Street by Street (San Diego, El Cajon, Kensington: apartment complexes, condo, crime)

[Deeloveli]

So I was driving around SD this weekend, trying to evaluate neighborhoods to move into. I've noticed that the dynamics of a neighborhood change drastically within a block or two. Sometimes even North or south of a major street (like University) or from two different ends of street (el cajon).

As someone looking at properties on cragislist and Realtor sites, I can't tell which part of a neighborhood is nice. I like North Park, and Normal Heights, but parts of it are awesome while other parts are sketchy.

I just read a post and learned what I thought was Normal Heights is actually Corridor. Normal Heights South of Adams

Any advice on how to find the nice/cool parts? Thanks in advance!

[mlarsen23]

In the neighborhoods east of Hillcrest, generally the farther you are from University Ave, the less sketchy things will be. If you like North Park, you will probably like South Park too.

But although I think there is a lot to like about North and South Park, it is a bit block to block in both areas.

[Sassberto]

Most of San Diego is block by block. General rule - avoid the box bounded by: 805 FWY to the west / El Cajon Boulevard to the North / 54th st to the east / 94 FWY to the sourh

[Jenkay]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

Most of San Diego is block by block. General rule - avoid the box bounded by: 805 FWY to the west / El Cajon Boulevard to the North / 54th st to the east / 94 FWY to the sourh

To add to that: West of the 805- Park blvd: In general, avoid being within a block of El Cajon & University to the North and South. The area between El Cajon and University is generally less desireable than the areas North of El Cajon and South of University.

You also can tell a lot by looking at Google street view and checking how many large modern apartment complexes are on each block (more = less desireable) as opposed to single-family homes and the older courtyard-style places.

[kettlepot]

Originally Posted by Deeloveli

Any advice on how to find the nice/cool parts? Thanks in advance!

The best way to differentiate between the nice versus not nice areas is to give us a block location and let us provide you with our opinions.

However barring that, I think Jenkay's Corollary to the Sassberto Rule will provide you with solid guidance in the North Park, Normal Heights, City Heights, and Kensington and Talmadge areas. However, for Hillcrest, Mission Hills, and Bankers Hill a different standard with different rules will have to apply.

[Deeloveli]

Thank you all so much for your help. Sassberto, your post hit home. L.A. has a similar square to avoid living in.

I'm headed back to SD this weekend to look a few more properties. If I like any of them, I'll provide cross streets to maybe get a little more feedback. Hopefully, seeing some of the neighborhoods will eliminate the need for that.

Is there a drastic change to the level of "activity" when the sun goes down? I mistakenly moved to what only seemed like a quiet neighborhood, because I only saw it during the day. Thanks again for your help.

[Boose]

The crime maps at San Diego Regional Crime MAPS should help. You can specify crimes occurring within certain hours. But there's no substitute for checking out the neighborhood at midnight on a Saturday.

[Deeloveli]

Thanks Boose for the map. And I did spend the night last time I was there, so maybe I'll do the drive next time.

[Jenkay]

Originally Posted by Deeloveli

Thanks Boose for the map. And I did spend the night last time I was there, so maybe I'll do the drive next time.

And to reiterate what Kettlepot said upthread, if you come across apartment listings-say on craigslist or something- and you want to know whether the address is in a good spot or not, feel free to ask here. Several regular posters on this board, including myself, are intimately familiar with the neighborhoods you're interested in and would be happy to help out

[Deeloveli]

So I've just returned from another day trip to San Diego, and I've decided the areas I thought I was interested in aren't quite it (Thumbs up to the Crime Map posted above). No more North Park or Normal Heights.

I still like Hillcrest, but I REALLY like Mission Hills. Finding a large (800-1000 sqft) 1 bedroom apt, condo, duples or townhome seems impossible. So back to the street question, are there are streets that you all recommend looking out for these types of properties? Are there any property management companies that specialize in that area? Thanks.