East Coast to San Diego (Corona, La Mesa: extended stay, fit in, real estate)

[AMoveInMind]

Hey Everyone - I have a couple questions I was hoping could be answered. I've browsed this forum a bit and have visited San Diego for a short period of time, but still don't have a sense of a few things.

1) Because I'm on the east coast and currently employed, it's pretty difficult to get a job lined up before relocating. Would it be dumb to get a short term place (month to month) and try to get a job after already moving to San Diego? I have a little over 2 years experience in digital marketing, but would be open to other industries.

2) How easy is it to meet people in San Diego? (especially women) for a 24 year old male? I don't have any family or friends in the area, and although I love San Diego, I imagine it wouldn't be as enjoyable a place if there weren't people around to experience all the fun things with

My ideal place would be somewhere like Little Italy, as I'd want to be pretty close to both downtown and some beaches. Although I think I'd have to settle for wherever I could afford right off the bat and then be more selective once I get a job.

Advice on any of this would be appreciated!

Thanks again!

[moved]

What's wrong with your job on the East Coast?

[sandiegoguy22]

You'll need to give a lot more info, but just so you know there's always a handful or so apts $1000 or less in La Mesa, which is in east county, not far from the beach w/ or w/o traffic.

[kettlepot]

How much in cash reserves will you have at the time of your move to San Diego? Landlords are reluctant to rent to the unemployed unless they have some serious cash reserves on hand.

If you have enough cash to tide you over for first months rent and deposit, plus 6 months of living expenses, then you probably have enough cash to make do until you find a job.

I would suggest you look for an apartment in the area between University Avenue on the south, and Adams Avenue to the north, from Park Boulevard to the 15 freeway. The would cover parts of North Park, Normal Heights, and the Corridor area of City Heights. I think this area has your best tradeoff between affordability and safety and quality of life. After you have been here awhile you could upgrade to either a better apartment or a better area.

[AMoveInMind]

Thanks for the advice everyone, especially the detailed neighborhood info. Job on the east cost is OK but not where I'd want to be long term. I would have enough to live for a year saved up.

[MovingAloha]

If yyou have a years worth and let's say that's upwards of $12K, then you should be okay for approx 6 months. I'm not as familiar with downtown areas, perhaps Tonyinsd or Cleveangel can help you with that. Good luck to you.

[loveautumn]

Without a job here, I doubt you would be able to rent a place right away. Plus, without knowing where you will be working, that wouldn't be a wise thing to do anyway. I'd suggest staying at an extended stay hotel or renting a room in an apartment (share). I imagine you could find a place to share in Pacific Beach, which would be a good location for someone your age, socially, etc. General rule of thumb, the further north the better.

[AMoveInMind]

Ya I was figuring on renting a room in an apt or house on a month to month basis, seems like there's a pretty good amount on Craigslist. When I visited I actually didnt check out PB, drove through but spent most of my time downtown and a day in la jolla. Checked out Coronado too but I've heard it's an older crowd. I've heard mixed
Reviews on PB - that it's a younger crowd (which I like) but the scene could be a little too collegish. I guess that's why I figured I might fit in better nearer to downtown.

How easy is it to meet people without knowing anyone?

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Originally Posted by AMoveInMind

Ya I was figuring on renting a room in an apt or house on a month to month basis, seems like there's a pretty good amount on Craigslist. When I visited I actually didnt check out PB, drove through but spent most of my time downtown and a day in la jolla. Checked out Coronado too but I've heard it's an older crowd. I've heard mixed
Reviews on PB - that it's a younger crowd (which I like) but the scene could be a little too collegish. I guess that's why I figured I might fit in better nearer to downtown.

How easy is it to meet people without knowing anyone?

In my experience, its up to the individual of course. I lived downtown for 6 years and was a regular at some of the food and drinking establishments there. Lets just say there was no "Cheers" bar per se where it was more locals than non. Maybe during the week (not weekend) the Blarney Stone, Neighborhood or Candelas but that is a stretch.
We met some really cool people that were traveling through the area, but FAR less locals. So that might make it somewhat difficult in meeting people around here, not just passing through.

The locals we did meet and make friends with, were typically renters and didnt stay downtown for long. Since I lived in a condo, most of the owners of units there we met were empty nesters or would be investors that at it during the RE meltdown.

Its been almost two years since we have lived there, and a majority of it was during the peak and eventual meltdown of real estate there. I am sure more folks have bought down there to actually live in vs investment property which is a good thing.

Just trying to keep your expectations in line. You will likely find a more 'locals' neighborhood to make friends with in areas like North Park, Hillcrest, Kensington, Talmadge College Area. Great places to live that can be as affordable or expensive as you need it to be.