Lower-Cost Rental Areas Near Oceanside (San Diego, Escondido: real estate, home, neighborhood)

[theotherhand]

Possible job in Oceanside, CA. I've looked at rents for a studio/1BR in the city and they seem to range from $1300-1700 on the modest end. Is it realistic to keep rent at about $1000/month if I commuted from further inland and kept the commute to <45 minutes each way? I see Bonsall, Pala Mesa, San Marcos, and other communities but it's hard to get a read on rental prices and drive times. Any suggestions?

If prices are too high I'll consider getting a roommate, but I'd prefer my own place.

Also--what's the social scene like in Oceanside for a Gen-X single geek who prefers tabletop gaming to surfing? Any advice on enjoying the town while living fairly frugally?

[tropic1global]

You could find a place in oceanside for a $1000 or below. I've seen lots of studios for $900 listed there, just gotta check craigslist daily. If you can't find a place in oceanside, vista would be worth looking into.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

As poster above said, try Vista, it's the next town inland from O'side. Just be careful of the neighborhood, some are very sketchy...same to be said for O'side.

For nightlife...not much? Maybe try the restaurants & bars at O'side Harbor, but you will be more likely to find something in downtown Carlsbad or Encinitas.

The thing that's most enjoyable about O'side is probably the long, sandy beach & doing things outdoors, like bike riding.

[The Flying Dutchman]

You know, you'd think places like Oceanside and Escondido would be safe from the ridiculous real estate speculation:

Morning Report: It’s Expensive to Live Here, Oceanside Edition
http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topic...nside-edition/

Escondido’s popularity, and home prices, are rising north of San Diego
Escondido

Not surprising, everyone flocks to the "cheap" areas of San Diego, prices rise, developers respond, etc. Repeat.

The irony is that, as a democratic society, we have given city planners little power and as such, market forces have run rampant.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

Originally Posted by The Flying Dutchman

You know, you'd think places like Oceanside and Escondido would be safe from the ridiculous real estate speculation:

Morning Report: It’s Expensive to Live Here, Oceanside Edition
Morning Report: It's Expensive to Live Here, Oceanside Edition - Voice of San Diego

Escondido’s popularity, and home prices, are rising north of San Diego
Escondido

Not surprising, everyone flocks to the "cheap" areas of San Diego, prices rise, developers respond, etc. Repeat.

The irony is that, as a democratic society, we have given city planners little power and as such, market forces have run rampant.

Do you honestly believe that there are any truly "cheap" areas in San Diego County?