From mid-June to early September, seven strangers lived together in a multi-million dollar Bird Rock home that overlooks an expansive vista of the Pacific Ocean from the North Jetty to La Jolla Cove for the filming of the popular MTV reality television show, “The Real World.” Despite concerns from some neighbors about the increased amount of traffic and number of curious onlookers disturbing their otherwise quiet neighborhood, neighbors generally had no qualms with the cast members themselves. In fact, the cast was even invited to a second birthday party at the next-door neighbor’s home and a family’s cookout at the end of the street. One neighbor even helped with a prank that one cast member played on another. Although there were a few problems during the early stages of filming — including one cast member getting a glass bottle thrown at him from a car window — the problems were largely mitigated once the cast got settled in. “When the road wasn’t closed and the police officer wasn’t there, we had traffic up and down the street,” said cast member Sam McGinn. “They’re going to do what they want. We do our best to stay inside and be quiet.” Fellow roommate and 19-year-old San Diego native Priscilla Mendez said that by being respectful of the neighbors and the community, they were able to shatter preconceived notions that many people had about the show when the cast first moved in. “There’s a stigma that comes along with being on the show, but anytime we stopped and had a conversation with neighbors, they actually talk to us and realize that we go out of our way to be very respectful to this town that we live in,” she said. “If there are issues or weirdness that comes from our neighbors here, it’s because of the extra attention that comes by. People just want to preserve their small town, and I think we’ve tried our best on our end to be respectful.” Cast members Nate Stodghill and Zach Nichols said that although there was one neighbor they were particularly unable to please, the roommates were typically able to meet friendly people while they were out in the neighborhood or in the community. “You’re going to have this guy over here chirping, but for the most part, it’s a great neighborhood,” Stodghill said. “People around here are just such great people — family-oriented, nice people to talk to and always friendly and welcoming.” When the cast members were not at their Chelsea Street home, they worked at the San Diego House of Blues, took a short vacation to an undisclosed location and explored San Diego neighborhoods. Many of the cast members said that they met many new friends in the community, which would give them a reason to come back. “It’s bittersweet,” McGinn said about the conclusion of filming. “Yes, I want to leave. Yes, I want to go home, but part of my home is here now.” Filming of the show was completed on Sept. 8. MTV’s “Real World” Season 26 will premiere on Sept. 28 at 10 p.m. Cast members weigh in on their favorite hangouts in San Diego • “Early on in the experience, we went to Pacific Beach almost every day. Later on, probably two to three times per week,” Nichols said. He said his favorite spots were Beachwood, Firehouse and Double Deuce. • “Can we talk about Sunday Funday? It’s weird how normally Sunday is the day off, but in Pacific Beach, Monday is your day to relax,” said McGinn. “Miller’s Field was definitely my go-to spot.” • Stodghill met the business partner for his nonprofit organization, The Living Memoir, during a night out at Miller’s Field in Pacific Beach. “Being a recent graduate, Pacific Beach is more along the lines of my scene,” he said. • “I spend my days at Shock Fitness. I love working out. It’s something that I’m passionate about and it’s something that I do every day. I’ve met a lot of people there and I have some really good friends there now, which is one of the reasons that I would want to come back here,” said cast member Ashley Kelsey who frequented the gym with Nichols. “Another one of my favorite places is Phil’s Barbeque. It’s so good.” • “Our favorite place to go is Bird Rock [Coffee] Roasters. We love it,” Mendez said. “We walk so much and frequent the same stores, Alex (Govere) and I can walk into the Julian Bakery or Bird Rock Roasters or any of the other places and we know each other and say hello. It’s nice, this community in particular is so family-oriented.” • “Envus Salon and Spa — we go there for massages, we go to layout, it’s a peaceful little getaway. It’s my favorite,” Mendez said. “We also love Hodad’s. We’ve been there several times.” • The cast also frequented Bird Rock Surf Shop and hit the surf with lessons from the Surf School in Pacific Beach.