Not your average 'Where to live?' thread... (San Diego, Chula Vista: real estate, apartments)

[JesterBlaze]

OK, I've read a lot of similar threads here on these forums but all seem to be looking for what I'm not looking for so here goes.

Me: Single mostly-white male who's definition of uncomfortability could quite be being around an all white crowd with a better-than-others mentality.

Looking for:
Affordable studio/1BR (please give $$$ examples if possible)
70ish weather year 'round
Ethnic/cultural Diversity
Population
Job market for someone without a degree

Not looking for:
Schools
Rural areas
"white picket fence house"
Crime-free (I'm obviously not looking to die but I currently live in what some consider "the ghetto" and I'm perfectly comfortable other than the ridiculously cold winters)

I could be way off but I'm leaning towards Chula Vista from what I've read, but that hasn't been much.

Disclaimer: I reserve the right to clarify anything above.

[Sassberto]

Live in the City. North Park, Normal Heights, University Heights, South Park. You might even like my neighborhood. Avoid the burbs at all costs.

Plan on spending ~1k/mo for a shoddy 1BR in a six-pack apartment block with no amenities.

[Dave F.]

Agree with Sassberto. Forget about Chula Vista. In addition to the already mentioned, add Golden Hill to the list. If you wanna be closer to the beach, Ocean Beach would fit the bill but it'll cost you more. Just south of Golden Hill is Barrio Logan. Some of it is run-down, some of it is not. There's some cool architecture there and rent will be more affordable than the other places mentioned. It's also a good central location. You can search rent prices here:
San Diego Union - Tribune Newspaper sd marketplace : Jobs , Real Estate , Apartment Rentals, Autos, Personals, Obituaries, Merchandise

[JesterBlaze]

Thanks for the responses!

$1k/mo...

I have some money saved up but it would run out quick at that pace. Seeing as everything in Cali is expensive (compared to Lawrence, MA) can I assume the general pay scale is on par with the living cost? I don't really have a career but haven't had to work the worst jobs either. I'm an intelligent guy (if not formally educated) and interview well so I haven't had to do more than go down to the nearest employment agency whenever I've needed work.

Sassberto, I've looked at the pictures in your "My Photos->Neighborhood" and it looks better than the best neighborhoods I've been to. I think I'm looking for something a little more ghetto to get started.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by JesterBlaze

Thanks for the responses!
Sassberto, I've looked at the pictures in your "My Photos->Neighborhood" and it looks better than the best neighborhoods I've been to. I think I'm looking for something a little more ghetto to get started.

Rents in my area are high because there are so many SDSU students around, but the apartments just to the south in College Grove or a mile or two to the west in City Heights fit the bill of cheaper and a bit more ghetto. Just stick to 'the Mesa'... everything in the northeastern side of the core city of SD. Golden Hill is a good option too. You might also want to look at Sherman Heights just to the south of GH.

The only areas I would outright avoid:
City Heights between 35th street and 54th street
Logan Heights east of 25th street or South of Commercial
SESD with the exception of a few neighborhoods

[Imperial1904]

Southeast San Diego, City Heights, East San Diego, Barrio Logan, San Ysidro, National City (last two are more south).

[VeronikaW]

Originally Posted by JesterBlaze

can I assume the general pay scale is on par with the living cost?

Not always, man. I know retail jobs are paying like $9/hour (well, at least at BevMo, they were), and I'm guessing you might be able to find some sort of clerical work for $12-15/hour if you're lucky.

They type of work experience you have would really be the deciding factor on what you can make, but San Diego is known for salaries not up to par with the cost of living.

V. =)

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by JesterBlaze

Seeing as everything in Cali is expensive (compared to Lawrence, MA) can I assume the general pay scale is on par with the living cost? I don't really have a career but haven't had to work the worst jobs either. I'm an intelligent guy (if not formally educated) and interview well so I haven't had to do more than go down to the nearest employment agency whenever I've needed work.

SD is infamous for it's 'Sunshine Tax' where the chronically underemployed eke out a beach-centric life in run-down 500sf shacks originally built for vacationers from LA. If that floats your boat, you won't be disappointed. However you are competing against a lot of other people with the same idea you have.

[eastsandiegobornandraised]

all the areas been mentioned

no degree? yeah your living in the hood...whether you prefer it or not

you can probably "survive" here on around $11/hour

what type of jobs are you looking for?

and if your really really really looking for a ghetto spot, I can throw you some suggestions, you'll thank me later

[slowmoe]

According to a recent news report I saw, the NECESSARY hourly wage for someone living in Califronia is $17/hr. The minimum wage here is higher than other states though a whopping $7.50/hr! If you are looking to wing it when you get out here expect to work 2 jobs.

On a side note, an excellent 2nd job is being a poll/product researcher online. Its a nice, work at your own free time pace job that will make you some good extra money, bonus sometimes they pay cash!