Want to move to SD (San Diego, San Mateo: apartment complex, condo, schools)

[azcapri]

A friend and I are looking to move out to San Diego from Tempe, Arizona in August. We're both 24-yr old females w/ degrees in tourism (just graduated) and I've always wanted to live in San Diego... the main thing holding me back has been the high cost (compared to Tempe!) I've been looking into PB, La Jolla or even Ocean Beach... can anyone give me any insite as to which beach communities are most affordable? Or even better, does anyone know the average price range for a 2-bedroom apart/ condo in these areas? Any advice would be much appreciated!! Thanks

[Suzer]

I just did a search for you of 2 Bedroom Places in Pacific Beach on Craigslist:

classifieds - craigslist

[FashionD]

If you are looking for something with a newer feel, like a nice apartment complex or condo, you're probably looking at $1500 and up for a two bedroom in these areas. If you don't mind having something a little older (without a washer and dryer and with street parking, perhaps), you could probably find a decent 2 bedroom for $1300.

[mini_cute]

Anything next to the beach will be pricey. But as an alternative, check out the University Town Center (UTC) area near La Jolla- 3-4 miles from the beach.

[jksouthbay88]

Originally Posted by mini_cute

Anything next to the beach will be pricey. But as an alternative, check out the University Town Center (UTC) area near La Jolla- 3-4 miles from the beach.

UTC is 3-4 mins from the beach?How?I need to know about this.

[cristrette]

You will love PB if you enjoy the beach, biking, rollerblading, or doing any other outdoor activity. Plus, Mission Bay has every water sport you can imagine. PB is also knows for it's nighlife among 20 somethings. La Jolla is very expensive, but worth it if you can afford it. If you live in PB, however, you will be in LJ's backyard, so that is something to keep in mind. Ocean Beach is more affordable than PB or LJ. OUt of the three, I would recommend PB. Check out craigslist.

[shoog89]

Depending on your field, SD's very expensive. If you absolutely must find out for yourself, I'd search in more affordable areas such as north park, university heights, normal heights and (dare I say) city heights. All are youthful, artsy, affordable city living where you can walk everywhere. Much of San Diego and it's population (esp. natives) is flaky, pretentious and materialistic. If, perhaps, you gravitate towards these qualities and, more importantly, you're insanely attractive, you will love it here. Honestly, I'd look into Northern CA for a more laidback, real people, cultured scene. It's very plastic, wealthy and conservative in Suck Diego. As soon as school is done, I'm probably out of here. You've been warned.

[Ghostgecko]

Originally Posted by shoog89

Depending on your field, SD's very expensive. If you absolutely must find out for yourself, I'd search in more affordable areas such as north park, university heights, normal heights and (dare I say) city heights. All are youthful, artsy, affordable city living where you can walk everywhere. Much of San Diego and it's population (esp. natives) is flaky, pretentious and materialistic. If, perhaps, you gravitate towards these qualities and, more importantly, you're insanely attractive, you will love it here. Honestly, I'd look into Northern CA for a more laidback, real people, cultured scene. It's very plastic, wealthy and conservative in Suck Diego. As soon as school is done, I'm probably out of here. You've been warned.

I did gather from being in Southern California all you mentioned. But materialism, insane wealth, all qualities of SO California for sure! Not to mention the flakiness! But I was thrilled at my initial response of the about a week I have stayed there. What about school? I need to start school when the new GI Bill kicks in which also allows for living expenses? How is your impression of the schools there?

[sav858]

Originally Posted by shoog89

Depending on your field, SD's very expensive. If you absolutely must find out for yourself, I'd search in more affordable areas such as north park, university heights, normal heights and (dare I say) city heights. All are youthful, artsy, affordable city living where you can walk everywhere. Much of San Diego and it's population (esp. natives) is flaky, pretentious and materialistic. If, perhaps, you gravitate towards these qualities and, more importantly, you're insanely attractive, you will love it here. Honestly, I'd look into Northern CA for a more laidback, real people, cultured scene. It's very plastic, wealthy and conservative in Suck Diego. As soon as school is done, I'm probably out of here. You've been warned.

oh geeze, another stereotypical Nor Cal snob. I'll give you the flakiness thing but that is applicable to ALL of CA. I grew up in the Bay Area and there are plenty of flakes up there as well. San Diego is way more laid back than the rat race the Bay Area has become. Given the wealth and status of the Bay Area, I find it to me way more pretentious and materialistic than San Diego, especially the whole west side of the Bay Area like SF, Marin, and San Mateo Counties. The only difference is the materialistic people stand out here more b/c of the way they look and dress, they tend to be more flashy. I don't get why others, especially from Northern CA, have such a problem being around good looking people and why they feel so self conscious about it, I'm average looking at best but don't get all negative being around those that are good looking. It's not plastic, people here aren't even that wealthy, especially when compared to the Bay Area, and it's not even that conservative. But anything not on the extreme far left would be considered conservative by some Bay Area standards.

[sav858]

Originally Posted by azcapri

A friend and I are looking to move out to San Diego from Tempe, Arizona in August. We're both 24-yr old females w/ degrees in tourism (just graduated) and I've always wanted to live in San Diego... the main thing holding me back has been the high cost (compared to Tempe!) I've been looking into PB, La Jolla or even Ocean Beach... can anyone give me any insite as to which beach communities are most affordable? Or even better, does anyone know the average price range for a 2-bedroom apart/ condo in these areas? Any advice would be much appreciated!! Thanks

Ocean BEach is the most affordable for how close to the actual beach you would be for the most part. LJ is the most expensive. PB can be pretty pricey west of Lamont St but east of it and especially near I-5 it can get relatively cheap. Even though you're kind of on the outskirts of PB living near I-5 it's a cheap cab ride or short bike ride in the center of all the action.

I pay $1400 for a 2 bedroom 8 blocks from the ocean in Northern PB, many 2 bedrooms will for for around that or higher.