Moving Location Dilemma (Oceanside, Escondido, El Cajon: condo, buying a house, buying)

[djxpress]

I am going to be buying a house in the $<400k range (single income, single adult, no kids). I don't want a condo, as I'm moving from one, and don't really want HOAs. So far, my locations are Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido.

I work in healthcare in 3x week in La Mesa and will be commuting. However, in 1-2 years I probably can work at other hospitals that may be closer to North County.

My question is this: should I buy based on where I want to live and suffer the long drive to work, or should I buy based on proximity to work even though it may not be where I want to live.

Otay Mesa, La Mesa, Santee, El Cajon, Lemon Grove are all areas that are closer to work, However, I grew up in North County, and though I know there are "good" and "desirable" areas of Otay Ranch/Eastlake, I'm not going to consider anything that close to the border.

[moved]

I wouldn't commute. I would look for something closer to your job. You won't mind the commuting at first, but it'll get old very quickly. Think of all the wear and tear on your car, plus when it's raining, you could be sitting on the freeway for who knows how long. I would definitely reconsider, and look for something closer.

[Carrie2979]

Oceanside to La Mesa is a far commute. However; it would be 3x a week, so that really isn't bad. Working 12 long hours though? Can you drive an hour after being on the go at work? I would honestly wait to buy until you have something permanent because there will be no guarentee that you will get a job in the North County.

However, you are the only person who can determine what is best for you.