San Diego - reasonably-priced areas for transit access/walkability (Encinitas: apartments, rent)

[pi314]

Hi,

I've considered looking at a few cities to relocate to, and San Diego is one of my top choices. Public transit and weather are both big factors for me, and while SD isn't great in the former (though it is certainly better than anything in Michigan where I am now), it is definitely great in the latter (though some may like cold winters and/or hot summers, I really don't)! I don't drive, so a car is not an option for me.

Anyway, I was curious - if I were to seriously consider San Diego, are there any areas that are reasonably safe, have good access to public transit and good walkability, yet aren't crazily expensive? Obviously COL is higher in SD than Michigan, though it would seem that higher salaries would help account for that. As far as transit is concerned, I'd prefer to be walking distance to the trolley for access to downtown SD and the Amtrak to LA, as well as conveniently located to buses to other areas of SD (such as beaches). Would probably be working in more northern areas (around UCSD perhaps). I am single, so I'd be looking at smaller apartments...

[oddstray]

Here's the public transportation info for SD: San Diego Metropolitan Transit System

It seems that the central areas are better served than farther-out areas. But if you're able to find work and housing along a public transportation corridor, you might be able to pull it off. I'm not sure how happy you'd be, though. Not being able to drive is a notable hindrance for San Diego area.

[bouncethelight]

Originally Posted by pi314

are there any areas that are reasonably safe, have good access to public transit and good walkability, yet aren't crazily expensive?

I've lived in a few areas that fit that criteria. North Park and Hillcrest, which have just about everything you'd need on a daily basis, within walking distance. And Cortez Hill, and Banker's Hill - both are within walking distance to downtown and the Gaslamp District. When I lived there, I walked to work everyday - which was great!

Originally Posted by pi314

I'd prefer to be walking distance to the trolley for access to downtown SD and the Amtrak to LA, as well as conveniently located to buses to other areas of SD (such as beaches).

You can do that easily if you live near downtown - but I wouldn't rule out places like Hillcrest - even though it would require a bus ride, before you could get to the trolly. Unless you're planning to take the trolly everyday?

Originally Posted by pi314

Would probably be working in more northern areas (around UCSD perhaps). I am single, so I'd be looking at smaller apartments...

Okay, I didn't see at first that you'd be working so far north, so my suggestions above may not work for you...

La Jolla itself is very walkable, and safe, and it's a lovely place - but it probably falls into your "crazily expensive" category. If you go east, if gets less expensive, but less walkable. If you go north, it stays expensive, until you get to pockets of Encinitas - but that's likely too far, if you're working in La Jolla, and not driving.

Also, La Jolla isn't currently on the trolley route. The Coaster, which is a train, does stop in Solana Beach and Sorrento Valley - so if you wanted a quick way to get downtown, that is an option. But the schedule is much more limited and more expensive than the trolley would be.

My feeling? Living in San Diego without a car is easy if you live downtown, or in Hillcrest - I actually had a car, but it stayed parked most of the time, and if it had suddenly disappeared I would have been able to function just fine without it. I even did my grocery shopping a little at a time, on foot.

But working in La Jolla and not having a car? That seems like it would be really tough.

[tonyinsd]

It's possible to work in La Jolla without a car if you live there. If you live there, then there's nothing you need to leave for. You've got grocery stores, hardware stores, clothing stores, etc all within walking distance.

But if you don't make enough to live there, then you can do the bus but it won't be easy.

[ibman]

Your best bet for working in La Jolla and depending on public transit is probably the older areas of University City. UTC is a transit hub so you can get downtown from there.

[pi314]

I have thought of most of this - though living in the immediate UTC area would make a commute to UCSD or anywhere in the vicinity a cinch without driving, I am a bit concerned that living there would make it hard to venture outside that area on nights/weekends. From the looks of it, the only bus that runs from that area to downtown outside of work hours is the #30, which takes over an hour one-way. As such, going to anything downtown would take 1:15+, and in many cases would involve buses that run only every 30 min on weekends - not exactly that thrilling to me.

There *is* the much faster #150 express from downtown/Old Town to UCSD/VA/UTC, though that seems to only run during the week/work hours. Are there any decent/affordable areas in the vicinity of that route? I've also heard Hillcrest mentioned (and also know UCSD runs a bus between the UCSD Medical Center there and the main campus) - how are the transit connections between there and other areas?

At this point, this is all theoretical - I don't have any job offers at this point, though I have had some contact regarding an opportunity. As I've said, I really do like SD weather, though the transit is the big concern for me. On the other hand, other places I've considered (such as Chicago) have great transit (and the benefit of being far closer to Michigan), but the weather is a concern (as it has been one of my issues in Michigan the past few winters).

[tonyinsd]

Define affordable. What's the most you're willing to pay in rent and what do you expect to get with that?

[Mugsy]

The MTS is always hiring, and if hired you get a free pass to ride any bus trolley or coaster.

Google MTS and look under the employment tab.

FYI in 2017 the trolley will go to UCSD from Old Town.

I know that is a few years away, but it will make for faster commutes.

[pi314]

I guess it's hard to name any specific amounts unless I actually get to the point of a job offer. At this point, I'm really just looking for good areas to look at...

[Clevelandgal]

Originally Posted by pi314

I guess it's hard to name any specific amounts unless I actually get to the point of a job offer. At this point, I'm really just looking for good areas to look at...

That's a good idea, because nothing is affordable if you are not working or have some other source of income. Once you have something then you can start looking for area where you can hopefully get to work with minimal transfers.