Vista and Chula Vista (San Diego, Oceanside: to rent, crime, new home)

[lydunn]

I am in ohio and looking at places in these area are they the same place? and what areas or streets should I avoid when looking for an apt to rent or share.

Thanks

[andtm66]

Definitely NOT the same place. They are about 45-50 miles apart. Vista is East of Carlsbad and Oceanside (north of San Diego). Chula Vista is south of San Diego, not too far from the Mexican border.

[jksouthbay88]

Chula Vista is the better choice if you where wondering.A little more to do bigger population,easier to get around.But CV is in the south bay so you might have to deal with some minor crime issues.

[sdurbanite]

I'm with jksouthbay88. CV is the better of the two - mostly because it is closer to San Diego city. The eastern part of CV is the better area of the city, although the traffic is pretty bad going in and out of the area, as well as the 805 freeway that cuts through it. New homes have sprouted up there like crazy the last few years.

[wanttoteach]

Originally Posted by sdurbanite

I'm with jksouthbay88. CV is the better of the two - mostly because it is closer to San Diego city. The eastern part of CV is the better area of the city, although the traffic is pretty bad going in and out of the area, as well as the 805 freeway that cuts through it. New homes have sprouted up there like crazy the last few years.

We looked in both places to possibly buy a home, and the homes we could afford here in Vista were far better than Chula Vista. The ones in Chula Vista had bars on their windows. We were looking at about 400k to purchase. Anway, we absolutely love Vista. There are lots of hills with pretty plants everywhere. So, I suggest that you find out what kind of environment you really want. If it is important to you to be close to San Diego city, then you may want to choose Chula Vista. Anyway, just another point of view. It is always helpful to hear different opinions.

[magnumforc]

Proximity to the Mexican border is perhaps one reason for the bars on the windows. Lots more influx of illegals in CV than Vista, not that they don't make it north easily, but more in the South Bay simply due to the proximity to the border.

I kept a boat in Chula Vista for years and it was a great place to live. Great restaurants, nice people and a very vibrant community with easy access to San Diego nightlife, the Zoo, Balboa Park, sporting events, Coors Ampitheatre, etc. Vista has some very good pluses too..smaller community, somewhat less traffic (on most days) but further from the waters of San Diego Bay, more of a drive to most sporting events and attractions south, warmer weather in summer, etc. However, Legoland is closer if you have children and it's a short trip to Disneyland and the parks north. Lots of new developments with reasonably afordable housing in both places, if you can consider anything in San Diego really affordable anymore.

Both are pretty good choices. Best of luck!

[bigbiceps]

I actually like the fact that Chula Vista is close to the border. Quick drive to Mexican local pharmacies and Mexican doctors. Tijuana restaurants and nightlife in 10 minutes and be back to a nice city that isn't San Ysidro. Chula Vista has a nice downtown area as well.