There are a LOT of areas in SD County with SFR’s <$250k. But they are not in the most desirable areas. They are not in areas that most people that live by the beach have probably ever been. You can get a totally rehabbed 3/2 1,200-1,500sf house built between the 1940's to 1970's for about $250k, and a 3/2 fixer for say $210k in these areas. -El Cajon -Santee -Lakeside -Old Chula Vista -Paradise Hills -Lemon Grove -Spring Valley -National City -Encanto -City Heights -SE San Diego -Oceanside -Vista -Escondido -San Ysidro -Many parts of the College area There are all more working class, blue collar areas. If you want to get into a white collar area with the very top schools, yes it is going to be $350,000 on the very, very low end for a fixer and more like $500,000 for a fixed up house. You can get condo's pretty much ANYWHERE for $250k or less. Even in places like Carlsbad, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Bernardo, Point Loma, PB, etc... And that is even 3/2 condos!