Moving to SD (for a year now) (San Diego, Chula Vista: insurance, apts)

[SDbound]

Hi Everyone, Looks like I'm finally going to make out to your fair city, and can't wait!! (I tried last year, but had to finish tying up some loose ends here, first). I'm a single female, late 30's , and still not sure of what area of SD would be best for me. As a nurse, I can probably find work just about anywhere, so I'm really looking for the best area first, then the job.
I love the beach, and had a blast in the gaslamp when I visited last year. I like to have fun, but wouldn't consider myself a "party girl", so I really don't want to live in the middle of it. I've been mulling over Mission Bay, but from the posts here, seems like frat city(?) Looking to rent a 1 BR or maybe a studio for about $1/k month. Must be a safe area, (not just a block or two), as I like to explore my surroundings and plan on getting lost a bit, at first. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

[sunnymom]

I would not recommend Mission Beach, there is a lot of riff-raff there, especially on the weekends and it is very loud. There has also been shootings there. I'd suggest the "Crown Point" area of Pacific Beach as it is close to the bay/beach and is a much safer place for a single lady. I lived in Pacific Beach/Crown Point area when I was a single young lady (and a single mom) and I loved it. Another good area is North P.B. (Pacific Beach, everyone says "P.B." as a local) area as it is closer to La Jolla. If you have any other questions, just ask! Best of luck to you!

[Tea Tea]

P.B has too many of those clubs were most guys just want to get laid and most girls dress like sluts and act too stupid. A lot of lame college parties. A lot of Fratness going on.

[SDbound]

Your replies are greatly appreciated ladies!! I'll jump right on your suggestion of North PB, sunnymom! I visited La Jolla (gorgeous!), but the more affordable apts seemed to be more like college dorms.

[Sassberto]

I don't think you are going to find much that doesn't look like a college dorm for 1/k mo in Crown Point or North PB. At that price point you are going to be looking at pretty modest properties in the coastal areas.

[Jax]

Believe it or not, renting in Coronado isn't always as expensive as you may think....now buying property there; that's ANOTHER story. Anyway, you may want to consider renting in Coronado, as it's relatively safe, has a great vacationy and relaxed feel, is very walkable and also easy to get around via bike, has a great beach...plus it's close enough to the downtown San Diego area (and goes against traffic heading to Chula Vista in the mornings) should you work in either of those areas. I lived in Coronado for almost 2 years before moving to FL around Christmas. Coronado is hard to beat!

[SDbound]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

I don't think you are going to find much that doesn't look like a college dorm for 1/k mo in Crown Point or North PB. At that price point you are going to be looking at pretty modest properties in the coastal areas.

Even a studio Sassberto? Modest is ok, as long as it's clean and safe, until I find exactly where I want to plant myself, but college age, is not. I live in New Jersey now, apts are comparable, (and car insurance is higher!). To Jax: I've been to Coronado, it's very beautiful, but workwise I think I will most likely be working in the city, or possibly north of. I see that most of the traffic seems to be heading into the town of SD, so I don't think that would work for me.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by SDbound

Even a studio Sassberto? Modest is ok, as long as it's clean and safe, until I find exactly where I want to plant myself, but college age, is not. I live in New Jersey now, apts are comparable, (and car insurance is higher!). To Jax: I've been to Coronado, it's very beautiful, but workwise I think I will most likely be working in the city, or possibly north of. I see that most of the traffic seems to be heading into the town of SD, so I don't think that would work for me.

Studio should be OK. 1BR not so easy. Crown Point and North PB are mostly owner-occupied single-family homes and townhouses. Keep looking, you will find something.