For Hispanics, San Diego is the place to be

Insight on the News, Sept 9, 2002 by John Elvin

Which are the top 10 cities in the United States according to Latinos? The results of this year's annual survey by Hispanic magazine indicate that San Diego leads the pack. The others, in order, are Austin, Texas; Miami; San Antonio, Texas; El Paso, Texas; Las Cruces, N.M.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Tucson, Ariz.; Los Angeles; New York City; and Raleigh-Durham, N.C.

San Diego won top honors because of its population, cultural vibrancy, political representation, job outlook and weather. "They want to be able to speak their own language, see their shows, eat their foods, hear their music," Hispanic's editor, Carlos Verdecia, explained in an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The magazine said traffic back and forth across the border, legal or not, is a big plus for San Diego, as are its 70 miles of beaches with Mexican ice-cream vendors and places to eat tapas and fresh fish tacos. The availability of authentic Latin music and great Southwestern art and jewelry also figured in. On the downside, the magazine noted, "The average price of a house is $300,000. Hey, you can't have everything. But San Diego comes damn close."