San Diego has some amazing things to offer it's residents. Alongside the chance to live in a fantastic city with a thrilling landscape and culture is the chance to own and reside in the area's exceptional properties. Here is a brief guide to some of what San Diego's real estate market has to offer compared to a similar city, the greater Toronto area.

The mean price of a house in San Diego is currently about $615,000, on par with a city like Toronto. Fully detached houses currently sell for about $675,000 and townhouses or attached homes are valued at $500,000 on average. As with Central, West-End and Toronto homes, the overall average value of a house or condo in San Diego is about $560,000, up more than 100% from about $220,000 in 2000.

In the past few years, San Diego has seen a dramatic increase in real estate prices. The median price of a house more that tripled from 1998 to 2007 making San Diego real estate some of the most sought-after investment properties in America.

For those interested in condo living, downtown condos cost an average of $180,000. A premium waterfront condo in an area like Chollas Creek, Bayridge, Azalea Park, Castle or Cherokee Point costs an average of $250,000. A Toronto condo on the city's waterfront or south end of the city averages $300,000.

Be sure to consider some of the amazing brick and beam loft and condo spaces available downtown. The city has some amazing, creative and uniquely styled offerings. Much like Toronto, architects have gone to great lengths to either convert older spaces into new loft condos or in designing brand new condo towers and units.

Investors and those considering resale values will find a number of great opportunities in the city as a result of the current economic downturn. Numerous properties were recently bought to be turned-over for profit only to be released by their owners. Now, as market activity returns and increases, there has been a resurgence in fresh investing that may be of interest and worth investigating.

If you are thinking of living outside of the city, consider areas such as Carmel Valley, Encinitas, Bay Park or Bay Ho. As you would find with San Diego's suburban homes for sale, Oshawa and Whitby outside of Toronto have new family houses available for as little as $120,000.

In rural surroundings, mobile homes sell for an average of $47,000 and RV's, sleeper vans, trailers and occupied boats sell for an average of $42,000. Just slightly outside of the city, as with Mississauga Ontario real estate outside of Toronto, you will find some great communities where more modest, rural family homes can be found for $90,000.

With some ambition and effort, you will soon familiarize yourself with all of the amazing neighborhoods San Diego has to offer. No matter your taste or background, goals or budget, you will likely find a property that's perfect for you or your family.