looking for neighborhood (San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas: rent, crime rates, safe area)

[Chloegay]

My husband and I are downsizing to San Diego. Our two college age children will be drifting in and out. What neighborhoods will be safe, quiet and still charming?

[JohnSoCal]

That is a hard question to answer without knowing some more specific information as to your preferences. There are many very nice areas to live in and around San Diego.

What type of climate do you prefer? The climate varies according to how close you are to the ocean. Personally, we don't like living on the coast because of the marine layer and cooler temperatures. We prefer a little bit inland where it is drier, warmer, and sunnier. Just 10 miles inland makes a big difference. On the other hand there are a lot of people that prefer the coastal climate.

Do you intend to buy or rent and what is your budget? San Diego housing is pretty expensive and the prices vary a lot according to location.

Where are you going to work? That is a key question and should determine a great deal where you live unless you like long commute times.

There are many very safe areas that are charming. San Diego has one of the lowest crime rates in the country for large cities.

[lrmsd]

SD and so cal don't have many charming neighborhoods, relative to other areas. If by charming we mean quaint with character and a village like feel??? There's a lot of suburbia and cookie cutter.

The safe/quiet/charming parts of SD, [that most people would agree on] are Cardiff by the Sea, Del Mar, La Jolla, Kensington, Mission Hills and maybe parts of Encinitas. You can also check Carmel Valley though charming probably not-but safe, quiet and very convenient, just south of Del Mar proper.
[I have no idea what your budget it, but these are higher cost areas.]

Carlsbad, Scripps Ranch, Poway, Rancho Penasquitos are other areas that fit the safe and quiet options, for the most part.

Good luck!