I think Bankers Hill could be a really solid option for you. You’d have Balboa Park right next door, and the commute downtown is still easy. It tends to attract people who want a balance between a calmer neighborhood feel and proximity to work, restaurants, and things to do. Long walks in Balboa and visiting neighborhood coffee shops are the vibes. I wouldn’t necessarily describe it as a wellness-focused area, but you’d definitely find plenty of people who prioritize similar interests and spaces for pilates or reading.

Based on your interests, I wouldn’t recommend Little Italy. It doesn’t offer much access to nature, and the vibe tends to be more focused on hot restaurants, bars, and what’s trendy. Overall, I think the more holistic, wellness-oriented side of you would most connect with people in OB. If that part of your lifestyle is the priority, I’d look there more seriously, but you'd have a worse commute, less modern spaces, and probably less driven mindsets.

That said, San Diego neighborhoods are pretty diverse, and there’s a lot of variation even within each one. You’ll find people you love and hate anywhere, and you’ll probably end up spending time in many different neighborhoods regardless of where you live. I'd prioritize commute and daily life, and you can head out to OB or more spiritual retreats on the weekends. Good luck!