1. I prefer to not buy new developments. I remember buying in mid-90’s and saw what the 80’s development looked like by then. Within a decade styles change and become dated and require updating anyway.
2. Prefer easy commutes to downtown/central SD job locations (e.g 15 min), and avoid I-15 and I-5 corridors (esp I-5 north of merge). If you work north of there you should have the opposite bias.
That said, I prefer older established central/ coast: Point Loma, Bay Park, Upper OB, Mission Hills, north PB, Bird Rock, La Jolla.
Almost forgot the rest of the “why?”
Coastal climate (A/C not required). Access to downtown, zoo/sea world (kid activities), beaches. Houses with views of Bay/Ocean. Short ride to airport. Decent dining options.
