largest Navy base on the West Coast

• Marine Corps Air Station Miramar – A key aviation base for the Marine Corps, well-known from its “Top Gun” legacy

• Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton – One of the largest Marine Corps bases in the country, focused on ground and amphibious operations

• Naval Base Point Loma – Supports submarine operations and undersea warfare capabilities

• Naval Base Coronado – Home to Naval Special Warfare Command and critical aviation units

“As the home port for approximately 24% of all Navy vessels and 17% of the Navy’s active-duty personnel, San Diego has one of the largest naval personnel concentrations in the country. In addition to that, San Diego is home to approximately one-third of the U.S. Marine Corps active-duty force.”

This deep military integration extends beyond the bases and onto the streets, into schools, housing markets, and job centers. For those relocating, the military influence is everywhere—from the flags flown in local neighborhoods to the infrastructure built to support service members and their families.

Military and the Local Economy

The military is one of the largest economic drivers in San Diego. Local defense contractors, shipbuilders, logistics firms, and cybersecurity companies all benefit from the proximity of major installations. Companies like General Atomics, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon maintain a strong presence, offering thousands of jobs in engineering, IT, project management, and technical operations.

For active-duty members transitioning to civilian life, San Diego is a particularly strong location due to its established pipeline of veteran hiring programs, military spouse support networks, and continuing education opportunities tailored to military families.

Housing and Neighborhoods Near Bases

San Diego offers a wide range of housing options for military families, whether you’re living on base, renting off base, or purchasing a home with VA benefits. Each base is surrounded by distinct communities, each with their own character and conveniences:

• Chula Vista, Bonita, and National City – Close to Naval Base San Diego

• Point Loma and Ocean Beach – Ideal for access to Naval Base Point Loma

• Coronado and Imperial Beach – Near Naval Base Coronado

• Clairemont, Serra Mesa, and Mira Mesa – Common neighborhoods for those stationed at MCAS Miramar

• Oceanside, Fallbrook, and Vista – Popular for families connected to Camp Pendleton

With a large military population, many neighborhoods are familiar with PCS timelines, VA loan usage, and school transitions, making the relocation process smoother and more predictable.

Culture and Community Connection

San Diego’s culture is uniquely shaped by its relationship with the military. The city hosts annual Fleet Week celebrations, military appreciation events, and community partnerships with local bases. Museums like the USS Midway and events like the Miramar Air Show offer year-round opportunities for civilians and service members to connect through shared history and service.

You’ll also find a strong network of support services—USO centers, VA hospitals, veteran housing assistance programs, and military-focused nonprofits—all designed to ensure a high quality of life for those who serve.

Living in a City That Serves Those Who Serve

Relocating to San Diego as a service member or military-connected civilian means joining a city that understands your lifestyle, supports your career, and honors your contribution. With access to top schools, healthcare, job opportunities, and some of the best weather in the country, it’s no wonder many choose to stay here long after active-duty service ends.

Defense Industry and Civilian Support Careers in San Diego

San Diego’s defense economy goes far beyond its military bases. The region is home to a massive concentration of defense contractors, shipbuilders, logistics firms, and technical service providers that support every branch of the military. Companies like General Dynamics NASSCO, BAE Systems, and Huntington Ingalls Industries operate major shipyards along the waterfront, where thousands of civilian workers support shipbuilding, modernization, and repair of Navy vessels. These roles range from welders and electricians to naval engineers and project managers, offering long-term, high-paying jobs in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing.

In addition to shipyard operations, the defense industry in San Diego fuels a wide range of careers in cybersecurity, software development, aerospace engineering, and systems integration. Many of these positions require security clearances and offer opportunities for veterans or those transitioning from active duty. Civilian professionals play a critical role in the region’s national security infrastructure, and the steady demand for defense-related talent makes San Diego a strategic city for anyone seeking career stability, advancement, and meaningful work.

Your Future in San Diego

If you're moving to San Diego for military service or defense-related work, you’re not just relocating to a base—you’re stepping into a community built around honor, service, and resilience. From housing to career opportunities, San Diego offers more than a duty station—it offers a place to thrive.

Relocating to San Diego for military service or defense work?

Team Hanna is here to make your transition smooth and stress-free. Whether you need help navigating base proximity, VA loan options, or finding the right neighborhood for your family, we’re ready to support you every step of the way. Reach out to us here and tell us what you need—we’re ready to help.