We might have the same taste, so also look into the following:
Mission Hills – great homes and architecture, nice lots, and windy streets with trees. On the edge of some canyons are magnificent views, but be aware that on some streets, you can really hear the roar of I-5 or the planes taking off at the airport. But, amazingly beautiful, with lots of old homes, and big established shady trees.
Kensington – nice community feel, great homes like the above, but pocketed between some shady neighborhoods. Weather is slightly warmer in Summer as it is more east, but it is right off the 15, and you could be downtown in minutes. Lots of good restaurants, etc too.
South Park – I think this is one of San Diego’s best kept secrets. Huge lots, Craftsmen and Spanish style homes, many overlooking Balboa Park, or the golf course, minutes from downtown, and home to San Diego’s hippest new restaurant, Vagabond. (Seriously, the types in there are some cool cats . And I don’t mean hipsters, I mean professionals with good jobs, but not plastic-y.)
Mt. Helix – a little further east, but some of San Diego’s oldest money, and many, many custom homes. Plus, the views are magnificent. Schools are good. But, a little harder to get in and out of. You’d soon learn the back roads. In fact there may be a way to jump on the 94 and head straight into downtown that I don’t know about. The neat thing about those homes up there is many have granny flats (so if you have aging parents, it’s kind of nice to know they could live with you, but not be on top of you.)
The funny thing about San Diego is that there are pockets all over the place. (I’m talking about below the 8.) So, if you don’t mind going a few blocks through bad stuff to get to good stuff, you can find beautiful homes.
I’ve heard Clairemont is very up and coming, and of course it’s ‘central’, but unless you’ve got an amazing view, and live on the edge of a canyon, I still think the homes are the worst types of tract homes ever built, and getting in and out is for the birds.