National City was incorporated in the 1880s, which makes it one of the oldest cities in San Diego County, and its housing shows that age. Buyers here are usually looking at houses built generations ago, on established streets, a few minutes from downtown San Diego and the bayfront shipyards and naval base. Aimee Ghafouri of 951 Properties is a Temecula-based real estate agent licensed to work throughout California with buyers, sellers and investors. Call or text (951) 331-8453 to talk about National City real estate.
National City Homes for Sale: What the Housing Looks Like
Most houses for sale in National City fall into a few groups:
- Victorian and early twentieth century houses on the older streets near the city center, some of them locally recognized historic properties.
- Craftsman and Spanish style bungalows from the pre-war decades.
- Postwar single-story houses on modest lots, which make up much of the east side of town.
- Duplexes, small apartment buildings and houses with a second unit, which are common across the city and draw steady interest from investors.
- Condos and townhomes, including newer infill projects near the trolley line and the downtown area.
New detached tract housing is rare, simply because the city has been built out for a long time.
Location and Layout
National City is an incorporated city on San Diego Bay, bordered by the City of San Diego to the north and east and by Chula Vista to the south, with the Sweetwater River channel along much of that southern edge. Interstate 5 runs along the west side and Interstate 805 through the east, with State Route 54 connecting them along the south. The San Diego Trolley Blue Line stops in the city on its way between downtown San Diego and the border.
The bayfront is mostly working waterfront: part of Naval Base San Diego and the National City Marine Terminal, where the tidelands are administered by the Port of San Diego. National City Boulevard carries the long row of dealerships known as the Mile of Cars, and Westfield Plaza Bonita, a regional shopping center, sits in the southeast corner. Lincoln Acres, a small pocket surrounded by the city, is unincorporated county land with a National City address.
Buying an Older Home Here
Age is the main thing to plan for. An inspection on an older National City house should look hard at:
- The foundation, especially raised foundations on houses from the early decades.
- Electrical wiring and the service panel, and whether they have been updated.
- Galvanized or cast iron plumbing, and the sewer lateral, which is worth a camera inspection.
- Roof age, and any signs of past termite or moisture damage.
- Lead-based paint and asbestos-containing materials, which can be present in houses of this era.
Also compare what you see with what the city has on file. Garage conversions, added rooms and back units are common, and not all were built with permits. Ask the National City building department for the permit history, and ask a lender how an unpermitted space will be treated in the appraisal.
Duplexes and Small Rental Property
Because so many lots carry more than one unit, National City real estate attracts buyers who plan to live in one unit and rent another, as well as investors. Before you write an offer on a tenant-occupied property:
- Review the existing leases, rent history and deposits.
- Understand California’s statewide rent increase and just-cause eviction rules, and ask the city whether any local rules also apply. A landlord-tenant attorney is the right person for specific questions.
- Confirm that every unit is legal and separately addressed, and check how utilities are metered.
- If you hope to add an accessory dwelling unit, confirm lot coverage, setbacks and parking with the city planning staff.
Noise, Industry and the Bayfront
Parts of the west side sit close to the freeway, rail lines, the port and industrial uses. Visit at different hours, look at what is zoned around the property, and read the natural hazard and environmental disclosures in the seller’s package. Streets further east and on higher ground are generally quieter and some have bay or city views.
Selling a Home in National City
Sellers of older homes do well when they remove uncertainty. A pre-listing inspection, a sewer scope, a termite report and a tidy permit file answer the questions buyers will raise anyway. If the property has rental units, organize leases and income records before the first showing. Original details such as wood floors, built-ins and period trim are worth cleaning up and showing off, since they are what sets these houses apart from newer construction further south.
A National City Real Estate Agent Based in Temecula
Aimee Ghafouri is a Southern California native who grew up in Murrieta. She has a business degree and more than 15 years in sales and marketing, and she builds her work around communication, dedication and serving others. Her office is in Temecula, and her California license lets her represent clients in San Diego County as well as the Inland Empire. Reach her by phone or through the contact page.
Nearby Cities and Neighborhoods
- Chula Vista, directly south, with both older west side streets and newer master-planned areas to the east.
- San Diego, which wraps around the north and east sides.
- Coronado, across the bay.
- Lemon Grove, a small city to the northeast.
- Spring Valley, unincorporated county land further east.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National City part of San Diego?
No. National City is its own incorporated city with its own council, building department and planning rules. It borders the City of San Diego to the north and east and Chula Vista to the south.
What kinds of homes are most common in National City?
Older detached houses on modest lots, along with many duplexes and small multi-unit buildings. There are also condos and some newer infill housing, but very little new tract construction.
What should I inspect on an older National City house?
Focus on the foundation, wiring, plumbing, sewer lateral and roof, and ask for a termite report. Also compare the home with the city’s permit records, since converted garages and added units are common.
Is Lincoln Acres inside National City?
Lincoln Acres uses a National City mailing address but is unincorporated San Diego County land surrounded by the city. Permits and zoning questions for those parcels go to the county.
How can I see National City homes for sale?
Call or text Aimee Ghafouri at (951) 331-8453. Tell her whether you want a single house or a property with rental units, and she can set up a search and showings.
Buying or Selling in National City?
Aimee Ghafouri is a real estate agent based in Temecula who grew up in Murrieta. She is licensed to work anywhere in California and represents buyers, sellers and investors.
Aimee Ghafouri, 951 Properties, CAL DRE #02193341. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Equal Housing Opportunity.