Clairemont, also called Clairemont Mesa, is a hillside community that is a great spot for new families and retirees. Housing options range from single- to multi-family housing units. Many affordable Clairemont homes are on the hills overlooking Pacific Beach and Mission Bay Park; others view the canyons and Mission Valley. This large middleclass neighborhood is bordered on the west by I-5, east by I-805, south by I-8 and north by Highway 52. Distance is less than 10 miles to downtown, the beaches, Balboa Park, and Qualcomm Stadium, home of the Chargers. This is a favorable community for residents who are on a budget, wanting to be near job centers.

Town amenities include Clairemont Square Shopping Center as well as three other shopping centers, Kearny Mesa industrial park, three public libraries, three high schools and junior/middle schools, and twelve elementary schools. Clairemont is also home to the University of San Diego (USD), nested in a hill. Mesa College is part of the City School District, a favorable alternative for part-time and more budgeted students. Activities include hiking/walking in Tecolote Canyon National Park and Mission Bay Park, golfing on two courses, and water sports including boating and sailing along Mission Bay.

Clairemont was one of the first suburbs of San Diego to be developed after World War II. Consequently many Clairemont homes are typical 1950's tract homes with features like spacious bedrooms, big picture windows, fireplaces and walls paneled with Philippine mahogany.