Lemon Grove between Massachusetts Ave and Lemon Grove Ave (San Diego: for sale, foreclosures)

[TomSD]

I've lived in/around San Diego since the Navy brought me here around 90. I liked it so much I stayed when I got out. Anyway it has been rentals or (when I was in the military) military housing/barracks so I was never tied down to one area. I spent most of it in Lemon Grove (up by College Ave/University Ave), Pacific Beach or a few other places I was in and out of pretty quickly so my experience with gang and crime activity is limited to what I read in the papers and watch on tv.

Well the market and my budget actually coincide for a change so I'm looking to buy. From living out that way I know Lemon Grove has some good and some bad areas. I've found a few places in the triangle between Lemon Grove Ave, Massachusetts Ave and Broadway. The problem is I've barely driven through that area since I moved to PB 8 odd years ago and I know a day trip wouldn't tell me much besides looking for the usual gang tags or blatant displays.

Anyway I was looking for any advice from those who live or work in the area or just who keep up on gang crime activity in general. How's that area? Both crime and gang wise. I'm not one to take risks and for the most part am a homebody so I don't need glitz or a pristine, safe to wander the streets at night tossing money about, type area but I'd rather not have to bar the windows and keep my gun under my pillow if you know what I mean.

While I'm at it, with the foreclosures how they are, what are my other options (if any) for around 275-300k? I was looking at the Eastlake part of Chula Vista but it is tough finding something under 300k and the Mello Roos and HOAs tacked on just make it that much worse, heh.

I've been using this forum for a lot of my previous research and it always proves useful. I'm glad to finally be registered and posting now.

Thanks,

Tom

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by TomSD

Well the market and my budget actually coincide for a change so I'm looking to buy. From living out that way I know Lemon Grove has some good and some bad areas. I've found a few places in the triangle between Lemon Grove Ave, Massachusetts Ave and Broadway. The problem is I've barely driven through that area since I moved to PB 8 odd years ago and I know a day trip wouldn't tell me much besides looking for the usual gang tags or blatant displays.

You already know it's not really a bad area at all. Some of the houses are run-down. Broadway is certainly pretty dumpy but there are signs of life (even some new construction going in). But that's not really the gang area of Lemon Grove, that would really be Skyline which is further south and east. The area to the west, North Encanto, is not all that bad either.

[TomSD]

Thanks for the quick reply. Going to look at a couple properties that, though older, look like they've had a lot of upgrades done to them. I'll expand my search into Encanto too.

I feel like I'm chasing my tail though. I know pretty much what I want and many places are just out of budget or after getting my hopes up and digging deeper into them they end up being short sales with no chance of being a reality.

[AFTERSHOCK]

I live right where you are talking about, I live off Massachussetts and Lemon Grove Avenue. It is a fine area. Blue collar, and safe. I have seen some real cute houses for sale around here. There is a big white wall over by the U-haul place and sometimes kids tag on it, but it always gets erased within hours.

[TomSD]

Good to hear, thanks for the input!

[Skydog1]

Massachussetts and Lemon Grove ave ..not far from Lido's, which is best pizza this side of New York!

[SD Observer]

Originally Posted by Skydog1

Massachussetts and Lemon Grove ave ..not far from Lido's, which is best pizza this side of New York!

I'll have to try out Lido's soon !