First Street, on the bay side of Coronado, faces slightly northeast toward downtown San Diego. The homes right on the water have the skyline, the bay and the bridge in one view, and there are not many of them.
- The feel
- Scenic and a little more public, with parks, the ferry and restaurants nearby.
- Homes
- A short row of single-family bayfront houses, with condominium buildings on the same stretch.
- Getting around
- Walk to the Ferry Landing, Centennial Park and First Street cafes; the ferry crosses to downtown.
- Plan for
- Flood and sea-level exposure, seawall condition, view protection and foot traffic.
What a first visit should test
- Stand where you would live. A view from the street is not the view from the living room, so ask to see it from the real floor.
- Ride the ferry. Try the crossing to downtown San Diego so you know how it fits a work week.
- Visit on a summer weekend. The path and park draw visitors, and you should know how busy it gets.
Setting up life here
Local reporting counts only about 30 single-family homes on First Street west of Centennial Park with the front-row view, and the other side of the street is mostly multifamily buildings. The condominium buildings near the Ferry Landing offer a version of the same outlook without a house to maintain. Restaurants and cafes along First Street are a short walk.
Planning the purchase
Waterfront property comes with its own checklist: the flood zone, an elevation certificate, insurance quotes, and inspections of the bulkhead and any dock. Ask what limits building on neighboring lots, because that determines how long the view lasts.
Move-in checklist
- Confirm the flood zone and insurance cost before you remove contingencies.
- Schedule a specialist to inspect waterfront structures.
- Check the ferry schedule against your commute.
Rudy can line up a visit that includes the ferry and the Village for comparison. For the ferry and the bridge, see his note on getting on and off the island.
Source: San Diego Business Journal, First Street bayfront homes.
More relocation guides
- Moving to the Village — For movers who want to walk to dinner, coffee and the park from their front door.
- Moving to Coronado Shores — For movers who want the beach at their doorstep with little upkeep.
- Moving to the Cays — For movers who want water at the back door, a boat and a quieter setting.
- Moving to Country Club Estates — For movers who want a calm residential street and a settled feel.
- Moving Near the Beach — For movers who want to live steps from the Pacific and the Hotel del Coronado.
- Moving for a Navy Assignment — For service members and civilians relocating for work at Naval Air Station North Island or Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.
- Moving Near the Golf Course and Marina — For movers who like open green space, a view of the water and boats a short walk away.
General information only. Boundaries are informal and details change, so confirm specifics for any property you consider.