Why are city heights rentals cheaper? (San Diego, La Mesa: apartments, crime rates, neighborhoods)

[Opt_10]

I found a few one bed room rentals in city heights that are running the same price as a small studio in north park. I do like the amenities that come with city heights rentals (parking space, laundry etc) compared to what I can find in north park for the same price. So, what is the down side to living in city heights? Noisy? Unsafe? Address is 4573 university ave.

[eastcoastbias]

Originally Posted by Opt_10

I found a few one bed room rentals in city heights that are running the same price as a small studio in north park. I do like the amenities that come with city heights rentals (parking space, laundry etc) compared to what I can find in north park for the same price. So, what is the down side to living in city heights? Noisy? Unsafe? Address is 4573 university ave.

It is busy noisy street in a not so great part of town.

City Heights has some better areas Fairmont Park Azaela Park aren't terrible and priced similarly

[RosieSD]

Aren't you the person who said they need quiet to sleep well? If so, University Avenue in City Heights wouldn't be my first choice.

While there are some OK areas in City Heights, you might want to use crimemapping.com to get the crime stats for the area surrounding the address you are considering. Be sure to set the date range to a "custom" range of the last six months. Otherwise, you'll just see the last week, which won't tell you much.

EDIT: I ran a search on crimemapping.com using the address you mentioned. In the last six months, here are some of the crimes that have been reported within two blocks of that address:

CARRY CONCEALED DIRK OR DAGGER
Street robbery with weapons used
Assault with deadly weapon
Exhibit Deadly Weapon
Shoot at inhabited dwelling vehicle
Threaten crime with intent to terrorize
Battery with serious bodily injury (multiple)
Drug offence 7
Car theft 5
Theft 3
Commercial burglary 2

But, please still run your own search (again set dates to last six months) to get a better sense of that neighborhood.

[Opt_10]

Originally Posted by RosieSD

Aren't you the person who said they need quiet to sleep well? If so, University Avenue in City Heights wouldn't be my first choice.

While there are some OK areas in City Heights, you might want to use crimemapping.com to get the crime stats for the area surrounding the address you are considering. Be sure to set the date range to a "custom" range of the last six months. Otherwise, you'll just see the last week, which won't tell you much.

Thanks. I may have to explore quieter parts of pacific beach. North park and hillcrest are expensive and if I am paying that much for rent, I might as well be close to the beach.

[supercad55]

North Park and City Heights are similar crime wise. Both have high crime rates but for the most part petty theft non violent crime. Anywhere on University Ave can be unsafe at any time. Many people from all walks of life on one of the busiest streets in San Diego. Great deal remember San Diego crime is nothing compared to southern cities and east coast cities. Enjoy save your money, easy access to NP, Hillcrest, La Mesa, SDSU, Downtown cant beat it.

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by Opt_10

Thanks. I may have to explore quieter parts of pacific beach. North park and hillcrest are expensive and if I am paying that much for rent, I might as well be close to the beach.

Try Normal Heights and University Heights. Normal Heights is just north of North Park (it is the area around Adams Avenue). University Heights is a neighborhood just to the east of Hillcrest. Rents will be a little cheaper there, they are nice neighborhoods and quieter than either North Park or Hillcrest.

[Opt_10]

Originally Posted by RosieSD

Try Normal Heights and University Heights. Normal Heights is just north of North Park (it is the area around Adams Avenue). University Heights is a neighborhood just to the east of Hillcrest. Rents will be a little cheaper there, they are nice neighborhoods and quieter than either North Park or Hillcrest.

Thank you. I have looked at university heights but those rentals are just as expensive as north park. I am yet to explore normal heights and kensington. I feel like if I am paying more than $1200 a month for a studio or one bed room, I might as well be close to the beach. For some reason being far from the beach is not sitting well with me. The heart wants what the heart wants I guess.

And so many of these places only have off street parking. I have to filter it down to places that have a designated parking space. That would mean a few more dollars per month probably close to $1300, but that's fine by me.

[kettlepot]

University Heights and Kensington will be just as, or more likely, more expensive than North Park. Normal Heights is your best bet for that urban neighborhood feel without the full neighborhood price. You might also try Talmadge, but Talmadge doesn't have any neighborhood downtown area.

[Opt_10]

Originally Posted by kettlepot

University Heights and Kensington will be just as, or more likely, more expensive than North Park. Normal Heights is your best bet for that urban neighborhood feel without the full neighborhood price. You might also try Talmadge, but Talmadge doesn't have any neighborhood downtown area.

So far I have ruled out college area, city heights, mid city, and point loma. That pretty much leaves me with the above options and pacific beach. Hillcrest and north park are not walkable to the beach. So, I am not hell bent on those crazy expensive rentals. Parking seems to be such a challenge. There is a dearth of parking lots in rental properties. I am not a fan of parallel parking. It's crazy!

[RosieSD]

Are you finding a lot of apartments in Pacific Beach for $1200 a month?