Another Wannabe East Coast Transplant Seeking Advice (San Diego, Poway: sales, apartment)

[tired of being inside]

I am a mid-late thirties married man, father of two very young boys and I'm strongly considering relocating to San Diego from central Jersey. Been an East Coaster all my life but have always been drawn to California. I work in telecom sales and make a decent living but the weather is a real bummer, especially with two small kids. My wife and I just count days until it's warm enough to play outside and especially hit the beach, for three months. Then it's back inside or hit the malls (not a good option). Is San Diego a good choice? After doing some initial research it looked like there were great neighborhoods like Hillcrest, Normal Heights, North Park (we love to walk, love main street type street life, parks) but there was a surprising large amount of negativity I've spotted on this forum. I'd love some honest input from the forum, especially regarding life for a family, cost of living, neighborhoods.

Thanks!

[merlin70]

Just go back through the forums, most of the issues have been addressed ad nauseum.

One point, the areas you mention are not very family friendly, IMO. If public schools are a consideration, you will probably want to be in N. County somewhere.

Cost of living is of course high, although Jersey is high too. If good weather is your primary consideration, then you will probably find it well worth it. If not, then there are a lot of other places in our country and world for that matter that offer a higher quality of life (again, IMO) for a lot less cost. But of course you have to give up the weather.

Have you visited SD yet? That would be the first step in my view to determine how you feel about the area.

[Bickie]

Well let's trade places I visited your state and loved it. I was in south Jersey near Atlantic City in Ventnor ( I think that is the correct spelling).

I grew up in San Diego, but now reside in Northern Ca ( I like the diverse culture here). Normal Heights and Kensington are great places to live, If I recall correctly. You may also want to check out Bonita, ( it's kind of pricey though) University Heights, and Del Cerro. The weather in SD is OK, but personally I like to experience the change of seasons. SD can be very humid as well.
Good luck to you and your family on your relocation!

[Mugsy]

Sd has the mildest weather in the US, beside FL and HI.

Anywhere you live you can be at a park or beach in 10 to 20 minutes.

What is your price range? NJ is pricier right?

[tired of being inside]

Thanks for the response. Price range is probably $600K-$750K. But we are also thinking of renting a 2 bedroom apartment first, get a feel for neighborhoods and cost of living, etc., then look for a house. Probably the most important considerations are:
1. Safe, low crime rates (with understanding that this is a city - we spend a lot of time in NYC)
2. Walkable neighborhood with parks, shops, etc.
3. Beach not too far away
4. A commute that won't kill (decent train or bus would be best), likely need to get to Pacific Center Boulevard, near Sorrento.

Thanks!

[socketz]

For 600-700k, you can buy a pretty nice 4Bdr/2Ba 2000 sq/ft home in a nice/safe family friendly area like Rancho Bernardo. Schools are top notch from Elementary to High School. RB is also fairly central to all of San Diego. My wife works in City Hieghts, which is 20 miles south, and she still gets to work in 30 mins during rush hour. Since I'm relocating to Dallas, I'll be selling my home in RB soon (lots of upgrades). PM me if your interesting in learning about the area.

[ExjerseyWelder]

Grew up in Bergen County NJ. Moved to Poway in N San Diego county in 1989.Love it out here

[bloom]

I originate from Bergen County. Try Mission Hills - good schools and positive features you mention.

[oddstray]

Originally Posted by socketz

For 600-700k, you can buy a pretty nice 4Bdr/2Ba 2000 sq/ft home in a nice/safe family friendly area like Rancho Bernardo. Schools are top notch from Elementary to High School. RB is also fairly central to all of San Diego. My wife works in City Hieghts, which is 20 miles south, and she still gets to work in 30 mins during rush hour. Since I'm relocating to Dallas, I'll be selling my home in RB soon (lots of upgrades). PM me if your interesting in learning about the area.

RB is a really good area. But, commute from RB to Sorrento can be nasty!

[sdlife619]

But hasn't the commute eased up a bit since the massive expansion of the 805 going North to Sorrento Valley/RB? Or not much?