|
|
| *Travel Tips>>>San Diego Travel Tips |
What are some of the best areas to live in around San Diego? |
Travel Info I'm a soon-to-be college graduate, and I would like to move to the San Deigo area. I'm wondering what areas I should avoid and what areas that are nice (and reasonably priced). Travel Tips Avoid any neighborhood with the word "Barrio" in it such as Barrio Logan. Basically you want to stay away from all of the neighborhoods that border the 94 freeway such as Logan Heights, City Heights, Encanto, Euclid, and that whole area. North Park, University Heights, South Park, Banker's Hill, and Hillcrest are all good and reasonably prices areas. They're all relatively close to downtown and are the most urban neighborhoods in SD. But you should really check out Pacific Beach, it's the perfect place for a college graduate as many people in the community are just out of college too. Everyone in PB is between 20-30, some are in college, some just out of college, and some are just young to mid 20's working and enjoying the PB lifestlye. It has one of the best nightlife and beach scenes in SD. It's an compact community that's easy to get around on by foot or bike, most people have beach cruisers here since parking can be difficult at times. People here are nice and friendly and there are tons of transplants from all over the country. Rents are higher than other parts of SD but not too bad for how close to the beach you are. I live about 8 blocks down from the water and pay $1375 for a 2 bedroom. It's cheaper the farther east you go in PB though, especially areas east of Lamont St. You can find a studio for $800-$1k or a one bedroom from $900 on up, expensive but not too bad. If you can't afford PB then look into Bay Park and Clairemont Mesa, just east of PB and the 5 freeway. You're still close to the beach, driving distance at least, and it's cheaper overall, plus some of the homes there have great views since it's up on a mesa. Others Depends a lot on your tastes and $$$$. Mostly money. San Diego is freaking expensive. It pays well but it is expensive too. A 1bedroom can run about $800/mo. Here is a general idea of the city. Since you are asking for general ideas this list is somewhat stereotyped (which I abhor) and I am probably selling several communities short but it is a starting place. To the South it borders Mexico. The Southern part of the city has more of a Latin flavor. The center areas around the city have the same structure that you might find close in to any major city with older neighborhoods with the occasional gem. Once you get to the North around I-8 you hit Mission/Fashion Valley. This valley is starting to boom with the younger set and newer condos. To the East you have cities that used to be rural and still have the country-western feel. East of Alpine you are over the top of the hill and are dropping down into desert. Along the coast you have a variety of beach communities ranging in price from high to extreme. Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are home to the young party animal surfing college crowds. Ocean beach is more laid back you-know-like '60's far-out. The coastal communities north of PB-MB are more expensive artist enclaves. Tierrasanta is a nice slightly upscale family style community. Serra Mesa & Clairmont are more middle class but have higher prices due to proximity to down town. Linda Vista has a large Asian community. As you look at your map you will see many airports. A great deal for an apartment at the end of the runway is not such a great deal. Anyway even with a little exaggeration this might give you an idea. You can also look up each community on the web individually. Some do have their own web pages. Also cosinder commutting. Depending on your future job you may not want to commute far. http://www.rental-living.com/communities... they have a good review of all the areas to live and the attractions/shopping./dining/t... to do in that area @ cometosandiego.com in the neighborhood section http://www.cometosandiego.com Sorry but there are no "reasonably priced" places in CA that are nice. San Diego can be expensive! I live in Oceanside which is cheaper than many areas. However, it can still be pricey. Going inland can be less expensive but it's hotter. I really like it here. It's not as hot along the coast and I find the people friendly. Congrats for graduating!!! Amy, It would be best if you knew where you were going to work before you look for a place to live ... I don't know whether you'll have that luxury, but it can be important, especially with the price of gasoline! San Diego, like most of the rest of California doesn't offer much in the way of mass transportation, and, like other California cities, is very spread out. And 3 ... freeway traffic here is also typical of California cities. The person who posted that a 1-bedroom apartment can be $800, has obviously not looked to rent lately. ANYTHING that costs $800 per month is almost nonexistent these days. Typical rents for a 1-bedroom start at around $1000. Look on craigslist for San Diego rentals for a better idea about rental expenses. ON THE OTHER HAND ... San Diego is a great place to live. It rivals much larger cities in terms of culture and other things you would hope a city has to offer. Yes, there are places to avoid, but I don't think it is possible to say, "stay away from (a certain) place." Do some research and ask yourself what you want to be near when you're looking for an area where you want to plant yourself. When I first moved here I wanted to be close to work and my new job was just north of downtown. I chose a little one-bedroom duplex in Golden Hill that was built in 1927. Lots of character. I lived 10 minutes from work. Once I got settled and started looking around, I realized I was in an area that looked seedy and a little scary. I lived there for two years. I never had a problem. My neighbors were friendly, and I enjoyed every minute ... except that I was right under the flight approach for our main airport. I finally got tired of having greasy dust, so I moved. What I've said goes hand-in-hand with what others have said. Good luck. |
| Tags |
| Philadelphia Phoenix Portland Sacramento San Antonio San Diego San Francisco San Jose Seattle St. Louis Washington, D.C. |
Travel Info Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |