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Cities in San Diego County can transform your life! Over 35 million people visit San Diego County yearly due to its pristine beaches, world-famous attractions, and pleasant weather. San Diego County offers something for everyone!
Whether you’re just visiting or planning to relocate to Southern California, you may be interested in learning about the main cities in San Diego County. The county is full of coastal communities, vibrant urban centers, and other exciting communities, including census-designated communities. Each city has a unique charm and fun attractions, but that can make it hard to find the right community for you.
This guide covers all the San Diego County cities plus Census Bureau data on the county itself, the four regions, and top things to do. Once you've got a full picture, you can make an informed decision on where to live. Here's what to know about top cities in San Diego County.
Table of Contents
San Diego County – Demographics, History & Top Attractions
San Diego County is the 5th most populous county in the U.S. and the second most populous county in California. However, it’s only the 84th largest U.S. county and the 10th largest of California’s 58 counties by area and roughly the size of Connecticut. The county is in the southwest corner of the state in Southern California. Riverside and Orange counties borders it to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and Imperial County to the east. Mexico is to the south.
The biggest city in San Diego County is San Diego, the county seat and the second largest city in California. The San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad metropolitan area is anchored by three of the top five largest cities in San Diego County. It’s also the 17th-most populous in the United States.
There are 18 incorporated cities in San Diego County. However, the county is home to more than 350 cities, towns, and census designated places (CDPs). The county also has 18 Native American tribal reservations – more than any other county in America. Outside the large metro area, the county is mostly rural.
According to the Census Bureau, San Diego County has America’s largest concentration of military personnel. About 7.6% of the county’s population is comprised of active-duty personnel and military family members while 13.5% are military veterans. There are 16 military installations in the county with 60% of the Navy’s fleet and one-third of the active-duty force of the Marines.
San Diego County is divided into four regions:
East County covers the area of the county to the east of the city of San Diego. The cities of Santee, CA and El Cajon are in the East County, as well as rural communities in the Mountain Empire area.
Central San Diego includes most of San Diego city and Coronado, but the northernmost neighborhoods and the South San Diego district are excluded. It’s the most populous region.
North County is the affluent area of northern San Diego County and the second-most populous region. It’s divided into two regions: coastal and inland North County. The coastal region is famous for its beach culture and includes Oceanside, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Vista, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, and Solana Beach. The inland area includes San Marcos, Escondido, and Poway.
South Bay refers to the San Diego County towns, cities, and communities at the southern end of the bay. South San Diego, National City, Lincoln Acres, Bonita, Imperial Beach, and Chula Vista are in the South Bay.
Are you ready to start moving to cities in San Diego County? Call 619-591-0079 for a free estimate now!
San Diego County Geography & Climate
The County of San Diego boasts a diverse geography that includes desert, mountains, and coastal beaches. The San Diego climate is mild Mediterranean to borderline arid, but the East County has a semi-arid or steppe climate.
The county has over 70 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean, including San Diego Bay. San Diego Bay is a natural harbor about 12 miles long and California’s third-largest natural bay after the San Francisco Bay and Humboldt Bay. The bay is spanned by the Coronado Bay that connects the metro area to Coronado, a resort city on a small peninsula.
The densely forested Laguna Mountains are in the eastern part of the county. This area experiences cooler temperatures and more extreme precipitation, including snow. Beyond the mountain range is the county’s desert region, the Sonoran Desert. The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park dominates the northwest of the county. The Cleveland National Forest covers central San Diego County and extends into Riverside and Orange counties.
San Diego County History
In 1542, San Diego Bay was claimed for the Spanish Empire and named San Miguel. Spanish settlers surveyed the area of the harbor and current-day Point Loma and Mission Bay in 1602. They named the area San Diego after Saint Didacus, a Spanish Franciscan missionary and saint.
After Mexico declared independence, San Diego County became part of Mexico in 1821. It became part of the United States after the end of the Mexican-American War in 1848. It was one of the first counties in California, which became a state two years later.
Are you interested in living in San Diego County cities? Schedule an appointment with Republic Moving and start a stress-free move now!
Top Attractions in San Diego County
You’ll find many people consider San Diego County cities to be among the best places to live in the United States. The coastal area is rated for having the best weather in the U.S. (and top 10 in the world!). For many, the ideal year-round weather is worth the “sunshine tax,” or the high cost of living in the area. The area also attracts new residents thanks to its excellent schools, strong economy, and its many attractions.
Some of the best things to do in San Diego County include:
San Diego County population density: 793 people per square mile
San Diego area: 4,210 square miles
Median age: 36.4
Median household income: $83,985
Median home price: $750,000
Educational attainment: 88% graduated high school or higher; 40% with a bachelor’s degree or higher
Does San Diego County sound perfect for you and your family? Call 619-591-0079 for a free quote for Republic Moving, the top moving company in San Diego County!
Cities in San Diego County
San Diego County has dozens of great cities to choose from. To narrow your options down, you should look at the most populous cities. Here are the ten most populous cities in San Diego County, listed in descending order of population.
#1. San Diego
San Diego population: 1,423,900
San Diego population density: 4,369 people per square mile
San Diego is the county seat and most populous city in San Diego County. Along with the small resort city of Coronado, it makes up the Central area of the county. San Diego is the second-most populous California city and the eighth-largest city in the U.S. The San Diego-Tijuana transborder metro area has a population of about 5 million.
San Diego is famous for its amazing climate, significant military presence, white-sand beaches, and world-famous attractions. The city also offers a strong economy and a range of neighborhoods for young professionals, retirees, millennials, and families alike. You have convenient access to the Mexican border, making border crossings easy.
#2. Chula Vista
Chula Vista population: 274,500
Chula Vista population density: 5,529 people per square mile
Chula Vista is San Diego County’s second-largest city and the seventh-largest city in Southern California. Located in the South Bay area, it’s just 7 miles from Tijuana, Mexico, and downtown San Diego. This affluent city is one of the best San Diego suburbs for families thanks to its family-friendly amenities and great schools.
Want to start moving to Chula Vista? Contact the top Chula Vista movers at Republic Moving now!
#3. Oceanside
Oceanside population: 175,800
Oceanside population density: 4,260 people per square mile
Oceanside is one of the most exciting places to live in San Diego County. It’s the third largest city in the county and the largest in the coastal North County area. Oceanside is famous for its beautiful harbor, sandy beaches, cliffs, and iconic wooden pier.
Interested in a beachside community but want to avoid the high prices you’ll find in coastal San Diego County cities? Oceanside is one of the most affordable beach communities in the area – although that’s definitely relative!
#4. Escondido
Escondido population: 151,600
Escondido population density: 4,063 people per square mile
Escondido is the largest city in the inland North County area and is known for its wineries and craft breweries. You can also visit the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It’s just 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego and 15 miles from the coast.
Downtown Escondido is an exciting destination with a growing arts scene, cafes, and restaurants. The city also boasts 15 beautiful parks like Kit Carson Park with a large arboretum. Combined with its low crime rate and great schools, Escondido is a great place to live for families. Find out more with our guide to living in Escondido, CA.
Does living in Escondido sound great to you? Hire top Escondido movers and enjoy a relaxing moving experience now!
#5. Carlsbad
Carlsbad population: 115,400
Carlsbad population density: 3,057 people per square mile
Carlsbad is the second-largest of the cities in the North County area and the fifth-largest city in SD County. Carlsbad is one of the most affluent cities in the United States. Along with Oceanside and Vista, it forms the Tri-City area. It's just 35 miles from San Diego, making it a nice community for commuters.
Carlsbad is famous for its gorgeous beaches, oceanside cliffs, lagoons, golf companies, and attractions. Carlsbad State Beach is one of the most popular spots for scuba diving, fishing, and swimming. Tamarack Surf Beach is one of the area’s top surfing destinations. Carlsbad is also home to LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE Aquarium, the Flower Fields, and other major attractions.
El Cajon is the sixth-largest of San Diego County cities by population and the largest in the East County region. About one-quarter of El Cajon’s population is made up of Iraqi Americans, the second-largest number of Iraqis in the U.S. El Cajon is home to 15,000 Chaldeans, a persecuted religious and ethnic minority from Iraq. El Cajon is roughly 17 miles east of San Diego.
El Cajon is one of the cheapest communities to live in SD County. According to RentCafe, the average rent in El Cajon is $1,700, cheaper than San Diego, Escondido, and Santee. Find out if living in El Cajon, CA is right for you with our complete guide to the city!
Vista is one of several cities in San Diego’s coastal North County. Located 42 miles north of San Diego, Vista is known for its incredible shopping and dining options. It’s even home to churches and temples for 75+ denominations, including a Buddhist Temple.
Vista is one of the best cities in San Diego County for families, thanks to its amazing parks and recreation. Brengle Terrace Park offers a playground, Alta Vista Gardens, the Moonlight Amphitheater, and a community center. Guajome County Park boasts woodlands, horse trails, and a lake. Families can also appreciate the downtown Wave Waterpark, the Vista Community Sports Park, and the Boomers Vista amusement park.
#8. San Marcos
San Marcos population: 96,700
San Marcos population density: 3,969 people per square mile
San Marcos is one of four major cities in San Diego County, California in the inland North County area. Located 36 miles north of San Diego, San Marcos surrounds the unincorporated area of Lake San Marcos. San Marcos is best known for California State University San Marcos and its large retail and commercial area.
Want to start moving to San Marcos? Schedule an appointment with Republic Moving and our team of friendly San Marcos movers!
#9. Encinitas
Encinitas population: 62,800
Encinitas population density: 3,295 people per square mile
Encinitas is the ninth-largest of cities in San Diego County by population and one of the most affluent. This beach city is about 25 miles north of San Diego in the coastal North County area.
Encinitas is famous forits beaches, surfing, and theSan Diego Botanic Garden. It’s home to some of the North County’s best beaches like Cardiff State Beach and Moonlight State Beach.
National City is the second oldest of all cities in San Diego County. The city is in the South Bay region six miles south of San Diego. It's one of the most affordable San Diego County cities.
National City, unfortunately, also has a high crime rate, with 55% more violent crime than the national average. The city is known for its great parks like Kimball Park or Pepper Park, a large waterfront park with a boat launch and fishing pier.
Is National City perfect for you? Contact the team of top National City movers from Republic Moving now!
Cities in San Diego County Map
You can use this map to find the best cities in San Diego County!
Have you found the right San Diego County cities to live in? Call 619-591-0079 and get a personalized estimate for moving to the best cities in San Diego County!
San Diego County FAQ
How Many Cities in San Diego County Are There?
There are 18 incorporated, urbanized cities in San Diego County. When towns and census designated places are included, there are more than 350 communities.
What Is the Most Populous San Diego County City?
San Diego County’s most populous city is San Diego, which has a population of 1.42 million.
Contact Republic Moving to start a stress-free move to San Diego County now!
How Many People Live in San Diego County?
The San Diego County population is 3.34 million. The entire county shares the same borders as the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad MSA.
What Cities Are in San Diego County?
Major cities in San Diego County include Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, National City, San Diego, and San Marcos.
Do any of these San Diego County cities sound like a great place to live? Schedule an appointment with Republic Moving and start an easy relocation today!
Where Is San Diego County?
San Diego County is in Southern California at the Mexico border across from Tijuana. It’s also bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Riverside, Orange, and Imperial counties.
Which of These San Diego County Cities Is Right for You?
Are you sold on settling in beautiful SD County? Whether you’re interested in living in San Diego proper, one of the area’s gorgeous beach cities, or the more affordable inland areas, Republic Moving & Storage is here to help. Call our friendly San Diego movers today for a free quote so you can look forward to life in your new city without the stress.
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.
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