San Diego has changed a lot in the past ten years! My family and I have been here for almost a decade, and it’s amazing to look back and see how much this city has evolved—for better or worse. Let’s take a tour through some of the biggest changes, from rising costs and exciting new sports to an evolving food scene and the ups and downs of tourism.
Gas Prices
One of the first things anyone living in or visiting San Diego today will notice? The cost of living has gone way up—especially gas prices. In recent years, gas here has fluctuated between $4 and $6 per gallon! Back in 2015, the median home price was around $450,000, and now it’s over $850,000. These steep prices have made it challenging for young families, retirees, and everyone in between to afford life here. And with rent also through the roof (think $2,300 for a one-bedroom), the question of affordability is on everyone’s mind.
Public Transportation
On the plus side, San Diego has made serious strides in public transportation. The city extended the trolley line, now connecting more areas, like UTC to downtown. There’s even the Cross Border Xpress terminal for easy travel between the U.S. and Mexico, and Terminal 1 at the airport is currently getting a major upgrade. These improvements have made it easier to navigate San Diego without always relying on a car, although most residents still need one. Maybe one day, we’ll see more connections to North County (fingers crossed!).
Sports
San Diego’s sports scene has been through some ups and downs. Back in 2017, the Chargers left for Los Angeles, leaving a hole in our football-loving hearts. But on the flip side, the Padres have been on fire, bringing incredible energy to Petco Park and the city. San Diego’s soccer scene has also taken off with the San Diego Wave and a new football club launching next year. Even NBA fans have something to cheer for with the Los Angeles Clippers’ G-League team based in Oceanside. It’s been a bittersweet decade in sports, but overall, the city’s enthusiasm for sports has grown.
Food Scene
San Diego’s food scene has absolutely exploded. A decade ago, we were mostly known for Mexican food (which is still fantastic), but now you can find all sorts of amazing cuisine, from gourmet seafood to fusion tacos. Places like North Park and Little Italy are now food hotspots, drawing locals and tourists alike. Plus, with over 150 breweries, San Diego has become one of the top craft beer destinations in the U.S. With four Michelin-starred restaurants and nine Bib Gourmand spots, our food scene has come a long way.
Job Market
Ten years ago, San Diego’s economy mainly revolved around tourism and military jobs. Now, we’re seeing big tech names like Google, Amazon, and Apple set up shop, creating job opportunities, especially in tech and pharmaceuticals. While this job boom is exciting, it’s also contributed to rising housing costs, making it harder for locals to keep up. The city is now a biotech hub, and with more people working remotely, many high-paying professionals have chosen to make San Diego their home.
Housing
San Diego’s housing market has grown a lot, too, with new neighborhoods like 3Roots in Sorrento Mesa and Mission Valley’s newer developments adding eco-friendly homes to the mix. But, despite these new builds, housing demand still outweighs supply, keeping prices high. With much of San Diego city itself built out, it’s increasingly difficult to find open land for new development, so construction has shifted to the north and south of the county. Affordable housing remains a tough issue, especially in areas with high demand for rentals.
Entertainment
Entertainment in San Diego is better than ever! New music venues like The Sound and The Rady Shell have quickly become some of the best spots to catch live music, with top-notch concerts and events happening regularly. Families can also enjoy places like Sesame Place in Chula Vista and SeaWorld, which has added more roller coasters in recent years. From concerts by the bay to family days at Sesame Place, San Diego offers more fun options than ever before.
Tourism
Tourism is one of the most significant ways San Diego has evolved over the past decade. With the rise of Airbnb, visitors now have many more options for where to stay, which is great for tourism but has also made it harder for locals to find affordable rentals. At the peak of the pandemic, tourism took a big hit, but in 2023, the city welcomed over 30 million visitors who spent a record-breaking $14 billion. Tourism is central to San Diego’s identity, and while it brings in great revenue, it’s a balancing act for locals and city planners to manage all those visitors.
So, that’s the rundown! From soaring costs to a thriving food scene, an evolving job market, and an explosion of new entertainment venues, San Diego is a city in flux. Some changes have been challenging, while others make us love the city even more. What changes have you noticed in San Diego over the years? Let me know, and here’s to seeing how “America’s Finest City” will continue to grow!
