walkable - Chinese - cheaper than LA (Los Angeles, San Diego: rent, condo)

[projectmaximus]

Looking for a walkable area with somewhat convenient carless access to good Chinese stores/restaurants. Is this possible in SD? If so, would it be cheaper COL than LA?

TIA!

[The Flying Dutchman]

Hi! Unfortunately, our resident forum posters are mostly suburban, but definitely check out downtown... We recently just opened Ramen Yamadaya, which admittedly isn't 'Chinese' in the traditional sense, it does indicate downtown's broadening of tastes... with that in mind, if you're into Russian cuisine, look into Pushkin or Cafe Sobaka. Typically, most of San Diego's more popular restaurants are only conveniently accessible by car, but don't worry, this paradigm is fast changing!

[RosieSD]

For Asian supermarkets, the place to be is the Clairemont Mesa-Kearny Mesa area (i.e., 99 Ranch, Zion Market and others). On Convoy Street, which is in this area, you'll find many Asian (including Chinese) restaurants to choose from.

So, if I was moving to San Diego and wanted to be close to Asian restaurants/super markets, I'd start my search in the Clairemont Mesa/Kearny Mesa. While you'd probably find having a car most convenient for shopping and restaurants, if you plan where you live around the bus routes, you probably could survive without a car. Clairemont Mesa and Kearny Mesa are not as inexpensive as they used to be, but less expensive than other more "fancy" parts of San Diego County.

Another option with a lot of Asian supermarkets and restaurants in the area would be the Rolando area (near San Diego State). Depending on where you live, this would be a very walkable area and probably less expensive in terms of housing options.

Please note: when I say "Asian" I am not referring specifically to Chinese supermarkets and restaurants only, but also to Korean, Vietnamese, etc. But, in general, you'll be able to find what you need in these two areas without having to go very far.

It's hard to say whether the cost of living would be less expensive in these areas than similar areas in Los Angeles, but I suspect they may be.

[hkbruin]

"Speaking as Chinese American who grew up eating everything Asian"
Only fit that comes to mind is the residential streets west of convoy and south of balboa. Most of the streets north are commercial only and Clairemont provides fewer restaurants on the west side, which is where, past the 805 there plenty of residential neighborhoods.

In terms of housing, are you looking to buy a detached? condo? or rent? Renting might be very affordable, but again, not as many options. More detached homes. And cheaper, generally yes.... IF you mean LA areas like SGV, Alhambra, Arcadia, etc.

[LuvSouthOC]

OP is not looking for information and does not appear interested in moving to San Diego. OP posted the same question in the Seattle Forum.

[moved]

Originally Posted by LuvSouthOC

OP is not looking for information and does not appear interested in moving to San Diego. OP posted the same question in the Seattle Forum.

OP also posted the same question in the Sacramento, St. Louis, and Rhode Island forums.

[NJ Brazen_3133]

I think the TS wants to know where the Asian Commercial districts are.

[projectmaximus]

Originally Posted by The Flying Dutchman

Typically, most of San Diego's more popular restaurants are only conveniently accessible by car

Thanks for the response! This is true in most cities.

Originally Posted by RosieSD

For Asian supermarkets, the place to be is the Clairemont Mesa-Kearny Mesa area (i.e., 99 Ranch, Zion Market and others). On Convoy Street, which is in this area, you'll find many Asian (including Chinese) restaurants to choose from.

So, if I was moving to San Diego and wanted to be close to Asian restaurants/super markets, I'd start my search in the Clairemont Mesa/Kearny Mesa. While you'd probably find having a car most convenient for shopping and restaurants, if you plan where you live around the bus routes, you probably could survive without a car. Clairemont Mesa and Kearny Mesa are not as inexpensive as they used to be, but less expensive than other more "fancy" parts of San Diego County.

Another option with a lot of Asian supermarkets and restaurants in the area would be the Rolando area (near San Diego State). Depending on where you live, this would be a very walkable area and probably less expensive in terms of housing options.

Please note: when I say "Asian" I am not referring specifically to Chinese supermarkets and restaurants only, but also to Korean, Vietnamese, etc. But, in general, you'll be able to find what you need in these two areas without having to go very far.

It's hard to say whether the cost of living would be less expensive in these areas than similar areas in Los Angeles, but I suspect they may be.

Thanks for the details! I'll keep Rolando in mind. I'm not really wanting to just "survive" without a car, I'd like it to be decently convenient lol. And really also would need to be noticeably cheaper than LA or I'd just go with LA area.

Originally Posted by hkbruin

In terms of housing, are you looking to buy a detached? condo? or rent? Renting might be very affordable, but again, not as many options. More detached homes. And cheaper, generally yes.... IF you mean LA areas like SGV, Alhambra, Arcadia, etc.

Thanks! To answer your question, most likely would be renting unless an amazing deal could be found as a good investment. Any type of housing, though at least 2 bedrooms.

Originally Posted by LuvSouthOC

OP is not looking for information and does not appear interested in moving to San Diego. OP posted the same question in the Seattle Forum.

LOL. Why would I post if I'm not looking for information?? You could possibly postulate that I'm not really interested in moving but I'm obviously looking for info. Have spent 20-30 hours researching this topic for cities all over the country...trying to do due diligence since my family can go anywhere and this is my wife's priority (carless + good Chinese community). And just to put it out there since you seem curious...we'd probably pick about a half dozen cities and do each one for 4-6 months to see what we like.

Originally Posted by NJ Brazen_3133

I think the TS wants to know where the Asian Commercial districts are.

Yep, basically.

[kettlepot]

San Diego doesn't really have a Chinese business cluster. If you would be happy with Vietnamese rather than Chinese, there is a significant grouping of Vietnamese restaurants and a couple of small supermarkets along El Cajon Boulevard east of I-15 and west of 54th Street. These areas are the southern sections of Talmadge and Kensington and the northern section of City Heights. The mass transit is fairly good in the area and it certainly is better than any of the other areas which have been mentioned. Depending on your resources, you could rent higher end in southern Kensington, or lower end in City Heights.

[projectmaximus]

^Thanks! Looks like it's just buses in the area, but you're saying they're pretty effective? I guess it'll take a visit to really get the idea.