North Chula Vista Chula Vista, CA

Incorporated in 1917, Chula Vista was once the world’s most prolific lemon orchard. In 1941, the Rohr Aircraft Corporation moved to Chula Vista. Months later, the United States entered into World War II, and the area became an important hub for the war effort. When the war ended, many servicemen and workers decided to stay and put down roots. This led to the blossoming of several residential and commercial developments.

Chula Vista has a thriving art scene. The OnStage Playhouse, South Bay’s only live theater, showcases talented actors in productions from timeless classics to contemporary comedies. The famous annual Lemon Festival celebrates the city’s lemon orchard days with entertainment, events and all things lemon.

Chula Vista’s neighborhoods have plenty of familiar eateries and fast food places. You can also find some excellent international fare. One hidden gem, MJ's Yogurt Time and Deli, serves tasty yogurt and deli sandwiches, but locals really come to the unassuming little place for Filipino-Mexican-American fusion fare that you might not find anywhere else. Don’t miss out on a chance to try the longanisa fries or the street tacos.

Chula Vista’s night-time scene has always been more laid back than that of downtown San Diego. Locals do have a healthy selection of places to grab a beer and watch the game. There are also a handful of live music venues and dance clubs.

The Canyon Sports Pub and Grill on Telegraph Canyon Road brings in a steady stream of loyal locals. Stop by for a burger or some wings, then stay for the draft beers and good company. The simple space houses a juke box, pool table, and some arcade games. If you like a good dive bar with tasty pub fare, good prices, and unpretentious fun, this place fits the bill.

Several main arteries and local roads serve North Chula Vista, making it highly accessible from all directions. I-5 runs along Chula Vista's western border. The San Diego metro transit system serves the area and takes you all around the neighborhoods of Chula Vista and into surrounding regions, including downtown San Diego.

While it does possess some notable nature trails and bike paths, locals do not consider the area walkable. Most residents prefer to get around using their own cars. You cannot always hail a cab in Chula Vista, but you can call one of many area services to have one sent to your location. A strong Uber network also exists throughout the San Diego metro area, so you can use your smartphone to find a driver, pick what kind of car you want to ride in, or split the bill with friends.

You find that most public parking in North Chula Vista costs little to nothing. If you plan to attend a big event, note that parking downtown proves a little trickier.

The city of Chula Vista maintains several free parks that allow residents to take advantage of the consistently pleasant weather and panoramic views surrounding the area.

A great place to relax and let the kids play in North Chula Vista, J Street Marina Park features nice green space, lots of trees, a beach, killer views and a well-kept playground. Local bands sometimes play here, too.

Bayside Park also has open spaces, a playground and waterfront views. Bayside hosts the Chula Vista Harborfest. The annual event attracts people from all over for food, art, activities and entertainment celebrating Chula Vista’s lifestyle and heritage.

The cost of living in North Chula Vista stays around 10 percent less than the San Diego average and almost 30 percent more than the national average. Riding into San Diego on the bus costs about $2.50 for a one-way trip, or you can pick up a day pass for $5. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence comes in at just around $934. A decent beer costs about $5 at most area establishments. Gas runs about the same as the rest of San Diego, which puts it about 11 percent higher than the national average.

You can find lots of shopping opportunities around North Chula Vista, from the comfortable and convenient to the unusual and little-known. Looking for groceries? Try the usual haunts, such as Walmart and Costco. Chula Vista’s ethnic diversity fuels the existence of international markets, where you can pick up exotic and specialty foods and items. The Downtown Chula Vista Farmers Market sets up every Thursday with vendors selling lots of fresh local goods.

Eastlake Village Marketplace on Otay Lakes Road houses a good selection of retail shops. Since North Chula Vista borders National City, many residents also shop at Westfield Plaza Bonita. Spend an hour or a day in this sprawling mall. Hit trendy stores like American Eagle Outfitters, Aldo and Love Culture. The mall also has electronics stores, jewelers, salons, and restaurants. The anchor stores are Macy's, JCPenney, and Target.

If you need a hostess gift or something for someone special, pop into the Singing Florist on 3rd Avenue. This go-to place for flowers in Chula Vista sells everything from extravagant wedding arrangements to simple, last-minute gifts.

A few miles over in Bonita, The Spare Room makes the perfect place to find a unique gift for a woman. Locals love this consignment shop that specializes in women’s fashion items from the unusual to the upscale. You may find anything from a perfect pair of shoes to a vintage ring or one-of-a-kind home décor piece.