📰 News Highlights

San Diego rent prices fall in national rankings

For the first time since 2010, the average rent in the San Diego area finished the year lower than it began, based on new data from CoStar Group. Experts say the decrease is small—0.2% for the year and over 1% in the last six months—but it suggests a change that might give renters more power, as this trend is likely to continue next year.

The median rent for a San Diego County one-bedroom apartment was $2,220 a month in January, down 5.5% in a year, said Zumper’s national rent report. That ranks San Diego metro at No. 9 in the real estate website’s priciest markets — down from No. 7 for the better part of two years post-pandemic.

Want to learn more? Check out this article.

SANDAG Awards $55 Million to San Diego County to Find 36 Transportation Projects

The SANDAG Board awarded $55 million through the TransNet Smart Growth Incentive Program (SGIP) Cycle 6 to fund 36 projects in the San Diego region. This includes nearly $45 million for capital projects and $10.8 million for climate action and planning projects across 14 cities and the County of San Diego. This is the largest SGIP funding cycle since the program's inception 17 years ago.

Funded by the TransNet half-cent sales tax, SGIP supports local transportation projects promoting compact, mixed-use development near transit and public facilities. Previously, $59 million was awarded over five cycles for 70 projects. In Cycle 6, $44.6 million will fund 15 capital projects with safety and mobility enhancements, $8.8 million will support 14 planning projects, and $2 million will go to 7 climate action plan projects.

Want to learn more? Check out this article.

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

Spandragon stadium to host men’s and women’s soccer games during the 2028 Olympics

Snapdragon opened in 2022 as the home of SDSU and the NWSL's San Diego Wave. Fueled by the presence of 2012 gold medalist Alex Morgan, the Wave set numerous attendance records. In 2025, San Diego FC played its record-breaking MLS expansion season at Snapdragon, finishing fourth in the league in average attendance (28,064).

Snapdragon has already hosted international soccer matches, including the Concacaf Men's and Women's Gold Cups. LA28 announced Tuesday morning that Snapdragon Stadium will be among the host sites for group stage and knockout matches.

Want to learn more? Watch our reel or read this article

Carlsbad updates ADU rules

Carlsbad has updated its city rules for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to align with state law, making it easier for homeowners to build them. Here are the main changes:

1. Size Limits

- Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet.

- Attached ADUs can be up to 50% of the main house size or 1,200 square feet, whichever is larger, with a minimum of 800 square feet.

2. Number of Units

- Single-family lots can now have up to three units: one junior ADU (JADU), one converted ADU, and one attached or detached ADU.

- Multi-family lots can add up to eight detached ADUs.

3. Setbacks and Height

- Side and rear setbacks are reduced to 4 feet.

- The previous one-story limit for detached ADUs has been relaxed, but they must still meet height, design, and parking rules.

4. Restrictions

- Roof decks are not allowed.

- New detached ADUs must have solar panels.

These changes are designed to make the approval process easier and increase affordable housing. "Permit Ready" plans are available for ADUs between 400 and 1,000 square feet to help speed up construction.

Want to learn more? Watch our reel or read this article.

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

Check out The Art of Banksy Exhibit at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

The Art of Banksy: Without Limits is a street art exhibition featuring over 200 original works, including prints, sculptures, installations, murals, and more. This is the largest and most comprehensive exhibit of Banksy’s work yet!
🖼️ See 200 of the artist's works, featuring certified originals, photos, sculptures, installations, murals and more
✨ Step into the Infinity Room and discover multiple installations, including those from Dismaland Bemusement Park
🎨 Admire some of Banksy's art reproduced on walls with the artist’s stencil technique, exclusively for this exhibition
👕 Spray paint Banksy's iconic art on your own tee with your Premium ticket and contribute 2$ to the humanitarian support of saving refugees

Want to learn more? Check out their website.

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: HeyTea (Del Mar)

📍 Del Mar | 12925 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130

HeyTea is a globally renowned tea brand, originating in China, known for its innovative cheese tea creations. They combine high-quality tea leaves with fresh ingredients to craft unique and flavorful beverages. They have cheese foam teas (a must try) and refreshing fruit blends — every drink designed to deliver a perfect balance of taste and texture. Try their crisp grape boom or tiramisu milk tea!

Check out their instagram here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Manna

📍 Leucadia | 1076 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

After leaving passion project Jeune et Jolie, Michelin-rated chef Andrew Bachelier found himself looking for his next endeavor. He and his wife, Larah, created Atelier Manna, a soulful breakfast place for the community to be nourished through food. They believe food is more than just sustenance. Inspired by the Blue Zones - the regions where residents live to 100 years old due to their focus on whole, unprocessed foods, they source the freshest, most vibrant local produce available.

It is an expensive choice for breakfast, but the atmosphere and attention to detail make the experience worthwhile. Their menu is seasonal, but you’ll have to try the Turkish eggs while they’re on the menu.

Check out their website here!

📺 What’s Changing and What You Should Know about SD

Every San Diego Neighborhood Explained in 15 Minutes

San Diego gets talked about like it’s one place, but it’s really six very different worlds stitched together. You can drive 20 minutes, and everything changes: pricing can jump by hundreds of thousands, the weather can shift, and the pace of life can go from laid-back to nonstop depending on where you land. That’s why so many people fall in love with “San Diego” and then realize they picked a region that doesn’t match how they actually live.

In this video, I’m breaking down the major areas across the county so you can understand what you’re really signing up for with each one, cost, vibe, and the practical day-to-day trade-offs that don’t show up in listing photos. Watch through to the end, then comment on what you want your life here to look like (beach access, commute, schools, nightlife, space, walkability) and your budget, and I’ll point you toward the regions that fit, and the ones you should probably skip.

The REAL Pros & Cons of Living in San Diego 2026

San Diego gets ranked as one of the most desirable places in America, and I understand why. The weather is consistent, the coastline is unreal, and the whole pace of life can feel like you’re on vacation even on a random Tuesday. It’s easy to fall for the idea of living here before you’ve even figured out what your day-to-day would actually look like.

But there’s a side of San Diego that doesn’t make it into the highlight reels, insurance costs are climbing in fire-prone areas, most routines revolve around driving, and the price tag of “the lifestyle” can be shocking the first time you run the numbers. In this video, I’m breaking down the real pros and cons of living in San Diego in 2026, focused on the practical stuff that shapes your daily life.

If you’re thinking about moving here, comment on what matters most to you: budget, commute, schools, walkability, or access to the beach, and I’ll help you figure out which areas make sense for your lifestyle.king about making a move, I’ll guide you through the best spots and why some are more trouble than they’re worth. Stick around to find out where you should really be looking, and if you’re already eyeing specific neighborhoods, drop them in the comments, and I’ll help you figure out if they’re a good match.

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Reach out to Bern for personalized support, market insights, or to get your home listed and seen. 📧 Email Bern Today: [email protected]

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