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- 3.3M Residents
- $262B County GDP
- $79,641 GDP per Capita
San Diego County
San Diego County
San Diego County is California's second-most populous county, home to about 3.3 million residents along an 80-mile Pacific coastline. The county seat and largest city is San Diego, with significant population centers in Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon. The economy is anchored by the U.S. Navy, biotech and life sciences (Torrey Pines mesa), defense contracting, tourism, and a thriving cross-border trade relationship with Tijuana, Mexico.
Property in San Diego
What every owner, heir, and investor should know.
Owning a home in San Diego.
San Diego homeowners benefit from one of the most desirable climates in the country and consistent long-term appreciation, though prices are well above state averages. The Assessor handles Prop 13 base-year valuations, Prop 19 transfers, and disabled veteran/homeowners' exemptions. Coastal Mello-Roos and HOA dues vary widely and should be verified at acquisition.
Investing in San Diego.
San Diego is a top-tier West Coast investment market for multifamily, single-family rentals, and short-term rentals (where permitted). The City of San Diego's STR licensing tiers are strict; investors should verify license availability before acquisition. Rent control beyond AB 1482 is limited but tenant just-cause rules and ADU bonuses meaningfully impact strategy.
After a San Diego foreclosure or tax deed sale.
Non-judicial trustee sales for San Diego County are typically held at the entrance of the East County Regional Center in El Cajon or as specified in the Notice of Trustee Sale. The Treasurer-Tax Collector conducts annual online tax-defaulted property auctions through Bid4Assets, usually in spring. The county's auction inventory often includes desert parcels in Borrego Springs and other unincorporated areas requiring careful access and use review.
Courts and records in San Diego.
The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego operates from the Hall of Justice and Central Courthouse downtown plus branches in El Cajon, Vista, Chula Vista, and Juvenile/Family courts. The Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk maintains official records via the SDARCC portal, with vital records and recorded documents accessible online and at multiple branch offices.