move to San Diego with a toddler (Temecula: low income, section 8)

[dchak67]

Hello,
I am a sinlge foreign-born mom of a toddler. I have an income of 2000 dollars( including child support) and I am contemplating my move to San Diego. Probably my income won't be enough to support living in San Diego, but I am just trying to figure out my options. I have some money saved up for this move, that will last me for a little while.

Here are my questions.
1. I know that if I live in downtown, I may not need a car. I would rather spend more money on a safe one bedroom apartment and use public transportation until I get financially stable.
What is a safe area in San Diego, that has access to public transportation?

2. I've read a lot about budget housing in San Diego. I know that I will probably qualify for it. Are those low budget appartments safe?

3. I've read about San Diego Head Start progmam which is basically free child care for low income families. Does anyone have experience with this program?

Thank you in advance

daria

[AADAD]

I am no expert but if you are not living already in the United States there may be some issues. I would gain security in your job first then consider a move unless there are factors moving you to this area. Health care if you are not a citizen in this area has "issues".

[dchak67]

I am a green card holder and the boy will be covered by health insurance. I won't bring the boy until I get a job in San Diego. But before applying for jobs, I would like to see what my budget would look like.
Thanks!

[earlyretirement]

Originally Posted by dchak67

Hello,
Probably my income won't be enough to support living in San Diego,

I think this is the most important thing to take from your post. Just out of curiosity, why San Diego vs. other areas in the USA? The job market is tough for American born, American educated applicants let alone foreigners so I'd say unless you have some really compelling reason to move to San Diego..... with a child, there are many many better places to move where the job market is much better, and the cost of living and especially rentals are lower.

Your first step is putting together a detailed budget of what you're spending now. Add up everything on a spreadsheet and see what you're spending now. Then adjust it for what prices are in San Diego. It's going to be VERY difficult to make it with a young child on that kind of low salary.

[moved]

What do you call "budget housing"? If you're referring to the Section 8 program, there's a 7-10 year waiting list. The Head Start schools probably also have waiting lists.

Do you have a job lined up already? Do you have a large savings to hold you until you find work? How much do you think you can afford to pay in rent? What about day care for your son if you can't get into a Head Start school? Day care is expensive.

These are questions that need to be answered before you can even think of moving.

[AADAD]

What type of work are you qualified for. Perhaps people here could help direct you. That said the job market is quite tight here in San Diego.

[dchak67]

I lived in the US for 6 years until I got pregnant and my husband and I split up. I have an accounting degree and I am sure I will pass CPA exams, but I need time to get ready for them. Prior to leaving the US I lived in Temecula, which is 2 hours away from San Diego. Temecula is my second choice and I am trying to figure decide between San Diego and Temecula. I know everything about Temecula, but just a little bit about San Diego. I am moving back to California because I am comfortable about this area and because my boy needs his father, who lives in Temecula.

I know that $2000 is not much, this is my minimum I am expecting to have on hand every month for at least a year. I also can get my previous job back ( which is a black jack dealer position) that will pay me over 40K a year but I would like not to go that route unless it is necessary.

So yes, I am trying to come up with a budget of my life in San Diego so that I can compare it to my other options.

I would really appreciate your answers on my questions

[dchak67]

I will try to get an entry level accounting job. If I can't, I will be back to dealing (((

[AADAD]

dealing cards?

[moved]

You're going to need more than $2000 per to live on with a child. Factor in rent, child care, transportation, food, utilities, etc. A bus pass will cost you $72 per month.