Our blog has another mention of the Pinnacle here- along with several other high quality downtown condo homes. You’ll find much more with a Google search.

You’ll find the expected comforts here but perhaps the best thing is the neighborhood. If you like shopping take a few steps to the Horton Plaza mall- the most beautiful in the USA. Also a few steps away is Ralph’s supermarket. If you like to eat (and who doesn’t) go downstairs to Richard Walkers excellent Pancake House or any of the scores of nearby eateries. And for night life, the Gaslamp District can’t be beat!

Walking is surprisingly safe and convenient in the neighborhood. At city-data.com you’ll find an interesting discussion of the pleasures of walking the area.

Here’s a peek at the $3m unit compliments of the MLS. Offering a rare wraparound view to the east, south and west, you’ll have a spectacular view of the bay, Coronado and all the way to Mexico and the Coronado Islands. This three bedroom plus den includes marble floors, granite counters and windows that reach to the 11.5 foot ceiling. Building amenities include concierge service, outdoor pool, spa, sauna/steam room, BBQ area, media room, lounge, fitness center and conference room.

The Pinnacle has a homeowners’ web site with great information about the facilities of the building and HOA activities. It seems there is one unit for rent in addition to the ten for sale.

If you are interested in a private tour of Pinnacle Museum Tower then just enter your information into the box on your right and an expert real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP! You will be glad you did.

Is there a nicer place on earth then Coronado? I have often gone to San Diego and marveled at its perfection as a city and unquestionably the crowing Jewel in the perfect crown that is San Diego is Coronado. If you have the deep pockets necessary to live in Coronado then here are a few listings that you might like to look at.

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If you would like to check out these or any other San Diego listing simply enter your information in the box on your right and a rock star real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP!

Breeza’s already ideal location, nestled between the dining and décor heaven of Little Italy, and the Gaslamp Quarter, will likely become even more valuable once the planned waterfront park is completed on the Embarcadero, right across the street. The views of the waterfront are already stunning, and once the park is in place, the scene from a Breeza condo will be beyond words.

Inside, all of the amenities are included to make this community feel like you are always on a luxury vacation. After a workout in the fitness center, a dip in the lap pool and spa will relax tired muscles. The rooftop patio, with views in every direction, will become a daily destination to enjoy beautiful San Diego sunsets.

Whether you are looking for a bachelor pad, a cozy first home, or a spacious condo for your family,  San Diego Condodomain can show you many options in Breeza, and many other great new condo and loft buildings in downtown San Diego. Just enter your information into the box on the right and one of CondoDomain’s rock star agents will get in touch with you to help you find the condo that’s perfect for you.

Photo Courtesy of: Shawna Scott, Scott Properties

There is a formula used to determine whether it is cheaper to rent or buy, and according to figures posted by Trulia, the numbers add up to more value in home ownership than in paying rent. The real estate site compared the median sales price to the median monthly rent of a two-bedroom apartment, condo or townhouse in 50 cities, and San Diego ranked 32^nd, and was among the cities where buying is better.

Although the U.S. economy is still in the recovery process, there are many potential homeowners whose personal financial situations are solid, and these people are in a great position to take advantage of low prices and mortgage rates.

“Price alone should never be the sole factor in deciding to purchase a home. Instead, buyers should first ask themselves if they plan to live in the home for at least seven-to-10 years, could make monthly payments on the house, and have enough cash in the bank for a down payment and an additional six to eight months’ worth of mortgage payments. If you can answer ‘yes’ to each of these questions, then the cost of buying a home definitely outweighs renting in most cities,” Ken Shuman, Head of Communications at Trulia said.

In San Diego, the struggling economy has put a damper on new construction, so the inventory of new condos could be quickly swallowed up once the country gets back in a buying mood, and tight inventory means rising prices. By investing in a home before the market rebounds, new homeowners position themselves to gain more equity in their property.

If you are ready to make the jump from renter to homeowner, enter your information in the box to your right and a rock star real estate agent will help you save thousands on a home in San Diego.

Photo courtesy of: Oiskas at en.wikipedia [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons

downtown neighborhood map

Santa Fe RR

Downtown is essentially zip code 92101. It reaches from Balboa Park to the east, to Little Italy to the north, to the airport at the west, and to the south you have Petco Park, the Gaslamp district and Seaport Village. On this map it is the area West of the curve of interstate 5. Here’s a helpful interactive map. Within downtown there are a number of distinct communities which we will discuss in the fullness of time, but here we will get a general idea of what downtown is all about.

[click any image for a larger view]

Here’s a quick rundown of the local neighborhoods:

• Harborview: View the harbor, also the coming Waterfront Park north of Broadway.
• Little Italy: Colorful arts community, great food… Just east of Harborview.
• Cortez: Mix of old and new on the hill adjacent to Balboa Park.
• East Village: New developments surrounding Petco Park. Library. SD City College.
• Gaslamp: Historic center- food, entertainment, nice place to stroll.
• Marina: Convention Center, Seaport Village shopping, walkable.
• Horton Plaza: Colorful shopping center attracts visitors from around the world.
• Columbia: Broadway- retail, offices, government buildings; business hub.

downtown ship & train

Like any city, there is traffic, noise and confusion. At least among the visitors. As a resident you will quickly become a master of your domain. You’ll learn the tricks of how to get around, where to find parking or a bicycle rack. You’ll learn where the best food and shopping are, and where the quiet corners are, hidden from most. You’ll be happy to know that every government and professional service is close at hand, every form of transportation is easily available and every communication media is present- for business or pleasure.

the venerable El Cortez Hotel, now condos

I have lived downtown for many years atop Cortez Hill. One of the wonderful revelations was that when the morning rush is coming into town, the commute away is easy, and likewise in the evening rush. Another is that weekends and holidays are relatively peaceful downtown and bicycle access to Balboa Park, the Zoo, Embarcadero and Seaport Village shopping is easy. It was easy to find tennis and handball partners at nearby City College. And whatever food or drink you crave is close at hand, usually including a unique decor and clientele.

shop at colorful Horton Plaza

Downtown redevelopment over a couple of decades has made it a haven for single and retired people. There are schools nearby and some families live downtown, but most families will be more comfortable elsewhere. The new sports facility, the coming new library, the fantastic Horton Plaza shopping and eateries, nightclubs, arts community and more can be tempting. You’ll find doctors, students, lawyers, cab drivers, entertainers and stockbrokers living downtown. Despite improvements there are some seedy areas which you’ll quickly and easily learn to avoid.

downtown panorama

All roads lead to Rome, I mean downtown. Buses, trains, trolleys, cars, ships and airplanes make it the hub for much San Diego activity and it’s easy to get to anywhere from here.

the good life

What about the homes? Mostly newer condos and townhomes, mostly expensive, many high rise but other options exist. You’ll see ads everywhere for some of the newest buildings but you won’t find the Cash Back offers that CondoDomain provides. Shop all you want but come back here to save thousands (here’s how it works).

Check this blog often for news and upcoming events. We’ll discuss the coming waterfront improvements that will add value to your new condo and wonder for your out of town visitors. We’ll document the progress of the new central library and tease with the possibility of a new major sports venue. We’ll consider price trends and the potential future value of your investment. We’ll look at every major development downtown.

At times this SanDiegoCondoLoft blog will be listing specific downtown condos so that you can get a general idea of what’s available. We’ll discuss the merits of micro neighborhoods and even particular large developments. Our main site at CondoDomain will allow you to narrow your search, and whether you are at the main site or this blog, we’ll be sure that you know where to get more information and where to find a CondoDomain agent (start here- 877-852-6636) who can tell you how much Cash Back you’ll get on a particular home.

Here are some 2011 sales figures for luxury units in popular buildings. If you see similar units asking for far more or far less, this information can be helpful. We’re primarily interested in $1M+ units, but others will be mentioned.

The Metropolitan

The Metropolitan, 165 Sixth Ave, 36 ultra-luxury units atop the Omni Hotel between the attached Petco Park and the Convention Center. Includes the expected perks plus the amenities of the Omni. Four units sold in the last four months with prices ranging from $1,099,000 to $1,750,000. Three units are available at prices up to $2,295,000.

1325 Pacific Hwy "Bayside"

 
1325 Pacific Highway, Bayside by Bosa Development. With 35 recent sales, it is one of the most active luxury buildings downtown. Prices ranged from $480,000 to $1,482,000 with eight units in excess of $1M. Fifteen units are available currently with prices from $479,000 to $3,478,000, mostly over $1M. It’s a true luxury building from a well respected builder but there have been concerns about noise from frequent trains passing by that could affect the lower floors. Take time to see the neighborhood for yourself.

1262 Kettner - Sapphire Tower

1262 Kettner Blvd, Sapphire Tower in the Columbia District between Little Italy and downtown is a nice walking neighborhood with friendly restaurants and an active arts community. ArtWalk is a festive annual event which fills the Little Italy streets for a weekend. Eight units have recently sold from $455,000 to $1,400,000 with two over $1M. Currently there are twelve available from $450,000 to $2,550,000 with four above $1M.

550 Front Street - Pinnacle Tower

550 Front Street, the Pinnacle Museum Tower soars 35 floors with 218 units of luxury. Close to the Gaslamp District, Convention Center and Horton Plaza it is an ideal urban location. Recent sales of five units ran from $300,000 to $1,575,000 including three in excess of $1M. At this writing there are nine units listed with prices from $395,000 to $1,980,000, with more than half over $1M.

555 Front St - Horizons

555 Front Street “Horizons” is a pair of 25 story towers in the Marina District, with 211 luxury units. In addition to the usual comforts in this Bosa Development building, it includes a central soft water unit (very helpful in San Diego). Sold units ran from $475,000 to $2,175,000 recently with one unit over $1M. There are four current listings from $424,999 to $1,380,000 with one above $1M.

San Diego offers great variety and complex choices in the condo market. Luxury downtown condos tend to offer similar comforts but look at one a few blocks away and you are in a very different environment. The downtown core has received many improvements in recent decades and more are on the way. The savvy investor will want to consider past sale prices as well as current asking prices. When you’ve done your online research you’ll want to call CondoDomain at 877-852-6636 to arrange viewing, close the deal and pocket a rebate of thousands … and check in to our San Diego blog when you can!

Information believed correct at time of posting. Your CondoDomain agent can verify details.

Brown Pelican

For some of us, the renewal of downtown has been an explosion of newer and better. For those less patient, it has taken forever. For all of us–there’s more to come! Your investment in downtown condo life comes with perks galore.

Let’s talk about the waterfront. Already we have magnificent naval vessels visiting Broadway pier, but add the cruise ships, the classic tall ships, the visiting yachts and anchored boats just offshore and you have a splendid view of maritime history and current technology. But wait, there’s more to come!

San Diego has a long association with the sea, from its beginning as the first European settlement on our west coast, to the role as WWII protector of the Pacific, to being the heart of the tuna fishing industry and now the largest Naval installation in the US. The waterfront as it is and as it will be, is an homage to all that went before.

Today your stroll along the harbor is punctuated with public art that enhances the nautical experience. The wide walkway guides you from the Coast Guard station on the north to the cruise terminal and Broadway pier to the south. You’ll pass Anthony’s Fish Grotto over the water, and across the street are hotels and more restaurants. It’s a pleasant experience, but that is only the beginning.

Soon you may expect much more. Two major projects are expected to bring greater wonders to make our fine harbor the envy of all.

The County Administration Building is just north of the Broadway pier area. It’s a classic old municipal style building surrounded by some greenery and two large ugly parking lots.

Now they envision more green, a water feature, underground parking and a dramatic new look while retaining the quaint old building.

I’ll pepper this blog with all the images that I can squeeze in, but feel free to follow up on links to the County plan.

The other project, known as the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, was rejected by the State authorities. Our Port District had plans for a major upgrade to the Broadway heart of the Embarcadero that have evolved over many years and overcome many impediments. Then the State said ‘no’. Is that going to stop the Port District? Not likely- they have remarkable stamina and continue to move forward with adjustments as necessary. They currently have the go-ahead for phase 1.

One complication is the Navy administrative building just south of Broadway. An ugly complex that takes prime real estate and offers nothing to the residents and visitors to this area. Arrangements will be made to relocate this facility and free the land for public use. Patience will be necessary for the eager lover of the waterfront.

The finished project as currently visualized is unquestionably grand and sweeping in scope. Not every detail is praised by all (some say the proposed public bathrooms are ugly, etc) but nothing is set in stone yet and we can be confident that the changes will be a great asset to our city.

So there you have it- a peek at the future of the downtown waterfront. Like most of downtown, the people who shape our city have an eye to reinforcing the motto “America’s Finest City”. Expect more about city improvements in coming blogs.

Your investment today in a downtown condo will be well rewarded as the city plans continue to become reality. With each improvement by the city, your home value will grow. Visit this blog when you can and educate yourself about the opportunities. When you’re ready for action, give us a call at 877-852-6636 and learn how you can save thousands on your new home with Condo Domain.

There are many units in Pacific Beach similar to this and if you check the neighborhood page you’ll find that PB is an excellent place to live and play. To learn more about this and all available local real estate, give CondoDomain a call at877-852-6636 and watch this blog.

The great thing about the many new condo developments downtown is that you can snag a small unit and still enjoy the greater benefits of the community.  With access to pools, spas, saunas, fitness centers, movie and game rooms, rooftop decks and barbecues, you may find that you only return to your condo to sleep!

Here is a sampling of the more cozy condos available:

889 Date St #442

Open layouts at aloft maximize space, without sacrificing comfort

Listed for $324,900, the open floorplan makes this 671 square foot condo in aloft feel quite spacious. Located at the pinnacle of Cortez Hill for easy access to all that downtown has to offer, this community has poolside cabanas, barbecues and a fitness center for a resort-style experience every day. This compact unit would make a fabulous second home, or low-maintenance permanent home to free up more time to enjoy the downtown lifestyle right outside your door.

Photo Courtesy of: Tina West, The West Group, Inc.

550 Front St #502

The community amenities in the Pinnacle Museum Tower add to your living space

If you’re searching for ultra luxury, with the highest of high end finishes, Pinnacle Museum Tower is where you want to live. For less than $400,000, you can enjoy the best of the best in this 1 bedroom unit on the fifth floor. The 737 square feet of living space is thoughtfully laid out to maximize the spacious feeling enhanced by the 10 foot high ceilings. The amenities here include a guest suite available in the building to accommodate your visitors. If you make a home at Pinnacle Museum Tower, an extra bedroom will seem a small sacrifice for all the other luxurious features of this community.

Photo Courtesy of Courtesy of: Ryan Call, Ryan L Call, Broker

If you’d like to view one of these condos which are small on size, but big on luxury, contact a San Diego Condodomain to arrange a private tour. Our agents can also show you many other great new condo and loft buildings in downtown San Diego, and you’ll save thousands on the commission in the process. Call 877-852-6636 to speak with a representative today!

Park Loft is comprised of 120 condo units, all with loft style, open floor plans that include a spacious balcony or terrace. The entire building wraps around a charming courtyard, creating an oasis for residents to relax and enjoy year round. Located only one block from Petco Park, living in Park Loft will give new meaning to the term “home game” for Padres baseball fans. Barbecue grills in the common area make it easy to host a pre-game barbecue for friends.

Park Loft in East Village offers views of Petco Park

The industrial brick-and-metal exterior, and high ceilings with exposed ductwork inside, are balanced by high-end appliances and luxurious finishes to create comfortable, modern homes. Flexible, open layouts allow homeowners to get creative, using furnishings to design a space that matches their lifestyle perfectly.

There are five units in Park Loft currently listed for sale, ranging from a cozy 1,113 square foot unit for less than $380,000, to the ultimate entertainer’s home, with ninth-floor views straight onto the field at Petco Park, listed at $1.25 million. All of the residents at Park Loft have access to the best amenities, including a fully-equipped fitness center and a 24-hour concierge.

Contact a San Diego Condodomain agent to arrange a tour of the homes available in Park Loft, or any of the great new condo and loft buildings in downtown San Diego, and save thousands on the commission in the process. Call 877-852-6636 to speak with a representative today!