Moving to San Diego - neighborhoods to look at? (Carlsbad: best neighborhoods, renting)

[Norrov]

We are okay living in a suburb as well up to 40 mins away.

Desires: nice 3+ bedroom home preferably 2000 or newer. 2-3 car garage. Decent schools


Budget: combined income of 240K, I have a little over 200K saved for a down payment not including my emergency fund and what not.

I have a home in Denver we are planning on renting out to a close friend. We’ll probably break even on it or make a small profit depending on what maintenance costs. (Mortgage is 1600, renting it out for 2100) Selling it is not an option, period.



I haven’t spent much time in SD, my wife wants to move to CA to be closer to her family in LA. I told her I’d consider SD since I want a buffer from her parents and I’m not that high on LA.

I love Denver since i’m huge into winter sports so leaving the front range is rough! That said I am looking forward to the weather, beaches and exploring a new city.

[anita house]

Hi! Congrats on making the decision to move-- you will find this forum has a wealth of knowledge in order to help you!

Is location in San Diego a consideration due to jobs? Where in LA do you want to be closer to? Some parts can be easier and less traffic to get to than others North County San Diego may be what you are looking for just give yourself time to find the right location and then the right house. Inventory is tight and homes sell quickly but with a plan, you will be good to go!

Big Bear is close for skiing but for great skiing, you will have to get yourself up to Mammoth (about 6-7 hours north of SD).

Your trade off is the beach and summer sports! . Good luck!

[RosieSD]

This thread from the archives might be a helpful read. In it, SD locals describe the areas they live in. It will give you a good overview of the many very nice places to live here in San Diego County.

What do you like about where you live in SD County?

San Diego Magazine also does an annual "best neighborhoods" issue that provides good snapshots of many different areas. The 2018 issue just came out. Here's the link: 31 Best Places to Live in San Diego - San Diego Magazine - March 2018 - San Diego, California

You can access the previous issues for the last few years in the archives on the site above, which will give you a wealth of information. The site also has a handy newcomers guide that you may want to tuck away for future reference.

Good luck with your decision!

[bloom]

40 minute one-way commute to the San Diego city border is a huge swatch.
Perhaps, you can provide more specifics, maybe workplace sub-location if relevant.
Do you want to live near the beach with the decent schools?

[Norrov]

Originally Posted by bloom

40 minute one-way commute to the San Diego city border is a huge swatch.
Perhaps, you can provide more specifics, maybe workplace sub-location if relevant.
Do you want to live near the beach with the decent schools?

Near the beach with decent schools would be ideal, but I’m sure those are probably million dollar homes

I work from home and my girlfriend can essentially transfer anywhere so location is not a concern.

Thanks for the advice and links to other threads guys !

[bloom]

For starters, which of below do you seem to like and which do Not like, and why

Carmel Valley - newer suburb, all houses look the same, central location
Encinitas - coastal, east part like CV, west is older housing but maybe more $ since ocean
Carlsbad - coastal, newer
Mission Hills - older craftman californian style, closer to downtown but suburban feel
Poway - more inland, hotter climate, suburb

[Rambler21]

Congrats! I'm also in Denver and hoping to make a move to SoCal eventually.

[Ragnar]

Originally Posted by Norrov

I haven’t spent much time in SD, my wife wants to move to CA to be closer to her family in LA.

Originally Posted by Norrov

I work from home and my girlfriend can essentially transfer anywhere so location is not a concern.

You have a wife and a girlfriend? How is that working out for all of you?

[Rambler21]

Originally Posted by Ragnar

You have a wife and a girlfriend? How is that working out for all of you?

3 incomes though!

[sprez33]

Originally Posted by Ragnar

You have a wife and a girlfriend? How is that working out for all of you?

Reminds me of the British Royal Navy toast: "To our wives and our girlfriends......may they never meet!"