Thinking about relocating to San Diego? Here’s what you should consider

Jan 18, 2022 - Candela Delucchi

The start of a new year often encourages us to reflect on our lives and challenges us to reimagine all its possibilities. A shiny new job, a beautiful new place to call home, and a meaningful purpose to make the world, and our own world, a better place. 

We’re here to tell you that all of this is possible, and we happen to know the perfect place to build your future. Besides our year-round perfect weather and delicious tacos, San Diego is home to life-saving biotech and life sciences companies, real work-life balance, and people who really care – about you and the world. In our unbiased opinion, it’s the best place to live in California – and maybe the best place to live, period.

Whether you’re exploring the next step of your career (we won’t tell) or have an offer in hand (congratulations!), here are five things you should think about when considering relocating to San Diego.

1. Can I grow my career in San Diego?

When you’re looking to relocate, it’s important to consider opportunities beyond your first offer. Will there be opportunities to build your long-term career? 

If you’re climbing the career ladder, job openings at San Diego life sciences companies of all sizes have grown 0.5% percent in the past year, even amid COVID-19 challenges. Whether you’re a scientist, software engineer, or data analyst, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for career growth at homegrown giants like Illumina and high-growth San Diego startups like Cue Health and DermTech. And with average salaries for experienced professionals at $127,000, plus plenty of benefits (PTO, volunteer time off, and on-campus amenities, anyone?), you’ll get to change the world in comfort and security. 

Next move: Subscribe to The Lead for a monthly email roundup of San Diego’s most exciting, life-changing jobs.

2. What’s it like to live in San Diego?

Serious question: Where else can you get in a surf sesh before walking to work to save lives?

But it’s not just us saying San Diego is the best. U.S. News and World Report ranked San Diego the #1 most fun place to live, citing our pristine beaches, sunny weather, and delicious regional restaurants. With our emphasis on balance in every part of live, San Diego is one of the best places to live for families.

Gary Lovely, Development Manager, at global communications company Viasat agrees:

Next move: Explore your future San Diego neighborhood. From family-friendly Chula Vista to trendy hipster haven North Park, there’s a San Diego neighborhood for everyone.

3. What’s San Diego’s weather like?

Imagine a life where you no longer have to wake up early to shovel your driveway, defrost your car, or check the weather (our winter coats are…somewhere). With our sunny and 75 degree year-round temperatures, it’s no wonder San Diegans are bright and active to match. And to put on our lab coats for a moment (classic San Diegans): Sunny weather causes the human brain to release more serotonin, making us more calm, happy, and focused. It’s amazing what a bit of sunlight can do!

Next move: Learn how you can just say no to winter…and say say YES to your dream life in the sun.

4. Can I build my network or find friends in San Diego?

So you’re seriously considering joining the crew. One of the best ways to make San Diego home is by building your network – whether you’re looking for professional relationships or friendships. Lucky for you, San Diego has a vibrant community with something in store for everyone.

Network virtually with Startup San Diego, San Diego Tech Hub, or San Diego Biotech Network through their online events. Or find friends outside of your powerhouse career by using social tools like Twitter, Facebook groups, and Meetup.

Next move: Subscribe to The Latest to learn about current happenings and upcoming networking events.

5. Can I start my own business in San Diego?

San Diegans don’t just work for world-class companies: We launch our own. 

San Diego’s startup ecosystem is big, bold, and booming with record-breaking venture capital investment, outpacing 2020 by more than $2.6 billion. Join the ranks of Tyra Biosciences, Element Bio, and Flock Freight and grow your brain child in the best environment for its growth.

And when you’re ready, you’ll have a supportive community ready to help you: Connect All to join its Business Accelerator program, We Tha Plug and its Incubator program for Pan African, Latinx and other under-resourced founders, CONNECT to help you access venture capital, and Startup San Diego to network with fellow entrepreneurs.

Next move: Learn about San Diego’s rapidly-growing club of unicorns…then dream up the big idea that will land you among them.

So: Ready to make your big move to San Diego? Whether you’re relocating for work or chasing your warm-weather dream life, we can’t wait to greet you with San Diego sun and life-changing science (and maybe a California burrito or two).