When the topic of home prices in San Diego comes up, it just makes me laugh these days. I mean, what kind of houses have gone up this much?

It feels like the idea of earning a decent living and buying a nice house in San Diego is slowly disappearing.

What's even funnier is that even within San Diego, different neighborhoods feel like completely different worlds.

If you go towards the ocean, you might think, "Is this really America?" But just a little further in, it feels like, "At least this is reality."

You can't talk about San Diego without mentioning La Jolla. It's like a different world altogether.

They say home prices start at $2 million, and it's even funnier to call that the "base" price.

Homes with ocean views can easily go for over $5 million, and that's not surprising at all.

When you go to the cafes, everyone seems relaxed, the restaurants are upscale, and the whole atmosphere is just different.

With UCSD nearby and research institutes clustered around, you have a lot of smart people gathered there. They have money and brains... Honestly, it's a bit enviable.

Going a bit further up, you reach Del Mar, which has a different style.

It's quiet and tidy, with a vibe of "I'm rich, but I'm not showing it off."

There's a racetrack, the ocean is beautiful, and of course, home prices are high. Just being around the people living here makes you cautious about what you say.

And the real ultimate place is Rancho Santa Fe. Here, the scale is completely different. These aren't just houses; they're almost mansions.

The land is spacious, the distance between homes is wide, and the "density of people living" is just different.

They have their own school districts, and many families send their kids to private schools. Honestly, just visiting here gives you the feeling of "Wow, I'm seeing a different world."

We can't forget about Coronado across the bay. The cleanliness here is no joke.

The streets are neat, the beaches are pretty, and crime rates are low. But of course, home prices... you know how that goes.

It's said that schools are good, so many families prefer to raise their kids here, and if they can get in, everyone wants to move here.

A neighborhood that many consider a more realistic upscale area is Carmel Valley.

Honestly, this area doesn't feel completely out of reach, which makes the competition even fiercer.

There's a sense of hope that says, "If I work hard, can I make it too?"

This area is also known for its excellent school districts, and the homes are relatively new and tidy, making it a popular choice for families.

When you actually visit, you'll find a high percentage of professional parents. The proximity to companies in Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley also plays a part.

Considering the commute, it's hard to give up on this neighborhood.

But the problem is, these "decent" neighborhoods are no longer easy to get into.

Places like Scripps Ranch and Rancho Bernardo used to be accessible for middle-class families, but now it's awkward to even mention that.

The prices have already gone up significantly.

Ultimately, it's true that living in San Diego can drastically change your quality of life based on the neighborhood.

However, the moment you move into that neighborhood, the financial burden also increases significantly, which is the reality.

It feels like it's beyond just working hard to solve the problem, which is even more frustrating.

Still, seeing people continue to look and ponder shows that there's a part of them that can't let go of the hope of "maybe."