Republic Moving and Storage is proud to serve you as an agent for North American Van Lines and STI. Our unparalleled reputation in the moving and storage industry has been in our steadfast commitment to provide every customer an: economical, safe, professional move by requiring some of the most stringent standards and safety training for our moving and storage professionals.
Living in Imperial Beach is absolutely stunning! According toWikipedia, the Kumeyaay people inhabited the area of Imperial Beach for thousands of years before White settlers arrived in 1887. The settlers were construction workers for the Hotel del Coronado in nearby Coronado. When the construction finished, the workers stayed, and other people began moving to Imperial Beach.
The state government incorporated Imperial Beach as a city in 1956. The city gets its name from Imperial County, California, where some of the founders of Imperial Beach came from. Over the last 50 years, Imperial Beach has become a beach town home to summer residents and tourists. It's best known for its beautiful beaches with surfing locations in San Diego Bay.
Imperial Beach is a nice place to live, with natural beauty and convenient access to the San Diego area. But before you start moving to Imperial Beach, you need to learn more about this special community. Here's what to know about this wonderful community near the Pacific Ocean.
Table of Contents
Is Imperial Beach a Nice Place to Live?
Yes, Imperial Beach is a wonderful place to live! Living in Imperial Beach, California offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking both convenience and a laid-back lifestyle. Known for its stunning 3.5 miles of white sand beaches, the city is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
You can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities like surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. The community is diverse and welcoming, with a mix of long-time residents and newcomers.
Where Is Imperial Beach?
Imperial Beach is in San Diego County and is the southernmost city in California and on the West Coast. The city is part of the San Diego Metro Area. It is 9.1 miles northwest of downtown Tijuana, Mexico. Imperial Beach borders Tijuana,Coronado,Chula Vista, andSan Diego. You can hire an Imperial Beach moving company to help you relocate between communities.
The Pacific Ocean borders Imperial Beach to the west, and it's the defining geographic feature in town. The Tijuana Estuary is just south of the community. The southern section of the city contains natural preserves, wildlife refuges, and green areas. The northern section of Imperial Beach is well-developed, though it's predominantly residential and very compact.
TheSan Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS) serves residents living in Imperial Beach. Several bus routes serve Imperial Beach, and you can find stops throughout the community. You can use theSDMTS transit map to see where routes and stops are. California State Route 75 cuts through the northern part of the community and provides access to San Diego. AnImperial Beach moving company can use Route 75 to create a speedy move in Imperial Beach.
Are you ready to start living in Imperial Beach?Contact Republic Moving and start your upcoming move now!
Where Is Imperial Beach Located?
Imperial Beach is the southwesternmost city in the United States. It's north of the US-Mexico Border, east of the Pacific Ocean, and west of San Diego.
According to theUS Census, the population of Imperial Beach in 2024 was 25,568, down by 2.1% from 2020. Imperial Beach is fairly diverse. Those living in Imperial Beach have a strong community.
Notable residents living in Imperial Beach includeMatthew Modine, Jordan Jacobo, and Eleanor Mariano. Here are a few other important Imperial Beach, CA demographics:
Racial demographics of people living in Imperial Beach: 40% White (32.6% Non-Hispanic), 53% Hispanic or Latino, 33.6% two or more races, 6.2% Asian, 3.9% Black or African American, 0.5% American Indian or Alaskan Native, 0.5% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Educational attainment: 88% high school grad or higher, 26.7% bachelor’s degree or higher (adults living in Imperial Beach 25 and older)
Median age of residents living in Imperial Beach: 35.2%
Sex ratio of residents living in Imperial Beach: 48.3% females to 51.7% males
Foreign-born population of people living in Imperial Beach: 16.6%
Median household income of residents living in Imperial Beach: $86,111
Imperial Beach is a beach town of San Diego and a border town. This is actually the furthest southern point in the west, and you can see Mexico from Imperial Beach. Thanks to its close proximity to Mexico, there is a rich Hispanic community. You’ll often find people going over to Tijuana and coming back to Imperial Beach to visit their family or do some shopping. Many people living in Imperial Beach earn more than the median income and can cover the cost of coastal living.
Imperial Beach is a safe community to live in. Here are its latest crime rates, according to the FBI in 2022:
Overall crime rate: There were over 297 crimes reported in 2025. Imperial Beach’s crime rate is -44.49% lower than the national average.
Violent crime rate: 538.7 crimes per 100,000 residents living in Imperial Beach (20.5% lower than the California rate, 7.4% higher than the national average)
Property crime rate: 637.7 crimes per 100,000 people living in Imperial Beach (54.9% lower than the California average, 45.9% lower than the national rate)
The community and law enforcement agencies work hard to create a secure environment. TheSan Diego Sheriff’s Office Imperial Beach Substation employs 40 police officers who respond to all emergencies in the community.
How Safe Is Imperial Beach?
Imperial Beach is very safe. The city boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Southern California. In Imperial Beach, you have a 1 in 69 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
Imperial Beach Cost of Living - Is Imperial Beach, CA Expensive?
You can useSan Diego cost of living statistics to estimate the cost of living in Imperial Beach. The San Diego cost of living index is 152, meaning items in the area cost 29% more than the national average. The overall cost of living is 6.5% higher than California’s average. According to theEconomic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $162,121 a year to cover the cost of living in the San Diego area.
Housing is the highest expense, and child care is the second-highest expense. A single person or couple living in Imperial Beach without children can live an affordable lifestyle, especially if they rent a small apartment. A family of four can reduce their expenses by using public transportation and public schools.
Housing is expensive in Imperial Beach. The Imperial Beach housing market is very competitive. According to Redfin,the median sale price of a home in Imperial Beach is $689,500. The median sale price per square foot in Imperial Beach is $566. Because houses go so quick, you should be pre-approved and ready to purchase. Check outhomes for sale Imperial Beach CA to see what a home might cost you.
If you are considering renting in Imperial Beach, the average rent for an apartment is $2,356 a month, according toRentCafe. In San Diego, the average rent is slightly higher at $2,960.
Are you interested in moving to Imperial Beach and enjoying an affordable lifestyle? Call 619-591-0079 for a free estimate from Republic Moving!
Typical Imperial Beach* Living Expenses
Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $24.00
Domestic beer (1 pint draught): $8.00
1 gallon of milk: $4.54
1 pound of chicken: $5.94
Average Imperial Beach* utilities per month: $247.64
Imperial Beach does not have any formal neighborhoods. However, you can still find housing options throughout the area, and most residents find single family homes or apartments easily. According to Redfin, the community contains various upscale homes for sale. You can purchase a modern four-bedroom home covering over 1,400 square feet with classy amenities like hardwood floors. Most properties are close to the median home price. However, the median price can decrease, making buying a home easy.
If you're looking for a tight-knit community and affordable real estate, you can move into a condo or a townhome. Most condos are one-bedroom properties with modern amenities like granite countertops and eco-friendly appliances. Condos can cost less than $400,000, helping you afford to live in one of the most expensive cities in Southern California.
You can live in various Imperial Beach apartments as well.Imperial Beach Gardens is near several parks with picnic areas and good schools. Imperial Beach Gardens has two and three-bedroom apartments with over 1,000 square feet, making them ideal for young professionals. Prices start at $2,845 a month.
Imperial Beach Weather
If you’re wondering about Imperial Beach weather, the good news is that it is quite enjoyable. Imperial Beach is a semi-arid climate, just like theSan Diego climate. According toWeather Spark, the summers in Imperial Beach are short, arid, and mostly clear. The winters are long, cool, and partly cloudy. Summer runs from about mid-July to the beginning of October. The hottest month of the year is August, with an average high of 75°F and a low of 65°F.
The mild winters start about the end of November and end around mid-April. The coldest month of the year is December, where average lows are 49°F, and highs are 65°F. Imperial Beach gets 9.1 inches of rain per year and zero inches of snow. The weather is mild throughout the year, so you shouldn't expect severe weather while living in Imperial Beach.
September is the best month for visiting and moving to Imperial Beach. You can go to many natural attractions, including a sandy beach, hiking trails, and bike paths. September has 89% clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy days, so you can enjoy the sunshine in a short-sleeved shirt and shorts.
Are you ready to start living in Imperial Beach and enjoying the beautiful weather? Schedule an appointment with Republic Moving now!
Things to Do in Imperial Beach
As you would expect, many of the activities in Imperial Beach center around the beach, the sun, and the sand. Imperial Beach parks compare well to thebest San Diego parks. Imperial Beach has fun activities for people of all ages, including kid-friendly and family-friendly destinations. In addition, enjoy convenient shopping at theImperial Beach Promenade Shopping Center, theBreakwater Town Center, or the local shops.
One of the best things to do in Imperial Beach is to visit the pier. It extends 1,491 feet out into the Pacific Ocean and has a seafood restaurant at the end with outdoor seating. Watch surfers from the pier or just take in a California sunset.
Imperial Beach Sports Park is a top outdoor destination for teens and young children. It's a hub for community events, including skating competitions and picnics. The park contains a skate park, a basketball half-court, and a play structure for young children.
Dunes Park offers a playground, public artwork, views of the Imperial Beach Pier, and a sandy beach. Dunes Park is perfect for families and outdoor beach lovers. The amenities include a basketball court, bike paths, picnic tables, and a playground.
Imperial Beach has many things to do. You can visit great outdoor attractions like Imperial Beach Pier andFlamingo Trail. These attractions contain hiking paths, picnic areas, and opportunities for photography.
How Long Has Imperial Beach Been Closed?
According to theCoronado Times, the Imperial Beach Pier was closed between December 2023 and August 2024. The pier is now open to the public living in Imperial Beach and is completely safe to use.
Restaurants Imperial Beach
As a beach town, Imperial Beach offers great seafood and plenty of casual, laid-back dining opportunities. Here are some of the top-rated restaurants in and near Imperial Beach.
Since 1996, the Coronado Brewing Company has offered a great place for friends to enjoy great beer and casual meals. They craft their own award-winning beer that people sell from coast to coast. Their burgers and sandwiches are a perfect complement to one of their homemade beers.
Aroma Thai restaurant brings the taste of Thailand to Imperial Beach. With a warm atmosphere, creative dishes, spices, and sauces, Aroma Thai is a treat for the senses. They serve seafood favorites like stir-fried shrimp, spicy catfish, and ginger salmon.
Katy's Cafe is a casual cafe and restaurant popular amongst people living in Imperial Beach and performing beach activities. You can order breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and salads, as well as coffee, tea, and smoothies.
According toDataUSA, the largest industries are retail trade, health care, and food services and accommodation. 12,474 people have jobs in Imperial Beach. According toPayscale, the average salary in Imperial Beach is $71,000, and the average hourly rate is $24.64. The highest-paying industries for Imperial Beach jobs are public administration, professional services, and educational services. Thankfully, there are plenty of jobs in areas surrounding Imperial Beach.
There are some big companies in Imperial Beach, and the major employers include:
Ready to find your dream job? Don’t miss Imperial Beach jobs and employment onIndeed or other job search sites. You can also apply forCity of Imperial Beach jobs on the municipal government's website.
Are you ready to start living in Imperial Beach and working a great job? Start your upcoming relocation with Republic Moving today!
Imperial Beach Schools
TheSouth Bay Union School District serves K-8 students living in Imperial Beach. The Imperial Beach schools include Mar Vista Academy,Oneonta Elementary,Imperial Beach Charter, and Mar Vista High. The district contains K-6 and K-8 schools.US News ranks Imperial Beach Charter as the best elementary school in the district. 53% of students in Imperial Beach's educational programs test at or above the proficiency level in reading, six percentage points higher than the state rate.
The Sweetwater Union High School District serves high school students living in Imperial Beach. It's one of thebest school districts in the San Diego suburbs.Mar Vista Senior High serves most students living in the community. The school is best known for its top marine science academy and JROTC programs.Ocean View Christian Academy is the top private school in the community, but there are no colleges in Imperial Beach. You can hireSan Diego school movers to move your family so your students can start attending these schools. One fun activity for people of all ages living in Imperial Beach is visiting theImperial Beach Library.
Imperial Beach, CA Statistics & Information
Imperial Beach county: San Diego
Imperial Beach area: 4.42 square miles
Imperial Beach zip code: 91932
Imperial Beach area code: 619
Imperial Beach elevation: 20 feet
Imperial Beach time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
Paloma Aguirre is the current mayor of Imperial Beach. She was elected Mayor in 2022 and is serving a four-year term. She is the first Latina Councilwoman and Mayor in Imperial Beach's history.
Imperial Beach Map
Don’t miss more fun things to do in Imperial Beach with this map!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Imperial Beach a Nice Beach?
Imperial Beach is considered a pleasant and laid-back beach destination, especially for those who prefer fewer crowds than nearby San Diego beaches. It features a wide sandy shoreline, the iconic Imperial Beach Pier, and access to natural areas like the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. Water quality can vary due to its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, so conditions are often monitored by San Diego County before swimming.
What Is Imperial Beach, CA Known for?
Imperial Beach is known for its relaxed coastal vibe, the Imperial Beach Pier, and its proximity to the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of the largest coastal wetlands in Southern California. It is also recognized as the southernmost beach city in California and hosts events like the annual U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition, drawing visitors from across the region.
Is Imperial Beach Expensive?
Imperial Beach is generally more affordable than many other coastal communities in San Diego County, such as La Jolla or Coronado. While home prices and rents have increased in recent years, the cost of living remains relatively moderate for a beachfront area. Factors like proximity to the ocean, newer developments, and demand for coastal housing can still influence pricing significantly within different neighborhoods.
Who Lives In Imperial Beach?
Imperial Beach has a diverse population that includes families, military personnel from nearby Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach, retirees, and young professionals. It's more affordable coastal housing compared to other San Diego beach cities, which attracts a mix of long-term residents and newcomers. The community is known for its casual, small-town feel and strong local identity centered around beach and outdoor lifestyles.
What Happened to Imperial Beach?
Imperial Beach has faced environmental challenges over the years, particularly related to cross-border sewage and runoff from the Tijuana River, which has impacted water quality and beach closures. Local, state, and federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, have worked on infrastructure improvements and mitigation efforts. Despite these issues, the city continues to invest in redevelopment and environmental restoration projects.
Moving to Imperial Beach With Republic Moving
Are you excited about moving to Imperial Beach? Our 5-star Imperial Beach movers are ready to help make your move smooth and stress-free. Call us today at 619-591-0079 for your free moving quote!
Bill Lovejoy
Bill Lovejoy is the president of Republic Moving and Storage. Purchasing the assets of Republic Relocations in May 2008. In 2008, Republic did $700K of business and today is over $15 Million. Republic was named AMSA’s 2010 Agent of the Year for Service Excellence after only two years in business.
Bill is proud that he grew up doing every facet of the business from a local mover, over the road driver, salesperson, operations manager, and general manager. (and just about everything else in between) Before purchasing Republic, Bill was with Bekins Moving and Storage where he served as a Senior Vice President and was a partner. He was responsible for three HHG companies as well as two logistics companies.
A proud Father of six children, and a lovely wife, Carol, Bill constantly works to keep a balance between work and family Life. Bills “stress relieving” hobbies include racket ball, basketball, tennis, and golf.
Living in Spring Valley CA is wonderful! Spring Valley, CA is a census-designated place in San Diego County in Southern California. Originally home to the Kumeyaay people, Spring Valley is known […]
Set your sails for Bonsall! If you've ever wondered what living in Bonsall CA is like, welcome to your ultimate guide. Indigenous communities began inhabiting Bonsall 12,000 years ago. Spanish […]
Searching for an affordable area with great weather and access to the beach? Maybe you should consider living in El Cajon CA. Just east of San Diego lies the thriving […]
