Condo 2 bdrm. $450,000 Budget Chicago to San Diego (Vista: sale, condos)

[kettlepot]

In addition to the well known urban neighborhoods you have named, I would add University Heights. It's between, and slightly north of Hillcrest and North Park. It has it's own small walkable commercial area on Park Boulevard and neighborhood park, Trolley Barn, while still being close enough to walk to much of Hillcrest's commercial strip on University Avenue east of the 163.

If you are located west of Park Boulevard, traffic volumes will be quite low which would reduce the noise impact.

The current condominium inventory isn't large, but there are two large properties which will be redeveloped in the next few years, adjoining the intersection of El Cajon and Park Boulevards.

[loveautumn]

You might want to consider that at age 40, you’ve pretty much aged out of PB. Why not look at North County beach communities, Encinitas, Carlsbad might work for you although your budget might be low. Mission Valley has all kinds of condos with all the shopping you could ever want plus close to all major freeways. UTC area is about as close to urban living as you’ll find in SD and the trolley is going in there soon.

[Walkaboutcreek]

Are you saying I am old? Just kidding. People say that about neighborhoods here but may be different. Even the "young hipster" neighborhoods are full of all ages. I prefer to be near the urban core such that it is in San Diego. The areas you mentioon are nice, I've been in them but feel even more suburban to me.

[spoonman1]

^Agree. UTC is full of high rises but is a newer suburban style street layout and much more car centric/less walkable in the traditional sense than the older urban neighborhoods of SD.

[TacoSoup]

Originally Posted by loveautumn

You might want to consider that at age 40, you’ve pretty much aged out of PB. Why not look at North County beach communities, Encinitas, Carlsbad might work for you although your budget might be low. Mission Valley has all kinds of condos with all the shopping you could ever want plus close to all major freeways. UTC area is about as close to urban living as you’ll find in SD and the trolley is going in there soon.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. The demographic living in PB has changed in recent years. You might not want to go to certain bars after 10pm, but living there I couldn’t disagree more. I know, I’ve lived there 20+ years. North county is great if you have a family, the OP doesn’t. Mission valley is as bland as it gets, with UTC being more so. Neither mission valley or UTC is walkable when you really think about it, unless walking down busy roads to malls and office parks is your thing. Also the trolley line isn’t to be completed until 2021 to UTC, a good friend of mine working on the project says that isn’t likely either. Not trying to pick on these communities, but the OP wants walkability.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by TacoSoup

This couldn’t be further from the truth. The demographic living in PB has changed in recent years. You might not want to go to certain bars after 10pm, but living there I couldn’t disagree more. I know, I’ve lived there 20+ years. North county is great if you have a family, the OP doesn’t. Mission valley is as bland as it gets, with UTC being more so. Neither mission valley or UTC is walkable when you really think about it, unless walking down busy roads to malls and office parks is your thing. Also the trolley line isn’t to be completed until 2021 to UTC, a good friend of mine working on the project says that isn’t likely either. Not trying to pick on these communities, but the OP wants walkability.

Yep, once you get North of the apartments in PB it is an older crowd. All you need to do is take a drive mid morning to see who's out and about. Of course, you won't see them in the bars on Saturday night on Garnet but you'll see them Sunday morning at one of the dozens of churches.

[Walkaboutcreek]

I'm an early bird, my best hours are over by the time when the young crowd gets going so that's never really an issue. Even when I was 20 something and going out it bugged me it got going so late. Back then I dreamed of the ultimate dance club that was hopping at 6PM and shut down at 9PM. These days you could make it earlier. Working from home and not having kids I can pick the best times for us to be anywhere that fits us so I don't worry too much about it. We hit all the hip spots where we live now for 5PM dinners where we get good service and small crowds. So I like the hip dense areas, I just go off cycle.

[loveautumn]

Sorry, didn’t mean to infer that you’re old by any means...now me, I’m getting old! I think it’s hard to replicate the urban structure and vibe that Chicago has and does so well. California is car centric and probably always will be and, yes, SD is a huge county made up of lots of suburbs, all with their own unique feeling. Guess it depends on lifestyle and economics more than age.

[Walkaboutcreek]

No offense taken, I do feel old these days but don't get too hung up who I am around as long as they are good people. And I totally get I will not be able to duplicate the urban feel here even if I manage to land in a condo where I can walk to a few things. I am trading one thing for something totally different. I often find the comparisons of which is better pointless, whatever works for someone. That sad the suburbs suck and so does everyone in them. Just kidding ;-)

[loveautumn]

You’re right in thinking that east of the 805 is where you find the more stereotypical suburbs like Scripps Ranch, Poway, Penisquitos, Rancho Bernardo, etc.