So what can someone expect to be finding when looking for a home in San Diego at around a $900K price point?
First of all — $900,000 is a significant amount of money. It’s something anyone should be proud to say they’ve worked hard, saved, and positioned themselves to invest in. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or this is your second or third purchase, $900K represents years of discipline and commitment.
The hard part about San Diego? Even with a lump sum like $900,000, you may need to adjust expectations.
Currently in San Diego, the median home price — depending on the source — is hovering in the mid to high $900,000s. According to Redfin’s San Diego Housing Market Trends, home prices here frequently rank in the top 10 most expensive markets nationally, outpacing national averages by roughly 131%. We remain one of the most competitive and desirable markets in the country.
If you were thinking your $900K would buy you a single-family home on the beach… well, unfortunately, those days may be behind us — miles behind us at this point — unless you find that unicorn.
But here’s the good news:
You can still find great homes, in great neighborhoods, if you broaden your view.
If Your Heart Is Set on the Beach
If coastal living is your dream, you can still get close — but you’ll need to shift expectations.
In areas like:
- Pacific Beach
- Ocean Beach
- Mission Beach
$900K is far more likely to buy you:
- A smaller condo
- An older unit
- Limited square footage
- HOA dues (sometimes substantial)
You’re probably not getting a large single-family home with a big yard steps from the sand. What you are getting is location — and in real estate, location drives long-term value.
You may find 600–1,000 square feet in these areas at this price point. Smaller footprint, bigger lifestyle.
Move Central = More Options
As you start moving more central, you open up a whole different world of possibilities.
Neighborhoods like:
- North Park
- Serra Mesa
- Allied Gardens
- University Heights
At $900K, you might find:
- 750–1,400 sqft single-family homes
- Older homes with character
- Smaller lots
- Fixer opportunities
If you’re in a “cool and hip” neighborhood, square footage will likely be on the smaller side. But these areas offer walkability, restaurants, nightlife, and strong long-term appreciation potential.
And historically speaking, once you’re in the San Diego market — you’re building equity in one of the strongest real estate regions in the country.
Go East or Rural = More Bang for Your Buck
If you’re willing to go further out, you’ll typically gain:
- Larger homes
- Bigger yards
- More outdoor living space
- Newer construction (in some areas)
Communities like:
- La Mesa
- Santee
- Alpine
have seen an explosion of buyers over the last few years.
La Mesa
La Mesa has experienced a revitalization of its historic downtown — now a popular destination for dining, boutique shopping, and the lively Friday evening Farmers Market. Buyers who were priced out of central San Diego have brought fresh energy into the community.
Santee
Santee continues to grow, with increased development, retail expansion, and community investment. Buyers here are often trading commute time for square footage.
Alpine
Alpine offers a more rural lifestyle — bigger lots, scenic views, and more breathing room. What you lose in proximity to the coast, you gain in livable space and privacy.
It’s a give and take.
What You Can Expect at $900K
Across much of San Diego County, you can expect:
- Older homes vs. new builds
- Smaller square footage in desirable areas
- Cosmetic upgrades needed
- Competitive offers in hot neighborhoods
But here’s something important:
Paint, flooring, lighting, and thoughtful updates can completely transform a home.
An older home with good bones can become something wonderful with a little sweat equity. Sometimes the best opportunities are the homes that don’t photograph perfectly online.
The Shift We’re Seeing
I expect we will continue to see communities that were once considered “on the fringe” become the new popular buying spots as prices grow throughout the county. This is a pattern we’ve seen repeatedly in San Diego’s real estate history.
Buyers expand outward.
Communities revitalize.
Values follow.
My Advice to Buyers
As you look around San Diego for your next home:
- Don’t rule out areas — explore them all.
- Spend time in neighborhoods at different times of day.
- Look beyond cosmetic flaws.
- Think long-term value.
Most importantly, work with an agent you trust.
You want someone who doesn’t care whether you buy today, next month, or next year — but cares that you buy what’s right for you when it’s right for you. Someone invested in your best interest, not just the transaction.
San Diego is one of the most desirable markets in the country. $900K may not buy what it once did — but it still opens the door to homeownership in an incredible place to live.
And once you’re in?
You’re in.
If you would like me to to send you a list of homes in San Diego or the surrounding area please feel free to reach out. https://www.compass.com/agents/kathleen-moen/