San Diego Anyone?

[mandasand]

I'm planning a relocation with my company from Northern California to San Diego next year. The company is sending me and BF to SD in January to check out the area. Move won't be until March/April if they get the building renovated in time...we have doubts it won't be close to finished with headquarters (in Germany) and the architect making a ton of changes. Office is located near La Jolla.

Can anyone suggest areas I should look-see for housing? I would also like some suggestions on fun things to do while visiting. I have only visited SD once and it was for vacation...Ocean Beach. I LOVED it, but I don't think I'll be able to afford to live next to the ocean, although OB, PT. Loma and Mission Bay seem to be more "affordable" beach communities. For the first year, I'll be living alone, and then BF will join me and we'll get a single family home.

I'm super nervous about the trip because I feel like I have no game plan!

 

[amc80]

Hi! I lived in San Diego County for two years. I lived in north county (Carlsbad/Vista) and worked at UTC (University Town Center). It was a horrible commute. Like you, I moved there from NorCal (Walnut Creek). SD traffic is WAY worse than Bay Area traffic, and the public transportation system isn't as good. My recommendation is to live as close to work as you can afford.

As far as things to do- assuming you have a rental car, I really recommend going to the Wild Animal Park. It's like a zoo, but the animals roam around on open land. It's in north county...a bit of a drive. But worth it. There's always the zoo, as well. It's in Balboa Park, home to all sorts of museums and such.

You should probably just spend a day driving around. Check out the neighborhoods and see what areas you like. I could give you recommendations, but what I like might be vastly different from what you like, you know?

 

[movie zombie]

i love san diego.
balboa park is a must.
the maritime museum and ships nearby.
and we did this in october 2011:

http://www.sandiegocomfortcruise.com/

so very quiet. we did it at sunset. take your own munchies. wine/beer. great experience. can't recommend it enough!

Little Italy has a great farmers market saturday a.m.
good eats in that area!

 

[miraclesrule]

I don't even have enough time to type out all my thoughts during my short break, but I'd first want to know exactly where the office is located. If it's inside La Jolla, your commute will be a bear no matter what. There aren't many ways into and out of La Jolla unless you know a lot of back roads, and so do most other locals, so they get clogged as well.

Hopefully your office will be on the outskirts, either North, South, or East. Depending on that specific knowledge, there are several options for affordable housing. Unless you are really young, and love partying all night around you, you probably want to steer clear of Pacific Beach. Ocean Beach is too far away and it's better to visit than to live there. Pt. Loma will be high priced, but does have some nice areas. It's just not that easy of a commute.

As for things to do when you visit. Gosh, so many things. The Safari Park is pretty far outside the city, but worth it. Renting a bike at the Marriot in Corornado and having lunch at the Hotel Del is always a joy. Balboa Park is wonderful, Zoo (if you don't mind caged animals). Sea World. Or, if you are willing to drive one hour, I'd be going to Disneyland if you haven't been there in awhile.

What do you like most? Young night life, water/beach, outdoorsy things, inside museum type things?

 

[madelise]

Places to see:
- the Maritime Museum
- La Jolla: the coves and H. Moradi for antique sparklies! And the La Jolla branch of Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Coronado Island
- Cabrillo National Monument for the tide pools

Food:
- C-Level
- Extraordinary Desserts
- Phil's BBQ
- The Crown Room at Hotel Del for Sunday brunch

 

[mandasand]

I don't even have enough time to type out all my thoughts during my short break, but I'd first want to know exactly where the office is located. If it's inside La Jolla, your commute will be a bear no matter what. There aren't many ways into and out of La Jolla unless you know a lot of back roads, and so do most other locals, so they get clogged as well.

Hopefully your office will be on the outskirts, either North, South, or East. Depending on that specific knowledge, there are several options for affordable housing. Unless you are really young, and love partying all night around you, you probably want to steer clear of Pacific Beach. Ocean Beach is too far away and it's better to visit than to live there. Pt. Loma will be high priced, but does have some nice areas. It's just not that easy of a commute.

As for things to do when you visit. Gosh, so many things. The Safari Park is pretty far outside the city, but worth it. Renting a bike at the Marriot in Corornado and having lunch at the Hotel Del is always a joy. Balboa Park is wonderful, Zoo (if you don't mind caged animals). Sea World. Or, if you are willing to drive one hour, I'd be going to Disneyland if you haven't been there in awhile.

What do you like most? Young night life, water/beach, outdoorsy things, inside museum type things?

Thanks all! Okay, so my office is technically in Sorrento Valley - right near the Qualcomm campus. Probably closer to Mira Mesa. Thing is, I don't really like the looks of Mira Mesa from the Google Pics and other co-workers have told me it's not so nice.

I DON'T love partying...I am a young professional that is into my dog, the outdoors, traveling (thank goodness I work for an international company), hosting small gatherings, cooking, reading, photography and design.

I had lunch with mom yesterday and she thinks this move will be good for me because I love the water and I'm adventurous. While I am a simple girl, I am used to certain comforts and I am pretty picky. I am dreading having to live in a nasty place with gross carpets because in my mind, all rentals are like that. I know, kinda snobby of me. I have owned my own place for so long, it's just hard to imagine having to rent. I'm nervous about that.

Pretty much everyone I talk to loves SD. I think it's a conflict for me because I'm moving away from my love and family. But, I want to give it a shot because it's a good opportunity for my career.

 

[zoebartlett]

I'm sorry but I can't recommend specific places to look in/around SD. The info. I wrote below is general information.

One thing I'd recommend is contacting a realtor and mention your plan to relocate to the area. If you don't know where to begin there, try contacting the Chamber of Commerce for help. Ask the realtor to show you different neighborhoods so you get a feel for them from someone who knows the area really well.

We did that a few years ago when my husband interviewed for a job (which he ended up getting). The realtor spoke to us over the phone, and then we met her when we went to the state we were possibly moving to. She showed us around and it was great. We were able to narrow down the part of the city we wanted to live. Then when my husband and I moved for his new job, we met with the realtor again and she helped us find a place to rent. Even though we had moved to a new place, it was great getting some of the leg work done ahead of time. Plus, by the time we moved, we knew one more person there, and that was nice to know.

 

[Hera]

That area around Sorrento Valley has quite a bit of traffic as well so I would be prepared for that. You may also want to consider the areas off of the 15 which are like Carmel Mountain Ranch and Tierrasanta. They are at least a 20-30 min drive to the beach but it's not unbearable if you don't plan to go all of the time. You may also want to consider North County into Carlsbad and Encinitas which are by the beach but are nicer communities so maybe the housing will be better and you would have more suburban pricing from the larger distance to San Diego.

 

[amc80]

That area around Sorrento Valley has quite a bit of traffic as well so I would be prepared for that. You may also want to consider the areas off of the 15 which are like Carmel Mountain Ranch and Tierrasanta. They are at least a 20-30 min drive to the beach but it's not unbearable if you don't plan to go all of the time. You may also want to consider North County into Carlsbad and Encinitas which are by the beach but are nicer communities so maybe the housing will be better and you would have more suburban pricing from the larger distance to San Diego.

I agree with this. I lived in an awesome apartment in Carlsbad. Let me know if you want the name. It was beautiful and they allowed pets.

 

[sonnyjane]

Yayyy!

I have been here in San Diego for four years now and really like it!

I live in the Mission Valley/Fashion Valley area (I'm about 5 minutes from Qualcomm stadium). Traffic can be really bad during normal commuting hours. Luckily I work during off hours and live only 6 miles from work, so I'm not in the car too long, but for others it can be maddening. For me, it's completely worth it to pay extra to live close to work. For others, they don't mind paying less for a bigger house but spending 45 minutes in the car each way. It's kind of hard for me to give you advice because I'm not sure what you're looking for exactly. Rent can be expensive. DH and I rent a 2/2 townhome and it's $1750 a month. We are happy with where we are. It's a nice central location next to all the major highways (5, 805, 163, and the , so I can easily get to just about anywhere.

Let me know if you have any specific questions. It's hard for me to generalize hehe

 

[mandasand]

Yayyy!

I have been here in San Diego for four years now and really like it!

I live in the Mission Valley/Fashion Valley area (I'm about 5 minutes from Qualcomm stadium). Traffic can be really bad during normal commuting hours. Luckily I work during off hours and live only 6 miles from work, so I'm not in the car too long, but for others it can be maddening. For me, it's completely worth it to pay extra to live close to work. For others, they don't mind paying less for a bigger house but spending 45 minutes in the car each way. It's kind of hard for me to give you advice because I'm not sure what you're looking for exactly. Rent can be expensive. DH and I rent a 2/2 townhome and it's $1750 a month. We are happy with where we are. It's a nice central location next to all the major highways (5, 805, 163, and the , so I can easily get to just about anywhere.

Let me know if you have any specific questions. It's hard for me to generalize hehe

Thanks Sonny! My budget is $1500 a month (of course I would prefer to spend less). I have listings printed out for Mission Hills, Mission Bay, North Park, Mira Mesa/Sorrento, University City, Hillcrest, Balboa park area, Pt. Loma, Ocean Beach, La Jolla, Del Mar and Encinitas. All within my price range.

Wow...that's a lot now that I type it up! I really would prefer to be closest to work and/or ocean as possible. When BF moves down, we will most likely move more inland. So, I want to enjoy the beach as much as possible while I am by myself. I don't want to live too far inland because I will get bored. I plan to fly home 1x per month but decided being closer to work was more ideal than the airport. Or, to be inbetween the airport and work would be okay.

I also want to mention that since my BF is a cop, he'll be very concerned about security. I also dream on indoor laundry (why the heck is that so hard to find in SD????).

I like the idea of a realtor. I have a reference for a couple of management companies that I plan to connect with. I could also ask my boss's realtor for recommendations.

 

[amc80]

Manda- check out the Windsor at Aviara. It's a very well kept property. And each unit has a full-sized w/d. It's gated as well. DH is a cop so I know how paranoid they can be It's about 3 miles to the beach. There is also a nice gym at the property. It may be a bit too far north for you. I did the same commute and it was 30-45 minutes each way.

 

[sonnyjane]

Yayyy!

I have been here in San Diego for four years now and really like it!

I live in the Mission Valley/Fashion Valley area (I'm about 5 minutes from Qualcomm stadium). Traffic can be really bad during normal commuting hours. Luckily I work during off hours and live only 6 miles from work, so I'm not in the car too long, but for others it can be maddening. For me, it's completely worth it to pay extra to live close to work. For others, they don't mind paying less for a bigger house but spending 45 minutes in the car each way. It's kind of hard for me to give you advice because I'm not sure what you're looking for exactly. Rent can be expensive. DH and I rent a 2/2 townhome and it's $1750 a month. We are happy with where we are. It's a nice central location next to all the major highways (5, 805, 163, and the , so I can easily get to just about anywhere.

Let me know if you have any specific questions. It's hard for me to generalize hehe

Thanks Sonny! My budget is $1500 a month (of course I would prefer to spend less). I have listings printed out for Mission Hills, Mission Bay, North Park, Mira Mesa/Sorrento, University City, Hillcrest, Balboa park area, Pt. Loma, Ocean Beach, La Jolla, Del Mar and Encinitas. All within my price range.

Wow...that's a lot now that I type it up! I really would prefer to be closest to work and/or ocean as possible. When BF moves down, we will most likely move more inland. So, I want to enjoy the beach as much as possible while I am by myself. I don't want to live too far inland because I will get bored. I plan to fly home 1x per month but decided being closer to work was more ideal than the airport. Or, to be inbetween the airport and work would be okay.

I also want to mention that since my BF is a cop, he'll be very concerned about security. I also dream on indoor laundry (why the heck is that so hard to find in SD????).

I like the idea of a realtor. I have a reference for a couple of management companies that I plan to connect with. I could also ask my boss's realtor for recommendations.

A washer, dryer, and dishwasher are absolute musts for us. It's one reason we pay more in rent. Del Mar and Encinitas are pretty far, but the rest of the places you mentioned are all within a good range of the ocean, La Jolla, and the airport.

I will say that the ocean here is not much warmer, if at all, than the ocean in Northern, CA. I have been here four years but probably only gone to the beach five times. I just find it so darn freezing! I prefer to lay out by the pool in our neighborhood instead. I became spoiled after living in Miami and the Florida panhandle - places with amazing beaches. The beaches here leave MUCH to be desired, for me at least.

 

[mandasand]

Manda- check out the Windsor at Aviara. It's a very well kept property. And each unit has a full-sized w/d. It's gated as well. DH is a cop so I know how paranoid they can be It's about 3 miles to the beach. There is also a nice gym at the property. It may be a bit too far north for you. I did the same commute and it was 30-45 minutes each way.

This complex is really nice...reminds me of the condo I bought a long time ago. I'm just worried about the commute...and with my senior lab, I worry about being so far from home. I think Carlsbad is an option once BF moves to SD.

 

[Hera]

I think you have earmarked some really great areas if you want to stay in San Diego and have a little more action. The suburbs are better priced but they are also a little sleepy. They'll be better when the SO comes to San Diego. Good luck!!

 

[mandasand]

I think you have earmarked some really great areas if you want to stay in San Diego and have a little more action. The suburbs are better priced but they are also a little sleepy. They'll be better when the SO comes to San Diego. Good luck!!

Thank you! It will be a little tricky financially because we have our mortgage plus rent for me. My BF is super supportive and is covering the mortgage on our house so I can afford a little more in SD.

 

[ForteKitty]

I lived here for a year while attending UCSD, and my unit had a W/D set. http://units.realtydatatrust.com/unittype.aspx?ils=442&propid=18911 Looks like they have units within your budget. I had no issues with the complex, and the drive to Sorrento Valley wasn't too bad. Not sure how it is now though, as it has been about 8 years since I moved away from that area. There are a lot of complexes in that area but most appear to be a lot more expensive.

eta: the link above is for apt. availabilities. Here is the site for the complex: https://property.onesite.realpage.c...=pinnaclemiradaatlajollacolony&siteid=1188589

 

[mandasand]

I lived here for a year while attending UCSD, and my unit had a W/D set. http://units.realtydatatrust.com/unittype.aspx?ils=442&propid=18911 Looks like they have units within your budget. I had no issues with the complex, and the drive to Sorrento Valley wasn't too bad. Not sure how it is now though, as it has been about 8 years since I moved away from that area. There are a lot of complexes in that area but most appear to be a lot more expensive.

eta: the link above is for apt. availabilities. Here is the site for the complex: https://property.onesite.realpage.c...=pinnaclemiradaatlajollacolony&siteid=1188589

Thanks Fortekitty! I already had this complex on my list...but I have to ask about weight limit for dog and it also doesn't have indoor laundry...it's not inexpensive, you'd think they'd throw in a w/d!!!

I'm also browsing on Craigslist and Hotpads to see what kind of offerings are available for small houses...probably in North Park. It's too early to rent anything now, but at least it gives me an idea of homes available in my price range!

 

[sonnyjane]

I lived here for a year while attending UCSD, and my unit had a W/D set. http://units.realtydatatrust.com/unittype.aspx?ils=442&propid=18911 Looks like they have units within your budget. I had no issues with the complex, and the drive to Sorrento Valley wasn't too bad. Not sure how it is now though, as it has been about 8 years since I moved away from that area. There are a lot of complexes in that area but most appear to be a lot more expensive.

eta: the link above is for apt. availabilities. Here is the site for the complex: https://property.onesite.realpage.c...=pinnaclemiradaatlajollacolony&siteid=1188589

Thanks Fortekitty! I already had this complex on my list...but I have to ask about weight limit for dog and it also doesn't have indoor laundry...it's not inexpensive, you'd think they'd throw in a w/d!!!

I'm also browsing on Craigslist and Hotpads to see what kind of offerings are available for small houses...probably in North Park. It's too early to rent anything now, but at least it gives me an idea of homes available in my price range!

Just a note about safety and North Park since you mentioned that was very important to you... There are some decent areas but there are also some shady ones, so check them out first. I have several friends that live in NP and while some have never had issues, others have had to deal with several car break-ins and drug dealers on the corner...

If you get down to a specific location, you can post and I can offer you some advice.

 

[mandasand]

Thank you!

 

[sonnyjane]

Thank you!

I totally don't want to scare you away from North Park though! It's a great location and some of my favorite restaurants in all of San Diego are in North Park... just use your judgment when selecting an apartment around there.

 

[mandasand]

Thank you!

I totally don't want to scare you away from North Park though! It's a great location and some of my favorite restaurants in all of San Diego are in North Park... just use your judgment when selecting an apartment around there.

I heard to stay away from apartments in NP, that's why I would consider a little house there...

 

[Hera]

Thank you!

I totally don't want to scare you away from North Park though! It's a great location and some of my favorite restaurants in all of San Diego are in North Park... just use your judgment when selecting an apartment around there.

I heard to stay away from apartments in NP, that's why I would consider a little house there...

As with many metropolitan areas, the closer you get to a major city, the more you will have safety issues. Both Hillcrest and North Park are lively areas filled with restaurants and things to do but I don't think I would consider them "safe areas." I believe there are crime reports or something that you can get for a neighborhood but I don't know much about them. Maybe ask your boyfriend if those exist?

 

[mandasand]

My scouting trip to San Diego was a success...I was able to eliminate some areas I thought I would like (downtown, North Park, Mission Hills). I think I would like to stay as close to the office as possible which would be La Jolla, Mira Mesa, Clairemont/Bay Park and Del Mar. I received a promotion and generous raise, so my budget is a little higher, while still having money to contribute to 401(k) and savings. So, I think I can find a place in those areas.

Del Mar and La Jolla I could get a 1 bedroom place, probably an apartment. In Mira Mesa/Clairemont, I could afford a two bedroom detached house or townhouse. I actually found a townhouse in Clairemont that I really like, I'm just trying to figure out the logistics from the owner. I don't need to move until April, but I wold be willing to rent it starting in March, if she'll hold it for me a few weeks. So, I'm waiting to hear on that.

So, I want to check and make sure I'm on the right track from my future SD PS neighbors!

 

[sonnyjane]

My scouting trip to San Diego was a success...I was able to eliminate some areas I thought I would like (downtown, North Park, Mission Hills). I think I would like to stay as close to the office as possible which would be La Jolla, Mira Mesa, Clairemont/Bay Park and Del Mar. I received a promotion and generous raise, so my budget is a little higher, while still having money to contribute to 401(k) and savings. So, I think I can find a place in those areas.

Del Mar and La Jolla I could get a 1 bedroom place, probably an apartment. In Mira Mesa/Clairemont, I could afford a two bedroom detached house or townhouse. I actually found a townhouse in Clairemont that I really like, I'm just trying to figure out the logistics from the owner. I don't need to move until April, but I wold be willing to rent it starting in March, if she'll hold it for me a few weeks. So, I'm waiting to hear on that.

So, I want to check and make sure I'm on the right track from my future SD PS neighbors!

My advice was going to be that if you find something, get it FAST. Rentals go SO quickly here. I had to rent my apartment a full month before I was here (talk about a waste in rent) because it had everything we wanted. Hopefully she will hold it for a few weeks!!

 

[mandasand]

Sonny-that's what I hear and so if I can rent starting in March I am willing to do that. It does suck but from I've heard, it's very competitive. Apartments are a dime a dozen, so that would be my back up plan!

 

[Hera]

My scouting trip to San Diego was a success...I was able to eliminate some areas I thought I would like (downtown, North Park, Mission Hills). I think I would like to stay as close to the office as possible which would be La Jolla, Mira Mesa, Clairemont/Bay Park and Del Mar. I received a promotion and generous raise, so my budget is a little higher, while still having money to contribute to 401(k) and savings. So, I think I can find a place in those areas.

Del Mar and La Jolla I could get a 1 bedroom place, probably an apartment. In Mira Mesa/Clairemont, I could afford a two bedroom detached house or townhouse. I actually found a townhouse in Clairemont that I really like, I'm just trying to figure out the logistics from the owner. I don't need to move until April, but I wold be willing to rent it starting in March, if she'll hold it for me a few weeks. So, I'm waiting to hear on that.

So, I want to check and make sure I'm on the right track from my future SD PS neighbors!

I would say that La Jolla and Clairemont/bay park would be the most suitable for you. Don't get me wrong, Del Mar is beautiful but it's on the older side of age ranges and it's a little more suburban and away from shopping and nightlife.

 

[sonnyjane]

Sonny-that's what I hear and so if I can rent starting in March I am willing to do that. It does suck but from I've heard, it's very competitive. Apartments are a dime a dozen, so that would be my back up plan!

Yeah, my post said "apartment" but DH and I also live in a 2 bedroom townhouse. It was perfect for us because it had 1) a dishwasher 2) a washer/dryer and 3) a 2-car garage! That's as good as gold around here. Clairemont is quite close to me. It's where I do my grocery shopping Good luck!

 

[mandasand]

Sonny-that's what I hear and so if I can rent starting in March I am willing to do that. It does suck but from I've heard, it's very competitive. Apartments are a dime a dozen, so that would be my back up plan!

Yeah, my post said "apartment" but DH and I also live in a 2 bedroom townhouse. It was perfect for us because it had 1) a dishwasher 2) a washer/dryer and 3) a 2-car garage! That's as good as gold around here. Clairemont is quite close to me. It's where I do my grocery shopping Good luck!

I also have my priorities in terms of want versus need. I need indoor laundry, covered parking, a decent size outdoor area (for Maya) and in a SAFE neighborhood. The townhouse is super cute, 2 bedrooms, garage, all appliances, hardwood floors downstairs, french doors that lead to a huge patio, and a view of the bay upstairs. The owner said she has a couple of showings today and a lot of interest but no additional showings. She said she would be willing to work something out with me since I won't be moving until April. Basically, I could rent it starting in March. I'm trying to get a co-worker to go look at it for me first but I haven't heard back yet. If I try and fly down this weekend, it would cost me $400 from Sac to SD!!! It's an 8 hour drive, so I could do that. I't feels right, but I'm SUPER picky and this is a whole new experience for me!

 

[mandasand]

I'm headed to SD tomorrow! My friend really liked the townhouse and so I submitted an application. The owner really wants me to see it in person just to make sure so I'll be flying down. I'm going to look at a couple other places just in case. I'm pretty sure this is the one! I've been looking for months now and nothing has excited me like this!
Yay!