Ally Idell grew up in La Jolla, lived in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, and even spent a college semester in Siena, Italy — but in 2009, she returned to San Diego to stay. “I love this city,” she says. “There is nowhere I’d rather live. The magic of San Diego is found in the unique characteristics of its many neighborhoods — all with their own charm and flavor.”

 

Ally’s career as a real estate professional began at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she gathered bachelor’s degrees in psychology and communications before earning her master’s in communication management from the University of Southern California. She went into marketing, working for a number of agencies and, for a time, at the Santa Monica Visitors Bureau. “Our job was to market the city as a destination,” she says. “Much like marketing a home to a buyer, we created messaging for potential visitors to draw them to our hotels, beaches, and restaurants.”

 

After nearly two decades of experience in marketing and client relations, the transition to real estate came naturally to Ally. “I’ve always been driven by helping people, whatever the goal may be,” she says. “With real estate, I have the opportunity to help people with one of the most consequential goals of their life — making decisions about their home.” Ally’s savvy is matched by her ability to serve clients with responsive communication, honesty, integrity, and a tireless work ethic.

 

Away from work, Ally volunteers at her kids’ school and is a member of its foundation board and PTA. Though she loves to travel, she also enjoys the beach, having friends over for a backyard barbecue, and cuddling up near the fireplace with her dog and a good book.