30yo female moving to San Diego - where to live? (Golden Hills: rent, how much)

[proudk]

I am moving to San Diego in September. I already have a job and will be working from home. All of my family is in SoCA but I don't have any social network out there.

Can anyone tell me what areas I should look to live and where NOT to look? I'd like to be in a safe area that is near things to do. I plan on joining some co-ed sports teams and trying to get out there and meet people.

I'd like to be closer to the beach than further. I have been looking in La Jolla, PB, OB, Point Loma, possibly near Balboa Park (but have heard good and bad depending on where), downtown. Within these areas, are there any bad spots?

If you agree or disagree with these areas, can you tell me if there are parts that are better than others? Also, if you have other ideas.

Also, if there are any websites other than craigslist to find places. I am open to complexes or private units so if you have feedback on any in particular, that would be helpful as well.

I'll be out there next week to look at places so any advice is extremely useful and appreciated.

Thanks!

[boyd]

I think with any place you just have to get to know it first and then decide where you want to live. If you don't mind being 15 minutes from the freeway then PB, OB and La Jolla are fine places. Since you work from home that might not be a problem. I personally prefer mid city like Hillcrest, North Park, Normal Heights etc..I like being near Balboa Park. Being near the beach you get a lot of noise, partying and rowdiness but hey you are near the beach. If I were to move near the beach I would right on beach or one block away...I would rent a place month to month and then explore every area until you know exactly where you want to be..

[FashionD]

Depends on how much you want to pay in rent.
Balboa Park area is nice, but for a nice, safe place, I'd venture to say rent would cost at least $1400 for a one bedroom.

Beach areas in North County, I believe are a little cheaper than San Diego.

30 might be a little too old to live in PB or OB...just my opinion. Bunch of college kids drunk and out of their parent's house for the first time. La Jolla is nice, lots to do, but can be trafficky. Point Loma is the same way.

[monicad]

Certain areas surrounding Balboa Park are great. This is a very old area with lots of Spanish bungalows. I live in Hillcrest and I pay $895 for a small one bedroom, which is considered a great deal, as most 1 bedrooms cost anywhere from $900-$1400. It's a great neighborhood to live in if you don't have a car (like me) because everything is walking distance or a short bus ride away. The bus will take you downtown within 10-15 minutes and a cab to downtown is usually no more than $10.

As for safety, I'm 5'1" 100 lbs., live by myself, and I feel perfectly safe in my neighborhood. That said, I usually don't venture out past 10:00 p.m. But like with any city, be aware of your surroundings and don't put yourself in bad situations.

I hope you enjoy San Diego!

[proudk]

I have heard about different neighborhoods that have the most airport noise. What are those areas?

[mewzikguy]

Point Loma and Banker's Hill

[BandPlaysOn]

Other areas suffering from airport noise include Mission Hills, downtown (esp. upper downtown), southeast San Diego, Golden Hills (just south of Balboa Park), and even Hillcrest. In some of these areas, the noise varies with the weather, and so isn't totally relentless. But I have personally experienced (temporarily, worst case), thunderous "crackling" airport noise as far away as Normal Heights, which is east of North Park, even further away from the airport.

[Martin Chevalier]

North Park, named for its location just due north of Balboa Park offers good value --large apts. for reasonable rent --2br / 1 ba, 800 sq. ft. will go for $1100 or less.

North of Adams Avenue, West of 805 is the best area of North Park because it's not congested, quiet and close to all freeways and Mission Valley within 10 minutes.