A decent apartment to rent sight unseen? (San Diego: live, price)

[PlumBlossom]

Hello good people of the forums!
So I'm coming from the east coast to west coast, and I've done some searching for the past few months but have only succeeded in going around in circles, so I figured it was time to ask for help!

There's no way I'm going to have time to do any direct recon before I move out there, so I need to find someplace I can feel confident about making moves on remotely and I really don't know anyone in San Diego.

About me, I'm single, in my early 30's and finishing up some medical training (which amounts to working long hours for a fraction of the pay). Could be easily comfortable in city/suburbs/beach area. Don't care about traffic noise (I can sleep through anything). Don't care about having bars/clubs at my fingertips (I can get to where I need to for entertainment easily).

What is important to me is:
- 1BR, (not a roommate situation)
- Reasonably easy/consistent commute* to LaJolla (like 30min or less would be great!)
- Some kind of off-street parking
- Less than $1000/mo. rent
- With a gas station and grocery store within my direct path from work
- In a complex/area where I don't have to be perpetually worried about varmints (human, insect, or rodent)

*commuting hours could range anywhere from as early as 6a to as late as 7p). I drive, but don't mind public transportation.

ANY input is welcome! I'm starting to freak out! LOL!

[AADAD]

I also work in the field. Come out and stay at the Marriott Residence Inn. Discounts are gov't AAA.

BEFORE you get here make a list of apts which fit your bill proximity etc. Make appts and look around on your day's off. Forget anything more than a studio at your price range near campus. Having rented sight unseen several times I would not do it in a city. To many variables.

Do as much before. Like pants then shoes...right? =)

[kettlepot]

If in the end you truly have to rent sight unseen, rent an apartment in one of the big complexes in Mission Valley. They are managed by large apartment conglomerates, and you are sure to get a McDonald's like result. By that I mean it will be clean, well-managed, nothing special or with character, but no nasty surprises. Later on you will be able to find something more to your tastes.

There area has shopping and gas stations to which all of them you must drive, but the area is adequate. Whether your could get something for $1000, I'm not so sure, but that is the price that must be paid to safely rent something sight unseen.

[echo42]

La Mirage in Mission Valley. I have never lived there but plenty of people I know have lived there sight unseen when moving to San Diego. it will suit your needs for the first year or so. Clean, upscale, and young. Generic though as mentioned.

[tonyinsd]

I think you'll have a hard time finding an apartment for $1K a month, especially at complex that's managed by a national company.

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by PlumBlossom

*commuting hours could range anywhere from as early as 6a to as late as 7p). I drive, but don't mind public transportation.

Yup, known here in CA as rush hour.
Sad, downtown LA is often bumper to bumper even at midnight.