National City (San Diego, Chula Vista, Vista: high crime, safe area, schools)

[The A-Team]

Can anyone tell me what national city is like? There are some places located there i might go to often, and wanted to know if it was a nice/safe area, and just any general info about it. Thanks guys Can't wait to move to SD

[mewzikguy]

If you have some Mexican heritage in you, National City fits the bill

[sav858]

National City is kind of at the bottom of places most people would want to live in San Diego. It's "ghetto" to some, but nothing too terrible but nothing really nice either. Lots of Filipinos and mexicans in that area, so it's very ethnic. Unless you like ehtnic food and stores I don't see a whole lot there for you. If you were thinking about this area b/c it's cheaper, well there is a reason for that. It's not terrible but it's just a typical working class ethnic city.

[grindin]

When I grew up in SD, the nickname for National City was "Nasty City". Now while I wouldn't go that far, it's just a regular working-class city.

And people would call Chula Vista "Chulajuana" because of it's proximity to Mexico. However, Chula Vista boomed in the 90's and 2000's because it was way cheaper than North County. I guess people weren't being so uppity when they needed to afford a nice house. LOL

[The A-Team]

Heh thanks for the response guys! I'll either be living in Little Italy or Mission Valley in SD, but there are places in National City I'll probably be going to so i was just seeing how the city was in general. Like if going to normal places is uncomfortable etc.

[mewzikguy]

You'll be fine SD is much like Seattle, not really high crime in many places Welcome

[jksouthbay88]

National City has rebounded.I was just there and I was remembering when it was "Nasty City".It's still rough but I don't think it is that bad.

[homie01]

Why was it called Nasty City?

[sdurbanite]

Originally Posted by The A-Team

Can anyone tell me what national city is like? There are some places located there i might go to often, and wanted to know if it was a nice/safe area, and just any general info about it. Thanks guys Can't wait to move to SD

NC is my old stomping grounds, and it certainly gets a bad wrap. If you are going to heading there for the ethnic restaurants and markets (mostly Filipino and Mexican) then you'll have no problems, whatsoever. It's the second oldest city in the county, and it's dotted with some really cool historic structures.

I'm gonna have to do a photo thread of National City to show that it's not as bad as most people think it is.

Nasty City and Naturally Sh_tty are 2 nicknames I remember hearing

[Transplant from Minnesota]

Ok -I'm confused guy's.

I am relocating to SD and will be working downtown. I have two son's both ages 10 & 13. I'm looking for an area (not too expensive) with decent schools where me kids won't be "gang initiated"! We're from Minnesota so my kids have always lived in a moderate district without gang and criminal violence. They are cool kids but average A's & B's and have only seen that kinda crap on TV and in videos! Can you tell I'm a protective mom?? Anyway, I'm not a snob, nor am I rich but can afford up to 1300.00 rent. Please tell me some suburbs to look at. I'm really confused because i keep getting conflicting points of view.

I'd appreciate any responsible guidance!
Signed, Perplexed