Where are San Diego homebuyers coming from
Where San Diego Buyers Are Coming From—And Why It Matters
Get Free Info:
Homeowners (Selling or Trading Up):
Get Multiple Full-Market Cash Offers (Free)
Renters / Buyers:
See Off-Market & Early-Access Listings
Prefer to talk? Call/Text George Lorimer at 619-846-1244.
San Diego County: Still Growing—Slowly
The California Department of Finance estimates San Diego County at 3,330,139 residents as of Jan 1, 2025, up 0.4% year over year.
Statewide, population growth has resumed thanks to improved natural increase and a rebound in immigration, with California adding ~108,000 people in 2024.
Who’s Moving In (and Out)?
- Top inbound searchers into San Diego are from Los Angeles and San Francisco metros, per Redfin user migration data (Jun–Aug ’25).
- In the same period, 74% of San Diego buyers searched to stay within the metro and 26% looked to move out—showing strong local turnover but also outward pressure.
Translation: More eyes on San Diego listings (especially from higher-priced SoCal/Bay Area markets), which can support pricing in many neighborhoods—while a quarter of locals are exploring exits for space or payment relief.
Forward Look: Population Path
SANDAG’s latest long-range forecast (Series 15) expects the region to grow by roughly 113,000 people between 2022 and 2050—a slower, steadier track than past cycles, reflecting tighter housing and moderated migration.
Bottom line: demand doesn’t “spike,” it persists—and when rates ease or inventory dips, prices can firm quickly (recent reports already show pricing resilience).
What It Means If You’re Selling or Trading Up
- Sellers: Out-of-area buyers (LA/SF) bring higher budgets & flexible timelines. Positioning to reach them can boost competition and net.
- Move-Up Owners: List timing matters. We can align sale + purchase, or even bring multiple full-market cash offers so you know your net before you buy.
What It Means If You’re Renting
Inflow from higher-priced metros keeps a floor under entry prices. If you’re paying $3,000+ in rent, a structured search (including off-market) plus a seller credit or rate buy-down can move you from rent to equity sooner.
Get Free Info:
Homeowners (Selling or Trading Up):
Get Multiple Full-Market Cash Offers (Free)
Renters / Buyers:
See Off-Market & Early-Access Listings
Prefer to talk? Call/Text George Lorimer at 619-846-1244.
ProWest Properties • DRE# 01146839 • This is general information, not legal or tax advice.