The city of Imperial Beach lies along the Pacific coast, located approximately 14 miles south of downtown San Diego and only a few miles south of Coronado and Chula Vista. The city is well-known for its coastal areas, along with its surfing and body boarding culture. Most surfing activities are concentrated around the Boca Rio beach break and the Imperial Beach Pier.

The city takes its name from nearby Imperial County, located approximately 100 miles to the east of the city. Throughout the late 1800s, farmers, landowners and laborers came to Imperial Beach, with many deciding to make the area their permanent home. In 1956, the city finally gained incorporation.

Most of the homes for sale in and around Imperial Beach are two-bedroom and three-bedroom condominiums that offer plenty of space and interesting home decor. California bungalows are common throughout the city, although some of the homes throughout the area also feature Spanish eclectic and neo-eclectic architecture. Many of the older homes have also been renovated in previous years, so homeowners looking for attractive real estate can easily find homes that offer modern, energy-efficient appliances, refurbished living quarters and renovated kitchen and dining areas.