SAN DIEGO—South County remains one of the only places in San Diego County where a large, master-planned community can be introduced, and it offers more-affordable product relative to the northern half of the county, Meyers Research LLC's VP of advisory San Diego Adam McAbee tells GlobeSt.com. Meyers recently reported that South County's product lines are generally dense (particularly by suburban standards), but they are also high quality with creative, livable floorplans and more “wow” than one might expect given the price point. Other trends coming from the region on which he reported include:

Density connects the dots between new construction and attainable pricing.
Density can work in suburbia.
Private elevators help three-story townhomes live like single-level homes.
Contemporary design is at the forefront.
Remember that home buying is often an emotional experience, so make it fun.

We spoke with McAbee about the South County housing market and how density is advancing in the San Diego region.

GlobeSt.com: What is your overall characterization of the South County housing market?

McAbee: First of all, San Diego's South County is where the land is. While there has been significant development there over the past two decades, it remains one of the only places in the county where a large, new master-planned community can be introduced. Second, it offers more-affordable product relative to the northern half of the county, yet it also has plenty of high-quality shopping, good schools, etc.

GlobeSt.com: How can the concept of density work for the San Diego region?

McAbee: Density will likely be a cornerstone of new development going forward, due to both the lack of developable land and the need for more-affordable or “attainable” housing.

GlobeSt.com: Which areas of the county are most accepting of density?

McAbee: Aside from the obvious urban core, cities across the county are generally embracing the concept of density, particularly when the produce is for-sale product. That is not to say that they are against dense rental product; it's just an easier sell to a city when the future residents have a vested interest in the area over the long term. We expect builders and developers to focus on smaller infill sites around the county that check all of the boxes in terms of access, visibility, surrounding land uses, views and proximity to services, schools, etc.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about density and housing in South County? McAbee: Density is not new to South County, but it is also important to note that this type of product is more than simply a matter of cramming as many houses onto a lot as possible—it's about creating great, livable spaces about which people can get excited. The projects outlined in our video do a great job of this, and all have sold well to date.

Density connects the dots between new construction and attainable pricing.
Density can work in suburbia.
Private elevators help three-story townhomes live like single-level homes.
Contemporary design is at the forefront.
Remember that home buying is often an emotional experience, so make it fun.

We spoke with McAbee about the South County housing market and how density is advancing in the San Diego region.

GlobeSt.com: What is your overall characterization of the South County housing market?

GlobeSt.com: How can the concept of density work for the San Diego region?

McAbee: Density will likely be a cornerstone of new development going forward, due to both the lack of developable land and the need for more-affordable or “attainable” housing.

GlobeSt.com: Which areas of the county are most accepting of density?

Instant Insights /

South County Is Where the Land Is

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