Midway Rising: 4,254 Homes Transform Point Loma & Ocean Beach - Why Homeowners Are Selling Before Construction Starts

Introduction: The Mega-Project That Changes Everything

San Diego's largest single development project in modern history has cleared a major hurdle, and thousands of homeowners in Point Loma, Ocean Beach, and surrounding neighborhoods are now facing a critical decision window. On September 25, 2025, the San Diego Planning Commission unanimously approved Midway Rising - a massive 49-acre redevelopment that will transform the Pechanga Arena site into an urban district featuring 4,254 residential units, a 16,000-seat entertainment venue, 130,000 square feet of commercial space, and 14 acres of parks.

The project's scale is unprecedented. To put it in perspective, 49 acres equals approximately 37 football fields. With a 10-year construction timeline and ground expected to break in late 2026, nearby residents are bracing for years of traffic congestion, construction noise, parking shortages, and uncertain property values throughout the multi-phase buildout.

Despite an October 2025 court ruling that overturned voter-approved height limit exemptions, developers have confirmed they can proceed using California's density bonus law - a state provision that allows projects to bypass local restrictions when they include substantial affordable housing components. With 2,000 affordable units (47% of the total), Midway Rising qualifies for waivers that supersede even the 30-foot coastal height limit established by Measure C in 1972.

For homeowners within a one-mile radius - particularly in Point Loma, Ocean Beach, Bay Park, and the Midway District itself - the next few months represent a narrow window to sell before construction begins. The project's impact extends beyond immediate neighbors, affecting commuters from Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Mission Beach who rely on the Sports Arena Boulevard corridor for freeway access, as well as residents throughout North Park, South Park, and Hillcrest who may face broader regional traffic impacts. Many are turning to cash buyers who can close in 7-14 days, providing certainty and speed to exit ahead of what promises to be San Diego's most disruptive development project in decades.

Midway Rising by the Numbers: Breaking Down the Mega-Project

Understanding the sheer magnitude of Midway Rising requires examining the specific details that make this the most ambitious single development in San Diego's recent history.

Project Specifications:

  • Site Size: 49 acres (equivalent to 37 football fields) at the current Pechanga Arena location in the Midway District
  • Residential Units: 4,254 total homes (2,000 affordable units, 2,254 market-rate units)
  • Entertainment Venue: 16,000-seat arena replacing the current 14,000-seat Pechanga Arena
  • Commercial Space: 130,000 square feet of shops, restaurants, and retail
  • Parks & Public Space: 14 acres of parks, plazas, and pedestrian areas
  • Building Heights: Up to 85 feet tall (nearly triple the 30-foot coastal height limit)
  • Project Value: Estimated at $3.9-4 billion
  • Construction Duration: 10-year phased buildout timeline
  • Affordable Housing Component: 47% of all units designated for households earning 80% or less of area median income

Scale Comparisons:

To contextualize Midway Rising's impact, consider these San Diego development comparisons:

  • Liberty Station: Redeveloped 361 acres of the former Naval Training Center into mixed-use community over 15+ years (2001-2016). Midway Rising compresses similar residential density into 49 acres with much shorter timeline.
  • Ballpark Village (East Village): Built approximately 3,000 residential units near Petco Park over two decades. Midway Rising exceeds this by 1,254 units in half the geography.
  • One Paseo (Carmel Valley): Controversial mixed-use project featuring 608 residential units on 23.6 acres. Midway Rising is 7 times larger by unit count.

The concentration of 4,254 homes on 49 acres creates density comparable to downtown urban cores - a dramatic transformation for what is currently a low-rise commercial area dominated by a single-use arena and parking lots.

Construction Volume Estimates:

Based on similar large-scale urban developments, homeowners can expect:

  • 200-400 construction vehicles daily during peak phases
  • 500-800 workers on-site during major phases
  • Thousands of truck deliveries for concrete, steel, and materials
  • Multiple tower cranes operating simultaneously
  • Demolition, excavation, foundation work, vertical construction occurring in overlapping phases

Legal Battles and Density Bonus Workaround: How Midway Rising Survived Measure C

The legal pathway for Midway Rising has been anything but straightforward, involving multiple court rulings, voter initiatives, and a sophisticated application of state housing law that ultimately trumps local restrictions.

The Measure C Height Limit Challenge:

In 1972, San Diego voters approved a 30-foot height limit for coastal zones to preserve ocean views and coastal character. For decades, this restriction shaped development patterns in areas like Point Loma, Ocean Beach, and the Midway District. Any project exceeding 30 feet required either a ballot measure exemption or an alternative legal pathway.

Voter Approval and Court Rejections:

Recognizing that Midway Rising's proposed 85-foot buildings violated Measure C, the City of San Diego placed exemption measures on the ballot:

  • 2020 Initiative: 56% of voters approved lifting the height limit for the Sports Arena site
  • 2022 Initiative: 51% of voters approved a similar exemption after the first was challenged

However, in October 2025, California's 4th District Court of Appeal invalidated both ballot measures, ruling that the city violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by failing to adequately study environmental impacts before placing measures before voters. Justice Joan Irion identified four specific areas of inadequate analysis: noise, air quality, biological resources, and geological conditions.

The ruling directed the trial court to issue a writ of mandate invalidating the height limit exemption and restoring the 30-foot restriction.

The Density Bonus Law Workaround:

Rather than abandon the project, developers immediately pivoted to California's density bonus law - a strategy they had prepared as a backup plan. Project spokesperson Jeff Meyer stated: "We are confident in Midway Rising's ability to move forward as planned under state density bonus law."

California's density bonus law allows housing developments to waive local regulations - including height limits, setbacks, and density caps - if they dedicate a percentage of units to low-income residents. With 2,000 of 4,254 units (47%) designated as affordable housing, Midway Rising far exceeds the minimum requirements.

Why State Law Supersedes Local Restrictions:

Several recent legal developments strengthened the density bonus law's power to override local controls:

  • AB 2345 (2020): Expanded density bonuses from 25% to 50% above local zoning limits
  • AB 1287 (2023): Doubled the bonus again to 100% above baseline zoning
  • 2022 Bankers Hill Ruling: Established that developers don't need to prove waivers are necessary - cities bear the burden of challenging them
  • SB 713 (2023): Clarified that even citizen initiatives (like the 1972 Measure C) can be waived under density bonus law

In 2022, state housing officials explicitly ruled that a low-income housing developer could exceed the coastal height limit for a Pacific Beach project based on density bonus law - creating precedent for Midway Rising.

Construction Impact Radius: Which Neighborhoods Face the Most Disruption

Not all nearby neighborhoods will experience Midway Rising equally. Distance from the construction site, prevailing wind patterns, traffic corridors, and access routes create distinct impact zones that homeowners should understand when evaluating their options.

Inner Impact Zone (0-0.5 miles): Highest Disruption

Neighborhoods within half a mile of the Pechanga Arena site will experience the most severe impacts:

  • Point Loma (Eastern sections): Streets east of Voltaire Street and north of Chatsworth Boulevard sit immediately adjacent to the construction zone. Residents here will deal with constant construction noise, dust, vibration from pile driving and excavation, and visibility of tower cranes and equipment.
  • Midway District: Commercial businesses and the handful of residential properties directly in the district face the most extreme disruption, with some potentially affected by road closures and detours.
  • Roseville-Fleet Ridge: This small residential enclave just north of the site will see heavy construction truck traffic using Nimitz Boulevard and Sports Arena Boulevard as primary access routes.

Middle Impact Zone (0.5-1.5 miles): Significant Traffic and Access Challenges

  • Point Loma (Central and Western): Areas west of Voltaire Street and the Sunset Cliffs neighborhood will experience less noise but significant traffic impacts. Access to I-8 and I-5 via Sports Arena Boulevard and Rosecrans Street will be complicated by lane closures and construction vehicles.
  • Ocean Beach: Located approximately 1-1.5 miles west of the site, OB residents regularly use Sports Arena Boulevard to access freeways and will face extended commute times. Sunset Cliffs Boulevard becomes a critical alternate route.
  • Loma Portal: This neighborhood northeast of the site uses Rosecrans Street and Nimitz Boulevard for freeway access - both roads will serve as major construction corridors.

Critical Traffic Corridors:

The following roads will serve as primary construction access routes and will experience the most severe traffic disruption:

  1. Sports Arena Boulevard: The primary east-west corridor immediately adjacent to the site. The city has planned major changes, reducing the six-lane boulevard to four lanes to create dedicated bus and right-turn lanes, plus expanding sidewalks into multi-use promenades. During construction, expect lane closures, detours, and heavy truck traffic.
  2. Rosecrans Street: Serves as the main access between Point Loma and I-5/I-8 freeways. Construction vehicles will use this route extensively, creating bottlenecks during rush hours.
  3. Midway Drive: Runs north-south through the district and connects to Morena Boulevard. Will serve as alternate route when Sports Arena Boulevard is closed.
  4. Nimitz Boulevard: Coastal route connecting Point Loma to downtown. Will absorb overflow traffic when other corridors are congested.

The environmental analysis determined that traffic impacts will be significant, with "frustrating delays for residents in Midway, Point Loma and Ocean Beach expected from the added traffic volume."

The 10-Year Construction Timeline: What to Expect Phase by Phase

Midway Rising's 10-year construction timeline will unfold in multiple overlapping phases, creating different types of disruption at different stages. Based on similar large-scale mixed-use developments and official project documents, here's what homeowners can anticipate:

Phase 1: Demolition and Site Preparation (Late 2026 - Mid 2027, 6-12 months)

Assuming City Council approval in late 2025 or early 2026, and 12-18 months for permit acquisition, construction could commence in late 2026.

  • Demolition of existing Pechanga Arena (current 14,000-seat facility)
  • Removal of massive parking lots and surface structures
  • Environmental remediation if needed
  • Utility disconnection and relocation

Expected Impacts: Loud demolition noise including jackhammers and wrecking equipment, large dust clouds requiring water trucks, heavy debris hauling via Sports Arena Boulevard and Rosecrans Street (hundreds of truck trips), potential road closures for utility work.

Phase 2: Infrastructure and Foundation Work (2027-2028, 12-18 months)

  • Excavation for underground parking structures (multiple levels)
  • Installation of new utility infrastructure (water, sewer, electrical, gas)
  • Foundation and podium construction for residential towers
  • Grading and drainage systems

Expected Impacts: Pile driving creating vibration and noise (can be felt up to 0.5 miles away), excavation requiring removal of thousands of cubic yards of soil, groundwater management potentially affecting nearby areas, extended lane closures for utility connections.

Phase 3: Entertainment Venue Construction (2028-2030, 24-30 months)

The 16,000-seat arena represents one of the largest structural elements and will likely be prioritized to generate revenue.

  • Steel frame erection for arena bowl
  • Concrete pouring for seating bowls and support structures
  • Roof installation
  • Interior build-out and systems installation

Expected Impacts: Tower cranes visible throughout the region, concrete deliveries requiring constant truck traffic (concrete trucks operate 24/7 during major pours), lane closures for crane operations and material deliveries, noise from steel work and mechanical systems installation.

Phase 4: Residential Tower Construction (2028-2033, Phased over 5+ years)

With 4,254 units likely distributed across multiple mid-rise and high-rise buildings, residential construction will overlap with other phases and extend the longest.

  • Multiple buildings under construction simultaneously
  • Vertical construction using tower cranes
  • Glass and facade installation
  • Interior finishes and unit construction

Expected Impacts: Multiple tower cranes operating at once, continuous material deliveries throughout the day, worker parking consuming nearby street parking, noise from multiple construction sites simultaneously, phased occupancy creating mix of active construction adjacent to occupied units.

Daily Construction Operations:

Based on San Diego's construction noise ordinances and typical large project operations:

  • Permitted Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM on weekdays (construction noise permits required outside these hours)
  • Weekend Work: Construction work on Saturdays requires permits; Sunday and holiday work requires special permits and community notification
  • Notification Requirements: Residents and businesses within 500 feet must be notified of permitted after-hours work
  • Peak Worker Count: 500-800 construction workers on-site during major phases
  • Daily Truck Trips: 200-400 construction vehicles estimated during peak periods

Property Value Uncertainty: The Double-Edged Sword for Point Loma and Ocean Beach

For homeowners in Point Loma and Ocean Beach, Midway Rising presents a complex property value equation with compelling arguments on both sides. Understanding both scenarios helps homeowners make informed decisions about timing their sale.

Current Baseline Values:

  • Point Loma: Median sale price ranges from $1.2M to $2M depending on proximity to water, with waterfront and bay-view properties commanding $1.8M-$5M+.
  • Ocean Beach: Properties typically range from $900K to $1.2M for standard single-family homes, with beach-adjacent properties exceeding $1.5M. Recent data shows Ocean Beach home prices dropped 8% in late 2025, potentially influenced by development uncertainty.
  • San Diego County Overall: Median home price was $914K in November 2025, down 2.1% compared to the prior year, indicating broader market softening.

Optimistic Scenario: Long-Term Appreciation

Proponents of Midway Rising and urban development experts point to several factors that could drive property values higher once construction completes:

  1. Amenity Proximity: A 16,000-seat entertainment venue hosting 158 events annually brings world-class concerts, sporting events, and entertainment options within walking or short driving distance.
  2. Park Space Premium: 14 acres of new parks and public space can increase nearby home values by 5-15% based on national studies of park proximity impacts.
  3. Retail and Dining: 130,000 square feet of commercial space creates walkable amenities that increase property desirability, particularly for younger buyers who prioritize urban convenience.
  4. Transportation Improvements: Planned road improvements including dedicated bus lanes, multi-use promenades, and improved trolley connections could enhance Point Loma accessibility.
  5. Liberty Station Precedent: Liberty Station's transformation from Naval Training Center to mixed-use community created one of San Diego's most desirable neighborhoods, with homes now commanding premium prices.

Pessimistic Scenario: Construction Depression and Demographic Concerns

Skeptics and concerned homeowners point to significant risks that could depress property values during and potentially after construction:

  1. 5-7 Year Construction Disruption: Few buyers will pay premium prices for homes adjacent to a massive active construction zone. Historical data from major urban projects shows 10-20% temporary value depression within 0.25 miles of mega-projects during active construction.
  2. Traffic Nightmare: The Sports Arena Boulevard/Rosecrans corridor is already severely congested. Opponents warn that Midway Rising will "freeze the freeways" and create daily gridlock that makes Point Loma and Ocean Beach less desirable for commuters.
  3. Entertainment Venue Impacts: While events bring vibrancy, 16,000-seat venues also generate massive traffic surges, parking shortages, noise, and crowds on event nights (158+ per year).
  4. Affordable Housing Density Concerns: With 2,000 affordable units (47% of total), some existing homeowners worry about demographic shifts, school enrollment changes, and potential impacts on neighborhood character.
  5. Rental Market Saturation: 4,254 new units flooding the rental market could depress rental rates in Point Loma and Ocean Beach, making investment properties less attractive.

The Uncertainty Premium:

Perhaps most significantly, uncertainty itself motivates sellers. Even homeowners who believe in long-term appreciation face difficult questions:

  • Can I tolerate 5-7 years of construction noise, traffic, and disruption?
  • Will buyers discount my property during active construction, making it unsellable at fair prices?
  • What if construction extends beyond 10 years due to delays (common in mega-projects)?
  • What if I need to relocate for work or family reasons during the construction window?
  • Am I willing to bet my largest financial asset on predictions about post-construction outcomes?

For many homeowners - particularly retirees on fixed incomes, families with young children, or those already considering relocation - the certainty of exiting now outweighs the speculative upside of waiting 7-10 years.

Traffic Nightmares: Sports Arena Boulevard Corridor Deep Dive

If there's one issue that unites Midway Rising opponents and concerned homeowners, it's traffic. The Sports Arena Boulevard and Rosecrans Street corridors already rank among San Diego's most congested areas - and that's before adding 4,254 residential units, a 16,000-seat entertainment venue, and 130,000 square feet of commercial space.

Current Traffic Conditions:

Sports Arena Boulevard currently serves as a primary commercial and commuter corridor, handling:

  • Daily commuters from Point Loma, Ocean Beach, and Sunset Cliffs accessing I-5 and I-8
  • Shoppers visiting Costco, Target, and numerous other big-box retailers
  • Event traffic for the current Pechanga Arena (14,000 capacity)
  • Through-traffic between coastal communities and downtown San Diego

During rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM), the corridor frequently experiences gridlock, with traffic backing up at major intersections including Sports Arena Boulevard/Rosecrans Street and Sports Arena Boulevard/Midway Drive. Commuters from University Heights, Normal Heights, and Clairemont who use these corridors to reach downtown employment centers will face extended delays, while residents in Linda Vista, Kearny Mesa, and Serra Mesa may seek alternate routes through Mission Valley to avoid the congestion.

Planned Road Reconfigurations:

To accommodate Midway Rising's pedestrian-oriented vision, the city has approved major changes that will actually reduce vehicle capacity:

  • Sports Arena Boulevard: Reduction from six lanes to four lanes, with the eliminated lanes converted to dedicated bus/right-turn lanes and expanded sidewalks with multi-use promenades
  • Rosecrans Street: Similar road diet with designated lanes for buses, bikes, and right turns

While these changes align with urban planning best practices and climate goals, they reduce peak vehicle throughput precisely when residential density is increasing by thousands of units.

Construction-Phase Traffic Impacts:

During the 10-year construction period, traffic will worsen significantly:

  • Lane Closures: Major construction phases will require temporary lane closures on Sports Arena Boulevard and Rosecrans Street for utility work, crane operations, and material deliveries
  • Truck Traffic: 200-400 construction vehicles daily during peak phases, concentrated during business hours when regular traffic is heaviest
  • Detour Routes: When primary corridors close, traffic will overflow onto Nimitz Boulevard, Midway Drive, and residential streets in Point Loma not designed for heavy volumes
  • Worker Parking: 500-800 construction workers will compete for parking, potentially consuming street parking in adjacent neighborhoods

Entertainment Venue Event Traffic:

The new 16,000-seat arena will host approximately 158 events annually (over 40% of the year). On event nights, homeowners can expect:

  • 8,000-12,000 additional vehicles (assuming some transit/rideshare use)
  • Parking spillover into adjacent Point Loma and Ocean Beach neighborhoods
  • Extended traffic congestion 2-3 hours before and after events
  • Challenges for residents trying to access their homes during peak event arrival times

The 2,000 Affordable Units Factor: Understanding Neighborhood Demographic Shifts

One of Midway Rising's most significant - and controversial - components is its commitment to 2,000 affordable housing units, representing 47% of the project's total 4,254 homes. This unprecedented affordable housing concentration creates both opportunities and concerns for existing homeowners in Point Loma and Ocean Beach.

Affordable Housing Income Tiers:

The 2,000 affordable units will serve households earning 80% or less of the San Diego Area Median Income (AMI). For context:

  • San Diego AMI (2025): Approximately $108,000 for a family of four
  • 80% AMI: $86,400 for a family of four
  • 60% AMI: $64,800 for a family of four (some units may target this tier)
  • Very Low Income (50% AMI): $54,000 for a family of four

Affordable units typically range from studios to three-bedroom apartments, with rents restricted to 30% of the income tier they serve.

California's Largest Affordable Housing Project:

With 2,000 affordable units in a single project, Midway Rising has been described as potentially "the largest affordable housing project in California's history," representing a $4 billion investment that addresses San Diego's severe housing crisis.

How the Affordable Component Enabled Project Approval:

The 2,000 affordable units aren't merely a side benefit - they're the legal mechanism that allows Midway Rising to bypass the 30-foot coastal height limit and other local restrictions. Under California's density bonus law (strengthened by AB 2345, AB 1287, and SB 713), projects with substantial affordable housing components can waive:

  • Height limits (including voter-approved initiatives like Measure C)
  • Density restrictions
  • Setback requirements
  • Parking minimums
  • Open space requirements

Developers specifically designed the 47% affordable component to exceed minimum requirements, making the project nearly challenge-proof under current state law.

Why Homeowners Are Choosing Cash Sales Before Construction Starts

As Midway Rising moves closer to breaking ground in late 2026, a growing number of Point Loma and Ocean Beach homeowners are making the strategic decision to sell now rather than wait through years of construction uncertainty. The reasons vary, but several common patterns have emerged.

Carrying Costs During 5-7 Year Construction:

Homeowners who stay face substantial carrying costs during the decade-long buildout:

  • Property Taxes: On a $1.2M Point Loma home, approximately $15,000-$18,000 annually = $105,000-$126,000 over 7 years
  • Maintenance and Repairs: $3,000-$5,000 annually = $21,000-$35,000 over 7 years
  • Insurance: $2,500-$4,000 annually = $17,500-$28,000 over 7 years
  • Total 7-Year Carry: $143,500-$189,000

If property values remain flat or decline during construction, homeowners absorb these costs with no appreciation to offset them.

Marketing Challenges During Active Construction:

Homeowners who decide to sell mid-construction face significant hurdles:

  • Buyer pool shrinks dramatically when showing homes amid active construction
  • Traditional buyers secure financing, which requires appraisals - appraisers discount construction impacts
  • Buyers negotiate aggressively, knowing sellers are motivated to escape disruption
  • Days on market extend substantially (potentially 60-120 days vs. current 28-day average)
  • Competing with 2,254 brand-new market-rate units in Midway Rising's later phases

Cash Buyer Advantages in This Scenario:

Cash buyers offer several advantages specifically relevant to the Midway Rising situation. Understanding cash vs traditional home sale differences is critical when facing construction deadlines:

  1. Speed: 7-14 day closings allow homeowners to exit before construction begins, capturing current market prices
  2. Certainty: No financing contingencies, appraisal contingencies, or buyer qualification risks
  3. As-Is Purchases: No repair negotiations or pre-sale improvements required
  4. Simplified Process: Minimal paperwork, no agent coordination, fast escrow
  5. Timing Control: Homeowners choose their closing date and can time move to avoid construction start. Learn more about how long it takes to sell a house in San Diego through different methods.

Price Trade-Offs:

Cash buyers typically offer 85-95% of market value depending on condition, location, and market conditions. On a $1.2M Point Loma home:

  • Market Value: $1,200,000
  • Cash Offer Range: $1,020,000-$1,140,000 (85-95% of market)
  • Discount: $60,000-$180,000 below market

However, homeowners must compare this discount to alternative costs:

  • Traditional Sale Costs: 6% agent commission ($72,000) + repairs/staging ($5,000-$15,000) + carrying costs during 30-60 day escrow = $80,000-$90,000
  • Net Proceeds (Traditional): $1,110,000-$1,125,000 after 60-90 days
  • Net Proceeds (Cash): $1,020,000-$1,140,000 after 7-14 days
  • Effective Difference: $0-$85,000, with significantly faster timeline and guaranteed closing

The Decision Window:

With construction potentially starting in late 2026, homeowners have a narrow 6-12 month window to sell before impacts become visible:

  • Once demolition begins and construction fencing goes up, buyer perception shifts immediately
  • Early construction phases (demo, excavation) are the loudest and most disruptive
  • Property values typically dip 10-15% once active construction is visible from the home
  • Selling in the 6 months before groundbreaking captures current values and avoids the worst impacts

Cash Buyer Strategy: Navigating Your Exit Before Groundbreaking

For homeowners who've decided that exiting before Midway Rising construction begins is the right strategic move, understanding the cash sale process and timing considerations is essential to maximizing value and minimizing stress.

Construction Start Timeline:

Based on official project documents and typical permitting timelines:

  • City Council Final Approval: Expected late 2025 or Q1 2026
  • Permit Acquisition: 12-18 months following approval = mid-to-late 2026
  • Construction Start (Demolition): Late 2026 or early 2027 most likely
  • Optimal Sell Window: Next 6-12 months (before visible construction activity begins)

How Cash Offers Are Calculated Near Development Projects:

Cash buyers evaluate several factors when determining offer prices for homes near major developments:

  1. Comparable Sales: Recent sales of similar homes in Point Loma/Ocean Beach, adjusted for current market conditions
  2. Distance from Site: Homes 0-0.5 miles typically receive 5-10% discount vs. homes 1-2 miles away
  3. Traffic Exposure: Properties on major construction corridors (Sports Arena Blvd, Rosecrans) may see larger discounts
  4. Property Condition: As-is purchases factor in deferred maintenance
  5. Market Timing: Current buyer demand and inventory levels

Decision Framework: Sell Now vs. Wait Until After Construction Completes

Sell Now (2025-2026) - Best For:

  • Retirees who can't tolerate years of construction disruption
  • Families with young children sensitive to noise/traffic
  • Homeowners already considering relocation for other reasons
  • Risk-averse homeowners who prioritize certainty over maximum value
  • Properties in the 0-1 mile impact zone
  • Homeowners with substantial existing equity who've already achieved appreciation goals

Wait Until After Construction (2032-2035) - Best For:

  • Younger homeowners with longer time horizons
  • High risk tolerance and belief in long-term appreciation
  • Properties 2+ miles from site with minimal direct impact
  • Homeowners deeply attached to the neighborhood who plan to stay long-term
  • Those who can financially absorb potential value decreases and carrying costs
  • Belief that completed development enhances rather than detracts from neighborhood

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Midway Rising construction actually begin?

Based on official timelines, construction is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. The San Diego Planning Commission unanimously approved the project in September 2025, and City Council final approval is expected in late 2025 or early 2026. Following approval, developers need 12-18 months to secure all necessary permits. This means demolition of the existing Pechanga Arena and site preparation would likely commence in the second half of 2026, with full construction ramping up through 2027.

How long will the entire Midway Rising construction last?

The project has a 10-year phased construction timeline from groundbreaking to final completion. Demolition and site preparation will take approximately 6-12 months (late 2026-2027), infrastructure and foundation work will require 12-18 months (2027-2028), the new 16,000-seat entertainment venue construction will span 24-30 months (2028-2030), and residential tower construction will be phased over 5+ years (2028-2033), with final commercial spaces and the 14 acres of parks completed by 2035-2036.

Which streets and neighborhoods will experience the worst traffic during construction?

The highest-impact traffic corridors will be Sports Arena Boulevard (the primary east-west route immediately adjacent to the construction site), Rosecrans Street (main access between Point Loma and I-5/I-8 freeways), Midway Drive (north-south connector), and Nimitz Boulevard (coastal alternate route). Neighborhoods facing the most severe traffic impacts include eastern Point Loma (east of Voltaire Street), the Midway District itself, Roseville-Fleet Ridge, and Ocean Beach residents who rely on Sports Arena Boulevard for freeway access.

Will my Point Loma or Ocean Beach property value go up or down because of Midway Rising?

Property value impacts depend heavily on your distance from the site, construction phase, and long-term perspective. During active construction (2026-2035), properties within 0.5 miles typically experience 10-20% temporary value depression due to noise, traffic, and buyer reluctance to purchase near active construction. Post-construction (2035+), outcomes are uncertain: optimists point to increased amenities that could drive appreciation, while skeptics worry about ongoing traffic and demographic shifts. The uncertainty itself is why many homeowners choose to sell before construction begins.

How do cash buyers determine their offer price for homes near the Midway Rising development?

Cash buyers evaluate comparable recent sales, distance from the construction site (homes 0-0.5 miles receive 5-10% discount vs. 1-2 miles away), direct exposure to construction traffic corridors, property condition, and current market timing. For Point Loma homes, cash offers typically range from 85-95% of market value. On a $1.2M home, expect offers between $1,020,000-$1,140,000. However, compare this to traditional sale net proceeds after commission, repairs, and carrying costs - the difference is often just $20,000-$60,000.

Should I sell my home now or wait until after Midway Rising construction completes?

This depends on your personal circumstances and risk tolerance. Sell now if you're retired, have young children, prioritize certainty, own property in the 0-1 mile impact zone, or have already achieved appreciation goals. Wait if you're younger with high risk tolerance, own property 2+ miles away, plan to stay long-term, and can absorb carrying costs of $150,000-$200,000 over 7-10 years if values remain flat.

Conclusion: Making the Right Decision for Your Situation

Midway Rising represents the most transformative development project in modern San Diego history. For homeowners in Point Loma, Ocean Beach, and surrounding neighborhoods, the next 6-12 months offer a critical decision window before construction begins. Whether you're in the immediate impact zone or in communities like Downtown San Diego, Little Italy, Banker's Hill, Golden Hill, City Heights, El Cerrito, Rolando, College Area, Allied Gardens, Del Cerro, or San Carlos, understanding how this mega-project affects regional traffic patterns and property values is essential for making informed real estate decisions.

The certainty of a cash sale - closing in 7-14 days with no financing risk and no repair requirements - provides a compelling alternative to waiting through a decade of construction uncertainty. While cash offers typically come at 85-95% of market value, the actual net difference after accounting for commissions, carrying costs, and market risk is often surprisingly small.

For many homeowners facing years of traffic congestion, construction noise, and uncertain property values, the peace of mind that comes from exiting now - on their own terms, at current market prices - outweighs the speculative upside of waiting until 2035 to see how the neighborhood transforms.

Ready to explore your options before construction begins? San Diego Fast Cash Home Buyer specializes in Point Loma and Ocean Beach properties. We can provide a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours and close in as little as 7-14 days. Contact us today at (619) 555-0100 or fill out our online form. No pressure, no obligations - just a straightforward offer so you can make the best decision for your unique situation.

Sell Your San Diego Home Before Construction Begins

Serving Point Loma, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Mission Beach, and all San Diego County neighborhoods. Get a fair cash offer in 24 hours. Close in as little as 7-14 days. Exit before the disruption starts.

Get Your Cash Offer Today

San Diego Fast Cash Home Buyer | 4715 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116 | (619) 555-0100