SD neighborhood reco's for young family from Marin (San Diego, Encinitas: to rent, houses)

[reisenman]

Hi there,

Been down to SD for a several business trips and just can't shake how gorgeous it is down there. Aside from the weather, it seems like a great place to raise a family (I have a 7-month old and plan on having another baby soon).

We currently live in Marin, just a short-distance from the Golden Gate Bridge. Here, home prices are through the roof. For a 3-bedroom with about 2000 sq feet, we're finding unaffordable prices around $1.2M. Mind you, these houses are spectacularly outdated and need tons of TLC.

I have a home office and can really work anywhere on the West Coast. I'm looking for a neighborhood that has a good walking score (can walk to nearby bars, restaurants, parks, etc.), family friendly (we're in our early 30's) and generally has a cool/hip vibe. Good schools (though we'll likely go private) are also an important consideration. Finally a small backyard (don't need acres upon acres) would be ideal. Otherwise a nearby park would work.

We may rent for the first year to get a better grip on the area but we may buy. We're in the $800-900k range.

We're originally from NYC, lived in SF for the past several years and just want something more relaxed, warmer and more affordable.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

[skeke]

How about Encinitas?

[sfosyd]

I'd really recommend the areas around Balboa park especially South Park and areas north of Adams ave.

Encinitas is nice but to me just doesn't feel as walkable as the areas I mentioned. In addition, your budget will likely put you east of the 5 which is full on suburbia. Also, it's a long way from the airport if you need to travel.

There is nothing like Marin. I rented a house on Spencer Ave in Sausalito ten years ago for 2k and just saw it sold for 2.8 million

[elchevere]

I lived at Harbor Point in the Strawberry section of Mill Valley for 3 years when I first moved out West....love Marin County...good luck wherever you end up.

[AADAD]

It depends on what neighborhood you want really. Mollie Stones? Larkspurish or San Rafael? .... Many choices.
Dense population urban/more rural.

We live in Sabre Springs Poway a little easier on the pocket and easy freeways anywhere in SD. PM me if you want some pointers from a pro I know...

[rosa surf]

Originally Posted by reisenman

I have a home office and can really work anywhere on the West Coast. I'm looking for a neighborhood that has a good walking score (can walk to nearby bars, restaurants, parks, etc.), family friendly (we're in our early 30's) and generally has a cool/hip vibe. Good schools (though we'll likely go private) are also an important consideration. Finally a small backyard (don't need acres upon acres) would be ideal. Otherwise a nearby park would work.

Areas with this type of vibe in San Diego are: Kensington/Normal Heights, Balboa Park Area, some parts of North Park and Hillcrest, South Park. Keep in mind that these are all mixed areas- since they are considered 'cool' and walkable areas, it is a mixture of families and single people. The cities are all next to each other- I suggest you drive around and find the pockets in the neighborhoods that are mostly homes with families. There are beautifully renovated homes with backyards in this area.

I live here and have both type of friends living in the area. These areas have had considerable gentrification in the past few years. You will have to do some research about the schools since everyone has different standards for education.

[reisenman]

Thinking that it would make sense to rent in one of the luxury high-rises in downtown first and then after our first year, and after we have a good understanding for the lay of the land, we can make a better educated decision on where to purchase a home.

Any thoughts on a young family living downtown San Diego? Is it do-able? Just one little one.

[AADAD]

Originally Posted by reisenman

Thinking that it would make sense to rent in one of the luxury high-rises in downtown first and then after our first year, and after we have a good understanding for the lay of the land, we can make a better educated decision on where to purchase a home.

Any thoughts on a young family living downtown San Diego? Is it do-able? Just one little one.

Sure. Nice amenities. Ease of access. A little confining but close to activities. Noisy would be the only downside.

[ucctgg]

Moving to San Diego to be in a more affordable area? That Is unusual.

[ColeUSA]

Originally Posted by sfosyd

I'd really recommend the areas around Balboa park especially South Park and areas north of Adams ave.

Encinitas is nice but to me just doesn't feel as walkable as the areas I mentioned. In addition, your budget will likely put you east of the 5 which is full on suburbia. Also, it's a long way from the airport if you need to travel.

There is nothing like Marin. I rented a house on Spencer Ave in Sausalito ten years ago for 2k and just saw it sold for 2.8 million

In San Diego our Sausalito is La Jolla.

Encinitas, Solana Beach, and Del Mar are definitely walkable/bikable cities with quaint central districts, that being said the farther you live from these centers the less walkable the area becomes. They don't have the same layout as the center city neighborhoods but that's a matter of geography. North County is most like Marin in the sense that the roads are windy, pockets of nature exist, and to the east lies rolling coastal foothills. Since you're moving to San Diego, you may as well consider the coast!