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As a resident of downtown San Diego from 2000-2004, I lived there at the cusp of the real estate boom…When bulldozers and the sounds of construction woke me up every single day at 6 a.m. It was frustrating, yet very exciting at the same time. I felt major changes occurring in the downtown real estate market and I was right smack in the middle of it. I was very excited to see East Village blooming into a very hip, happening place - a far cry from what it was ten years ago. I remember being a little hesitant to even walk in that area during that time.

However, now downtown San Diego has grown into a very chic, yet still very down-to-earth metropolitan area and to this day I’m still amazed at the improvements that have been made. If only they could fix the potholes and cracks in the streets! Oh, but I digress…

Although I now live out in the suburbs, I still make my way into downtown a couple days out of the week to do some writing in a coffee shop or just enjoy a nice lunch in one of the many restaurants in the Gaslamp District.

This is the view from one of my favorite hangouts, Java Jones Coffeehouse on 9th Ave in East Village. It’s a very dog-friendly coffee joint that serves organic coffee and all kinds of healthy treats. I love it because it has free wi-fi and a couch, plus armchairs for people who don’t like sitting on hard wooden chairs!

Right around the corner from Java Jones you’ll see many of the newer condominium buildings, including Alta which you can see here with the “Now Selling” banner plastered across the building.

This is the scene from the trolley stop at the bottom of Smart Corner. Smart Corner offers studios, condos, and lofts from the mid $200,000’s.

Despite it’s massive growth, downtown San Diego still maintains that small town feel…

What was once a land of small rolling hills is now a vibrant and busy community. I’m talking about East Chula Vista - an area that has seen tremendous growth in the past five years.

If you take highway 805 and exit Olympic Parkway, you’ll head into territory occupied by housing developments that stretch for miles. You’ll even pass by the new Otay Ranch Town Center where high-end retail establishments signify the wealth of the surrounding community.

Because East Chula Vista is a newer community, you’ll see a great deal of track housing which is pretty typical for Southern California. Those who bought in the early days of these housing developments - which was about 8-9 years ago - have experienced a huge spike in equity. Of course, like many areas of the country, the real estate market in this area has slowed down a bit, but home values haven’t gone down that much.

What I like about this community are all the little parks for kids (and adults!) to play. I also like the trails where people could take a walk or jog through the canyons and hills.

Homes in East Chula Vista start around the $400K’s. You can also find condos starting in the mid $200K’s.

Get more information about all of Chula Vista…

Here’s another great Chula Vista resource with demographics and charts…

What’s it like to live in San Diego? Well, as I browsed through The San Diego Beat blog, I came across this blog about San Elijo Life. The community of San Elijo is representative of the North County lifestyle. Rolling hills, gentle breezes, and over all easy-going, relaxed living. Hmmm…sounds like the life of almost every San Diego resident!

San Elijo is a suburban community located just over 30 miles north of downtown San Diego. It is home to San Elijo Hills, the highest point in the North County. Find out more about San Elijo Hills from Realtor, Jeff Dowler.

Pictured here is a home that is part of the Masterpiece Collection of single family homes located in San Elijo Hills. Other newer neighborhoods include Atherton, Luminara, and Symphony. Homes in these areas begin around the mid $500K’s.

Relaxed, easy living is a great way to describe Bonita, a community just 20 minutes south of downtown San Diego. Residents enjoy luxurious homes on hilltops which can overlook a golf course, the canyons, a park, or perhaps see the skyline of downtown in the distance.

You’ll find grocery stores and shopping centers like Plaza Bonita Mall within the community. It’s also a common thing to see people riding their horses or going for a run on the trail that outlines the golf course.

Bonita borders East Chula Vista where many new residential projects have been built recently. For more information about Bonita, check out this Bonita Community Profile.

To get an idea of what homes are currently selling for in Bonita, check out Bonita MLS Listings.