When People Say They Don't Like Imperial Beach: A 7-Year Local's Response

A few months ago, a viral video circulated of a girl listing "10 Places She'd Never Go in San Diego." Imperial Beach made her list. I've lived here for 7 years. Here's my response.

Imperial Beach is a community in San Diego filled with local businesses, camaraderie, good people, nature, and veterans. It's one of the most underestimated zip codes in the county — and for buyers who figure that out, it's one of the best opportunities left on the San Diego coast.

What Living in Imperial Beach Actually Looks Like

It's walking your dog through the estuary on a Tuesday morning with no one else around. The kind of nature access that most San Diego neighborhoods charge a premium for — here it's just part of the backdrop.

It's local businesses where people know your name. Camaraderie that shows up when something goes wrong in the neighborhood. A community that genuinely welcomes you and expects you to carry that culture forward.

It's a strong military and veteran community — the kind of place where neighbors have served, sacrificed, and chosen to put down roots. That shapes the character of the whole town.

Imperial Beach is not for everyone. The people who love it know immediately. #TOKNOWIBISTOLOVEIB

Watch the reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUlV0enFALd/

Who Buys in Imperial Beach (and Why)

Buyers who choose Imperial Beach are not settling. They're making a deliberate call. They want beach proximity without Coronado prices. They want a real neighborhood, not a resort town. They want nature, walkability, and a community that has their back.

Sellers in Imperial Beach are often military families who have grown roots here over years — people who know the value of what they're leaving and want to work with an agent who understands it too.

I've called IB home for 7 years. I know what buyers are getting and what sellers are giving up. That context matters in every transaction I run here.

Imperial Beach Real Estate: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Imperial Beach a good place to live in San Diego?

Yes. Imperial Beach is one of San Diego's last genuinely affordable beach communities. It has a strong local identity, a tight-knit community, access to nature through the Tijuana Estuary, and a military/veteran culture that shapes the neighborhood. It's not for everyone — the people who love it know immediately.

What is the Imperial Beach real estate market like?

Imperial Beach offers beach-adjacent pricing well below Coronado and Pacific Beach. Inventory is limited, especially for move-in ready single-family homes and VA-approved condos. Buyers who are pre-approved and ready to move act quickly when the right property comes up.

Is Imperial Beach good for VA loan buyers?

Imperial Beach has a strong veteran community and several VA-approved condo complexes. It's one of the best markets in San Diego County for VA buyers who want coastal access without Coronado price points. I specialize in helping military and veteran buyers find homes in IB and the surrounding area.

How do I find a realtor in Imperial Beach?

You're looking at one. I've lived in Imperial Beach for 7 years, I know the inventory, and I work with both buyers and sellers throughout IB and Coronado. Reach out below and let's talk about what you're looking for.

What are homes for sale in Imperial Beach priced at?

Pricing in Imperial Beach varies by property type. Condos can start in the $400-500k range for move-in ready units near the beach. Single-family homes range from the mid-$600ks upward depending on size, condition, and proximity to the water. Inventory moves quickly — reach out for current listings.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Imperial Beach?

Whether you're buying your first home in IB, selling a property you've owned for years, or just trying to figure out if this neighborhood is right for you — I'm the agent who can walk you through it. I live here. I work here. Here's how to reach me: https://militaryhomessandiego.com/work-with-me.

- Madeline Foley, The Foley Group | Imperial Beach & Coronado Realtor