Moving from Las Vegas in 2 weeks (San Diego, Glendale: relocating, insurance, military)

[from nv]

Can anyone give me some advice on San Diego, near the airport, in particular? Maybe Lemon Grove, Normal Heights, La Mesa, El Cajon areas? We are relocating from Las Vegas and will be working at the airport. I'd like some feedback in regards to rental housing, commutes, grocery prices, weather, etc. Are there any areas in particular we should stay away from? No children, so I don't need info about schools....

Your help would be appreciated!!

[cnkad]

I think if you don't have kids you could pretty much be fine in most areas of any of the places you named, I personally would stay away from el cajon and la mesa and lemon grove ONLY because you are working at the airport and they are a little far...I mean if you can live close to where you work and not have to fight through the traffic...why not? Coming from vegas the weather is like paradise. Rents are more, but everything else is probably about the same...?

[from nv]

Can anyone advise as to what the typical commute time may be from the areas I previously mentioned? Also, thoughts about towns of Little Italy, Middletown, Loma Portal, Midway or Roseville?
Thanks!

[kettlepot]

Little Italy and Middletown are probably 10 minutes. Normal Heights is probably 20-25 minutes depending on time of day.

BTW, in northern North Park at the intersection of 30th and Adams, the #2 bus begins its route to downtown to the airport if you were interested in commuting that way. The area north of Adams between Texas and the 805 (30th is one block away from the 805) is really quite homey with small houses, some apartments and within walking distance of Trolley Barn Park in University Heights and the small business area on Park Blvd to the west. Due east and within walking distance is the western part of Normal Heights and the small shops on Adams Avenue.

[from nv]

Thanks so much for the info, especially the bus route, which I had no idea about! It's so hard moving to a new area without knowing much, if anything, about it. If anyone has more tips, I'd appreciate you sharing!

[PhotogRyan]

I used to live in Vegas, and moved to SD in '05.

I live in Little Italy, which is about 5 minutes from the airport. If I worked there, I'd look into riding a bike or getting a beater to drive to and from.

You'll love the convenience of walking to the shops around the area, and it's nice to be able to walk around with other people, amongst the 500ft buildings. Rents are about $1500-1600 for a decent 1bd in one of the mid-rises, or $1300+ if you get lucky. A far cry from the $700-800 rentals in Vegas!

You might want to look into Mission Valley as well. It resembles the "master communities" that are all over vegas, with a lot of the big box retailers setting up shop. It's a 15 minute drive to the airport on the 5 south, and you will be going against traffic. I used to live in MV and worked in downtown, and the commute was excellent. Rents go for about 1400 for 1bd.

The only thing I don't like is that taxes are killer. Oh, and get wawanesa auto insurance, the amount I pay in one year is the same as 5 or 6 months in Vegas!!!

So, salary being equal, expect to have less take home money, and less buying power..

[from nv]

Yes, Vegas is a bit outrageous, and I can't wait to move to SD! Thanks so much for the useful info!! There are two more cities I need to inquire about....Coronado and Kearny Mesa. I know Coronado primarily is for military, but do they offer civilian housing there as well? And regarding Kearny Mesa, what is the commute like to/from San Diego Airport to that city?

[PhotogRyan]

I've seen a lot of retirees in coronado, but it is quiet. The apartments are a little higher than in downtown ~1800 for 1bd, and you could take the ferry across the bay.

Kearny Mesa's commute would probably be via 163 into downtown or 5 South. The 163 does get backed up with only 2 lanes though. Costs of living are lower than downtown, and they have a lot of shops and restaurants in the area. Rentals are around ~1200, with buildings built in the 70's. I think the commute via the 163 would get backed up, because there's only two lanes going into downtown.

Off-topic, but are there any other reasons you're leaving vegas besides the jobs?

[happykid]

Midway is very close to the airport. It is considered part of Point Loma, but 92110 zip code. 5-10 minute commute. Could ride a bike to work. Lots of apartment complexes there.

Loma Portal and Roseville are in Point Loma, 92106. Loma Portal is right under the flight path--so I would say that is close to the airport. 5 minute commute. Beautiful homes. Not much in terms of rentals. Very expensive. San Diego is not like most cities were the neighborhoods by the airport are the 'hood. Point Loma 92106 is very expensive and prestigious, despite the airplane noise. Roseville has some very expensive homes with views and a few, old fixer uppers with no views to rent. There are apartment buildings here and there.

[from nv]

The main reason why we want to move, other than jobs, is because of the cold weather. We originally lived in Texas and moved to Hawaii, to escape the cold, icy winters, but encountered EXTREME high costs of living, but we enjoyed our year there. Then jobs in Hawaii allowed us to transfer back to the mainland, and we relocated to Glendale, AZ, just outside of Phoenix. Great weather! Then my husband took a new job and we moved here to a nice neighborhood just outside of Vegas. (Since coming here, I haven't been able to find a job because I'm not bilingual. I have 20+ years in the admin field, mostly with airllines, but everyone wants someone who is bilingual.) Anyway, we're getting tired of the colder weather and somewhat low pay. Fortunately, the airline he works for is opening a new hub in San Diego so we're looking to transfer. From what I've found, there are more opportunities there other than working in a casino!