San Diego metro, CA relocation guide
Moving to National City, CA
About National City
National City is a South Bay city of about 56,000 people, roughly 6 miles south of downtown San Diego on the bay. It is one of the county's oldest communities, with a historic district of Victorian homes and major commercial corridors along National City Boulevard and Plaza Boulevard. Housing is among the county's most affordable near downtown, with condos, apartments, and single-family homes.
Home prices in National City
The median listing price in National City is $705,000.
Top places in National City
- National City historic district — Victorian and Craftsman homes, shown in the Commons photo below.
- National City Boulevard corridor — the city's main commercial street (East 8th Street view shown in the Commons photo below).
- Plaza Bonita — regional shopping mall on the city's edge.
- Pepper Park — bayfront park on the National City marina.
- Kimball Park — the city's central park with the municipal pool.
- Paradise Valley Hospital area and the Mile of Cars on National City Boulevard.
Commuting from National City
- Downtown San Diego: roughly 12–15 minutes off-peak via I-5 (about 6 miles); 20–35 minutes in rush-hour traffic.
- Sorrento Valley/UTC: roughly 25–30 minutes off-peak via I-5/I-805; longer at peak.
- Blue Line Trolley: National City stations to downtown Santa Fe Depot take roughly 20–30 minutes (verify current MTS schedule).
Schools in National City
Public schools: National Elementary School District. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.
National City FAQs
- What is the housing market like in National City, CA?
The median listing price in National City is $705,000. Median listing price (active listings, all property types) · Realtor.com · 2026-09-24 - How is the commute from National City, CA?
Downtown San Diego: roughly 12–15 minutes off-peak via I-5 (about 6 miles); 20–35 minutes in rush-hour traffic. - Which school district serves National City, CA?
National City is served by National Elementary School District. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
Town links
Schools
Transit
Official town resources. School report cards via the National Center for Education Statistics.