Retiring in Kona from San Diego - Lifestyle Comparisons and Contrasts

Do you currently live in San Diego, sitting in traffic, watching the marine layer roll in, doing the math on what retirement actually costs there? Did you know that Kailua Kona and San Diego have similar real estate markets with comparable costs of living? 

San Diego and Kona have more in common than you'd think. Both have that laid-back, outdoor-first culture. Both spoil you with sunshine most of the year. Both have people who moved there and never left. But the day-to-day reality of retiring in each one is a different story — the pace, the cost, the sense of community, even the weather patterns are their own thing once you're actually living it instead of visiting it.

Click here to watch our video: Retiring from San Diego to Kona? What You Need To Consider

We spent some time exploring San Diego and La Jolla to compare what life is like there with life here in Kailua-Kona — especially for people who are thinking about retiring and starting a new chapter.

We talk about the things that make Kona appealing for retirement, including the active outdoor lifestyle, year-round warm weather, smaller-town community, access to the ocean, hiking, snorkeling, local food and the slower pace of life. But we also talk about the things you need to be prepared for when moving from San Diego to Hawaii — including the smaller selection of shopping and restaurants, island logistics, condo living, HOA fees, property taxes and the differences in real estate.

If you're retiring soon and wondering whether Hawaii could be the right fit for you, we hope this gives you a more realistic look at what making the move could be like. (We are publishing a video about "How to Avoid Mistakes When Retiring to Kona" next week!) 

We’d love to help you understand the neighborhoods, lifestyle and real estate options here. 

Julie and Eric Ziemelis 808-333-1004 Julie@Ziemelis.com www.365HawaiiRE.com License RS 85062

If you're mainland-side and Kona has been on your radar — even just as a "someday" thought — we'd love to help you figure out what that "someday" could actually look like. Reach out anytime.