Best place to live in North County San Diego? (San Francisco: apartments, to rent)

[SDpace99]

Hi, I'm moving from Portland and San Francisco to North County SD for work. I will dearly miss living in walkable/bike-friendly cities as I know that cars are pretty necessary in SoCal. However, such is life, and I'm sure there are wonderful things to discover in North County. Because of where my job is located, I'm looking at things only in North County as I'm not able to look as far south as San Diego proper.

I wondered if people had thoughts on what communities would be as close to a small city atmosphere as possible? So far, I've been researching Encinitas, Carmel Valley, Solana Beach, Leucadia, Cardiff, and Del Mar.

Do people have thoughts on which is most walkable for running errands (as I know there will undoubtedly be long drives everywhere else), somewhat diverse and liberal, good for single professionals in their 30s? Looking for maybe middle of the road in terms of wealth, or at least down-to-earth, somewhat socially concerned communities. I am looking for a places where young people are out at night and stores don't close too early, where I could walk/bike to restaurants and shops, walk my dogs near the beach, and where I wouldn't be out of place as a young, single, professional. I'd like to find a nice area where there might be community and cultural activities too. I love the outdoors, so I know the beach will be a big part of things. I can maybe spend up to 2500/mo, although kind of wince at the idea.

I might be asking for a lot, but I'm sure there are gems that people are proud of out in North County. There's been great discussion I've seen on the forum.

Am I looking at the right communities? And would you suggest one over all the others? I really appreciate anyone's suggestions, and any further commentary they might have on particular places.

[Encinitan]

I'd focus on either downtown Encinitas (along Highway 101 from about E Street to K Street) or Del Mar. Maybe Cardiff by the Sea, too. They are the most compact and walkable sections of coastal North County. The others you mentioned are more spread out in terms of shopping and things to do. Not real far, but not what I'd call walkable either.
I think you could find apartments and maybe homes to rent with your budget, but it would be cutting it close.

[SDpace99]

Thanks Encinitan. I appreciate how specific you were about neighborhoods too. I will definitely check that area out. I suppose I can also make some concessions about walkability depending on the entire fit. I'm also getting conflicting thoughts on Del Mar. A friend of mine suggested Del Mar, but then another told me it was for retirees?

[Encinitan]

I think your second friend means Del Mar is an older crowd, and it sort of is. But there are lots of younger families and even single younger professionals who live in Del Mar, so it's not entirely true. Del Mar is certainly older (and snobbier) than Encinitas or Solana Beach, but it's not La Jolla, either.

[makingcoffee]

Encinitan is right ... Downtown Encinitas is just about the ideal North County spot. There are some brand new condos that are opening up there too. Pacific Station, I believe. If I could afford it, that would be the place I'd live. There are a lot of local shops; Ace Hardware; Starbucks; good organic restaurants; yoga studios; etc. and allegedly a Whole Foods opening up soon. And when you need, you can go inland a tiny bit to get to all the chain places ... Target, Petco, the mall, etc. Encinitas has a laid back, beach vibe.

Del Mar skews a little older and richer, and to me, the shops in that area don't seem as useful. They seem more "high-end retail." But it is a beautiful area, and there are a couple really good restaurants that I'll visit.

Solana Beach is great too ... maybe a little more tranquil than Encinitas. It has a downtown area that's great for walking with a lot of local shops and restaurants too. Plus, I think it might have the easiest walking access to the beach. And if you ever need, there's a big train station right in the middle of it all. Hmm. Maybe Solana Beach is my ideal spot?!?

[usan8v]

I live in the south end of Carlsbad off the coast hwy, I love this section of north county, great views, awesome for biking, and a few good surf breaks...It does tend to be a little more quiet, family oriented. GOOD LUCK!!!

[SDpace99]

Thanks everybody! I'm excited to check these communities out. I think I'll pay particular attention to Solana beach and Encinitas downtown. If anybody has particular neighborhoods in mind, I'm so grateful.