Is El Cajon safe? (San Diego, Oakland: apartment complex, safe area, salary)

[zoodocgirl]

I'm moving to San Diego in June. I'll be living on a $28,000 gross salary (such is the life of a veterinary intern) and will probably be coming and going late at night from work. I found a great dog-friendly apartment in El Cajon at 148 Taft Ave... I'm getting mixed messages on whether this area is safe for a single female (or two) to live. Any input would be appreciated!

[NYSD1995]

Not a great area.

[jksouthbay88]

Um not really
It is in borderline from a rough area to a safe area

[shannon94]

Originally Posted by zoodocgirl

I'm moving to San Diego in June. I'll be living on a $28,000 gross salary (such is the life of a veterinary intern) and will probably be coming and going late at night from work. I found a great dog-friendly apartment in El Cajon at 148 Taft Ave... I'm getting mixed messages on whether this area is safe for a single female (or two) to live. Any input would be appreciated!

Not good. There are better areas of El Cajon for sure. Look for something in the Fletcher Hills area......or better yet...the neighboring city of La Mesa.

[edgessister]

I live in El Cajon with my two teen sons. We recently moved here from the east coast. I find it to be generally a nice neighborhood,but the atmosphere is ruined by the many homeless people around. I don't feel too comfortable going outside. I don't have a car,so I have to walk to places and it gives me the creeps a lot of times,like I really have to be on my guard. For the most part,the homeless people are harmless,but many of them have mental problems,so that makes them unpredictable. It is a random type thing,you never know who's going to do what.

[FunkyMonk]

I lived in El Cajon for 2 years. There is definantly a strong criminal culture, all the teenagers are trying to be gangsters and bad asses. There's a very competetive, aggressive and rowdy vibe to that town.

Overall I did actually like it, it was fun and interesting. Folks out there can be crazy, rude and ego-maniacal, but there's actually a good diversity and culture there. The pace is fast though, it just wasn't very peaceful.

However, if you mind your own business you can walk around all over an it's safe. I would recomend you stay out of the middle of town. Most of the better areas or one the edges of the city borders, the inner El Cajon valley is where there are more gangs, fights, thefts, etc.

I grew up near Oakland Cali though, so to me a "bad neighborhood" has gotta be pretty bad to qualify.

In El Cajon, get use to seeing lots of lifted trucks blasting rap music and youngsters who think they own the city.

[sunnymom]

As the above poster mentioned, look in La Mesa as it is a much better area.

[MAB]

El cajon is a stink hole.
Id never ever even consider living there.
Too many tweekers for my taste.

[Sac89]

I honestly heard El Cajon is not that bad. My friend lives there, and of course, she said there are bad parts to every city and area, but that El Cajon wasn't too "ghetto."

The manager of my future apartment complex swears that they're in a nice area, as they are in the "outskirts" of El Cajon, near Santee.

Needless to say, I hope it turns out to be true!

[mamitaboricua]

El Cajon isn't the best, but don't fear for your safety, it's nothing like that.