Family life in San Diego? (Oceanside, Carlsbad: to rent, houses, transfer) - City-Data Forum

kittycat1412 · 03-23-2008, 04:18 AM

Hi there. Writing from Melbourne, Australia. My husband has business opportunites in the States and we have chosen SD to live. We are in our late 30's with a 2 year daughter. Could anyone advise on areas to live that have a village feel, close to kids activities, child-care, safe, walking distance to shops, cafe's. We would love to live near the beach, but still want a family-friendly atmosphere. Does anyone know whether there are mothers groups to join or whether other mums are open to making friends with an out-sider (general question, I know). My biggest fear is being lonely as my husband will be travelling a lot, but I know I have to make the most of it. I'm into running, going to the gym so will hopefully meet people that way. What are the schools like in SD? Look forward to the replies.

jjh3d · 03-23-2008, 06:59 AM

Good post, I have the same questions (though my idea of moving is in the very early stage). I hope you get some replies.

Unkllars · 03-23-2008, 10:33 AM

There are plenty of communities and cities like that. What would be your price range? That can really help determine where. Also, does your husband need to be near anything that would also determine location? I'd love to help give ideas, pricing, and family orientation. I know there are many others on this forum delighted to do the same!

kittycat1412 · 03-23-2008, 07:15 PM

Our price range is probably around $3500 although at this stage I have no idea what that will get us. My husband will pretty much work from home when he's not travelling, so we don't need to be near an office (we will need a home office!). In saying that we still want to be close to where things are happening and not in the burbs where we have to drive to get anywhere. At this stage we are not thinking this is a long-term move so want to make the most of our time in SD.

Unkllars · 03-24-2008, 06:44 PM

$3500/ mo to rent? That'll get you quite a bit. If this one I know opens up, you could get an ocean view for less than that. Cross your fingers. I would be happy to send a list of more family oriented areas that would rent for less than $3500/mo. Now, would your husband need to be close to the San Diego airport, or would smaller airports also work? I'm just trying to get the best idea of the situation. I hope this benefits jjh3d as well. I also hope others give their input. I know the moderator Sassberto is full of great info for San Diego!!!

kittycat1412 · 03-25-2008, 04:10 AM

After speaking to my hubby we would prefer to be on the north side of the city. Have friends Del Mar and husband needs to be close to the airport and train line to LA. Want a community feel and beach/parks/bike tracks. We would need a 3 b'room place (one for office/visitors) and an outdoor area for the little one. We don't want much do we!!

Unkllars · 03-25-2008, 11:49 PM

I bet you'd like Carlsbad. It is a very nice city, near the ocean, family oriented, has a Metrolink station to take the train to LA, a short distance to your friends in Del Mar. The only thing it isn't is near either LA, OC, or San Diego airports. It has it's own midsize airport, but San Diego airport is 40 minutes away. There should be plenty of 3 bedroom houses available in your price range. Would you be opposed to more bedrooms if they are in your range?

libbykt · 03-26-2008, 08:56 AM

I would suggest Carlsbad as well. Plenty of 3-4 BR newer homes in your price range, some close to the beach, others in newer subdivisions about a 5-10 minute drive to the beach and downtown area. Or, if you want a smaller bungalow type home right in the heart of the village, you could find it easily. The train station goes right through downtown, and the Oceanside transfer station to the Metrolink is the next station north.

There are lots of unique, family run business and restaurants in the village of Carlsbad- a few bars and restaurants, some shopping, etc. Pretty much everything you would need. I love it. Its a great little beach town, plus a little more. There are some areas that are really growing and developing, which some see as a negative, I honestly hardly ever to to those parts of town and it's good to know that they are there if I need it, and I don't have to drive to San Diego if I need to buy a new dress.

The downside is the airport. There is only one airline servicing Palomar Airport in Carlsbad (United Express) and you would need to transfer in LA wherever you need to go. The upside is that the airport is super easy to get in and out of. Crazy easy. My husband actually will use it to commute from Carlsbad to LA a few days a week rather than take the train.

cnkad · 03-27-2008, 07:39 PM

Carlsbad is nice, but the places close to the beach can be a bit touristy, (although there are a lot of locals too) In addition to carlsbad, I would also look in encinitas particularly cardiff. It has just about everything you mentioned. Plus the cardiff schools are some of the best in the county along with those in poway. And you are a bit closer to san diego for commuting or whatever. so check it out.

LMP317 · 03-28-2008, 04:07 PM

We are in the beginning stages of thinking of moving to san diego. I don't know if we'll ever be as mobile as we are now. My husband is a pilot for US Airways, I'm a stay at home mom, but planning to go back to work part time. We have 2 kids, ages 6 & 3. We live in Phoenix but love San Diego and go several times a year. We are thinking now would be the time, due to the market, kids ages, and job mobility, that we might be able to swing a move there. We have the usual questions, what are the best schools, family oriented neighborhoods, fairly close to the beach (15 minute drive), decent commute to the airport either by car or train. I love Carlsbad but wonder about other options, or opinions. We have no family there and no friends. We have lived here for many years, have lots of connections, so my fear is being on my own there, especially when my husband travels. Any assistance would be much appreciated!! Thanks, Lynn