National City, the second oldest city in San Diego County, has a home town atmosphere, provides good housing for those on a budget, and is just five miles south of Downtown San Diego. Mexico is 10 miles to the south. National City homes range from single-family units, to multi-family units to mobile homes on mostly flat land. One slightly raised hill has a large settlement of homes with great views of the bay or the mountains to the east. Some areas of the city have traditional-style Victorian homes. Activities include a fishing pier, large parks, and a golf course, along with close proximity to San Diego’s Balboa Park and Tijuana, Mexico for a change in culture.

Business in National City is booming. Bordering San Diego Bay, the city port handles shipping and receiving of commercial goods, namely cars. The Mile of Cars, synonymous with National City, contains 22 new car dealerships that corner the San Diego market on both volume of cars sold and dollar sales. Economy is also fed by three shopping centers, a Wal-Mart, and some family businesses that have been around for years. There are also three industrial parks for executive business.

The city is adding care to downtown, plastering National City Boulevard with trees, flowers, and landscaping from one end of the city to the other. Plans are underway for a 150 slip marina and adjoining hotel-restaurant complex, sure to increase city revenue. The National City Marine Terminal, along San Diego Bay, houses the largest navy installation on the Pacific and extends three miles along the bay.

The Sweetwater High School District recently passed a bond to renovate and build, improving school quality. Southwestern College and San Diego State University (SDSU) have created ‘Education Village,’ a new learning facility in the center of National City. This facility provides lower division courses, allowing students to move into the SDSU school system. This 45,000 sq ft space houses a bookstore & retail space on the ground floor, with classrooms and San Diego's only school of Dental Hygiene on above floors. Ample parking is provided, as is a large cyber café for internet access.