Imperial Beach is located a 15 minute drive from downtown San Diego, south of Coronado, and is five miles from Mexico. Years ago, $10 million was spent on renovating the seaside landscape, which added parks, playgrounds, and lifeguard/sheriff’s security stations. There also now stands a 1,500-foot pier with the popular Tin Fish restaurant located at the end of it and the Pier Plaza for shopping, decorated with artwork donated by regional artists.

Imperial Beach real estate has spread construction over the last sixty year. Suburban tract homes dominate and are well kept. Newer Imperial Beach homes, though not in abundance, are upgraded and larger. Most homes are designed on a grid with wide streets and flat landscape. Rental properties are popular, as the beach often attracts summer visitors. A large state park and a military base surround the community, with a land link to the south end of Coronado.

Commute to Downtown San Diego is about 15 miles. Schools have strong parental involvement and received almost $200 million to upgrade regional buildings, including those of the Imperial Beach community. A good 30% of residents are under age 18, which stresses a family community. Kids enjoy girl scouts, Little League, cub scouts, volleyball and baseball.

The summer brings many annual events including the U. S. Open Sandcastle Competition and the Triathlon & Duathlon held usually in August at the Pier. Imperial Beach also hosts the Chili & Jazz Festival and the Symphony on the Sand. Aside from events, residents enjoy surfing and other beach cultures, a local skate park, day trips to Mexico, and bird watching at the Tijuana Estuary. Dunes Park is a new beachfront park with state-of-the-art playground equipment, a volleyball area and picnic tables.