National City's housing stock is a genuine mix of eras. The city's late-1800s origins survive in its Victorian homes, several of which are preserved around Heritage Square, including Brick Row, the 1887 row houses Frank Kimball built for Santa Fe Railroad executives. Mid-century homes make up much of the broader residential fabric, reflecting the city's postwar expansion, and there are pockets of newer construction, particularly on the eastern side of town. Lots are generally smaller and the streetscape more urban than in San Diego's outer suburbs, a reflection of the city's density and its long history as an established, walkable South Bay community.

National City's neighborhoods reflect its layered history. The historic core near downtown and Heritage Square holds the city's oldest streets and landmarks, including Brick Row and the Frank Kimball House. Residential areas such as Las Palmas and the streets around El Toyon Park are established, mid-century neighborhoods with an active community and neighborhood-council presence. The South Port business and industrial district along the Interstate 5 corridor concentrates commerce, while the bayfront has emerged as a focal point for new recreation and public space. Farther east, newer subdivisions spread toward the city's boundary.

National City's lifestyle is distinctly urban-suburban, shaped by its density, its diversity, and its position between downtown San Diego and the border. The city has a strong multicultural character, with a food scene spanning Mexican and Filipino influences alongside classic South Bay diners and the auto-row stretch of the Mile of Cars. Community life revolves around neighborhood parks, schools, and recurring local events, while downtown San Diego's arts, dining, and Gaslamp Quarter are a short trolley ride away. The redeveloped bayfront has added a splash pad, playground, and shoreline gathering space at Pepper Park, giving residents direct access to San Diego Bay.

Public education in National City is split between two long-established districts. The National School District, founded in 1871 and the second-oldest district in San Diego County, serves preschool through sixth grade across ten elementary schools. Secondary students attend the Sweetwater Union High School District, with Sweetwater High School — established in 1920 and among the oldest high schools in the county — serving much of the city. The local landscape also includes charter and private options, giving families a range of choices within a short distance.

National City is threaded through by major regional corridors. Interstates 5 and 805 run north-south through the city, connecting residents to downtown San Diego, the airport, and the U.S.-Mexico border at San Ysidro. The San Diego Trolley's Blue Line serves National City on its route between the border and points north, and MTS bus routes provide local connections. The city's compact, gridded layout also keeps many neighborhoods walkable and bikeable. San Diego's port and maritime industrial areas are immediately adjacent, reinforcing the city's long-standing role as a South Bay transportation hub.

Recreation in National City centers on its bayfront and neighborhood parks. Pepper Park, a 5.5-acre shoreline park along the Sweetwater Channel, offers San Diego Bay access, a splash pad, playgrounds, and picnic areas, and has been the centerpiece of the city's bayfront revitalization. Neighborhood parks such as El Toyon and Las Palmas provide playgrounds, sports fields, and gathering space across residential areas. The city's proximity to San Diego Bay and downtown San Diego also puts harbor activities, beaches, and regional attractions within an easy drive or trolley ride.