Cheaper urban areas? (San Diego, Oceanside, El Cajon: apartments, rental, how much)

[DJJ125]

Hey guys, I'm curious as to what areas would be considered cheaper and also more urban (more walkable) in San Diego. I am not asking for something close to the beach and super safe - those things would be nice, but I'm interested in the cost of living and walkability first and foremost. This is mostly out of curiosity, as I would like to get an idea of rental prices in such an area. Thank you all!

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Do you care about public transportation? Cheaper than what?

[DJJ125]

Originally Posted by shmoov_groovzsd

Do you care about public transportation? Cheaper than what?

I knew that post was gonna be lacking some details.

No, I'd still have a car - I just prefer more walkable areas in general. Public transportation wouldn't need to be anything special. When I mean "cheap", I mean noticeably cheaper than the more expensive beach areas of San Diego; "cheap" on a San Diego scale, whatever that may be.

[kettlepot]

North Park between Park Boulevard and I-805 on the west and east sides, bounded by Adams Avenue and University Avenues on the north and south sides. Normal Heights between Adams Avenue on the north side and El Cajon Boulevard on the south side. The southern part of Kensington, just north of ECB would give you decent access to the walkable commercial heart of Kensington on Adams Avenue.

You also might explore some parts of North Park along the 30th Street N-S arterial road, from University all the way south into South Park at about A Street.

Central Connecticut heading to SD

Look at the map on the second post.

[DJJ125]

Great, thank you! Any idea of other parts in the county that might be cheap and have cool downtown areas? Is El Cajon mostly suburban? I also hear Oceanside is cheap (for whatever reason), not sure how much truth there is to that.

[tonyinsd]

Define cheap. There were some apartments in Banker's Hill that went for around $1,000 for a one bedroom. To me, that's cheap. To others, that may be expensive. These are not going to be in newer buildings, and they may not have all the amenities but you've got to give something to get something.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Originally Posted by DJJ125

Great, thank you! Any idea of other parts in the county that might be cheap and have cool downtown areas? Is El Cajon mostly suburban? I also hear Oceanside is cheap (for whatever reason), not sure how much truth there is to that.

Possibly cheaper than what was mentioned above: El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove all have downtown areas, are trolley accessible (if that adds any benefit to you) and have fairly cheap rents.

Downtown El Cajon has a completely revamped downtown. Its nice, not a ton of 'hip' places but has a Starbucks, a microbrewery Restaurant and some other goodies.
La Mesa has a GREAT downtown. The shops arent maybe where they would like them yet, but has a nice village feel to it. Lots of fesitvals and farmers market there.
Lemon Grove, definitely the bottom of all 3. That will be changing but as of right now, you might be able to get some really cheap rent near there and be closest to downtown SD (10 min drive).

Just go to padmapper and look up 91945, 91942, 91941 and 92020

[tstieber]

In all fairness, El Cajon is still pretty dumpy. It's got a sketchy feel to the downtown, and it's very 1950s looking. There isn't much there. Towns like that are a dime a dozen in California. La Mesa is much cooler -- great old neighborhoods in walking distance to town, and it's very cute, but it's reallly just starting to get a few neat hangouts. Give it another five to ten years, and it'll be really great. Housing prices are good though, and it may be a good investment.

Also consider Golden Hill just east of downtown. A little sketchy still, but it's getting some great stuff, and the proximity to other cool areas can't be beat.

[Sassberto]

North Park is the only answer. I guess OB in a relative sense. If you ditch the walk able, dozens of dumpy yet central areas in San Diego.

[Clevelandgal]

I am thinking there could be some tidy, but modest older buildings in Golden Hill that have decent prices. Certainly no washer/dryer in unit, but maybe a reserved parking spot could be had. Golden Hill needs to be looked at on a street by street basis, it definitely is urban and public transit accessible.