SF guy gone North of the 49th Parallel needs Housing Help (San Diego: apartment, rental)

[rodi]

My wife and I are moving to San Diego in April; would really appreciate comments regarding where to live: Here's our scoop:

I lived in San Francisco fromn 1988 til 2001. Originally from Brooklyn, moved at age 23. Lived in the hip party area during my single guy party years. Work in financial services as a securities operations specialist.

Met my Canadian wife by accident on a moderated hockey list before internet dating was hip. She's a registered nurse; she came to live in SF, where she worked on a NAFTA visa from 1997 til 2001. We liked SF, but it was time to get away from paper thin walls, partying neighbors and the apartment life. Wanted to go to SD, but couldn't buy into that market at its peak.

Moved to Calgary, Alberta in Western Canada due to a $9000 relocation bonus. (Ask me abouth soical health care later). Became a permanent resident of Canada for a mere $1500, and built a new 2000 sq ft house in 2002 for $210K (Canadian funds). Calgary is now experiencing what California was a few years ago. All of Canada thinks this city is like the Klondike during the Gold Rush. Just sold our house for $550K in 3 days. Anyway, we close on April 4th. Have no job yet but I do have an employer flying me down next week for a 2nd interview. We want to rent for about a year. Wife will probably work for Scripps or her old employer(DaVita, a dialysis center).

Thinking about Carmel Valley, Sorrento Valley or Del Mar; like to be close to the beaches, soemwhere that's a happy medium between minivan life (we have no kids) and "young professional" party life. As DINK's, we like to eat out, hike, bike ride and go to the occasional bar with bands, but absolutely can't deal with partying neighbors that trounce in at 2 AM

I have read a lot of scary stories on apartmentratings.com that are discouraging us away from most rental complexes; seems like all management sucks, students party all nite and cars are always stolen. Hoping condo/townhome complexes can meet our needs. Using Craigslist and a realtor as a starting point and comments on this board have helped since I'm unfamiliar with the area.

Any suggestions, comments, ideas, would be appreciated. Is there any part of La Jolla besides UTC area that we can find condos for up to $2000 a month without the ruckus? I will be working NYC hours and need my sleep.
Also, is Mira Mesa old and dumpy, is Scripps Ranch and Sabre Springs too family oriented, and finally, are there any means of commuting to downtown besides the Coaster (like express buses?)

Thanks to everyone and don't ask me to talk Canadian, eh?

[kimmer]

Carmel Valley would be a nice option, I think. From what I can tell there seems to be a nice mix of family/young marrieds w/o kids there. Upscale area, for sure.

Mira Mesa is gang/car infested (Too much traffic, mostly old condos & Miramar airstation noise - woohoo!).

Bus service isn't very quick or convenient for most people.

Depending on where exactly you and the wife end up working, I'd also recommend either Encinitas or the Leucadia area. Lots of walkable areas, small art scene, local bars, beaches.

I must warn you though - NO HOCKEY IN SAN DIEGO anymore!!! (sniff...sniff...)

[rodi]

Originally Posted by kimmer

Carmel Valley would be a nice option, I think. From what I can tell there seems to be a nice mix of family/young marrieds w/o kids there. Upscale area, for sure.

Mira Mesa is gang/car infested (Too much traffic, mostly old condos & Miramar airstation noise - woohoo!).

Bus service isn't very quick or convenient for most people.

Depending on where exactly you and the wife end up working, I'd also recommend either Encinitas or the Leucadia area. Lots of walkable areas, small art scene, local bars, beaches.

I must warn you though - NO HOCKEY IN SAN DIEGO anymore!!! (sniff...sniff...)

Thanks for the information; greatly appreciate it.

During my job interview trip this weekend, I'm looking at The Palms of Carmel Valley complex, and 2 listings from Craigslist; 1 in la Jolla but not right by UTC and 1 in Scripps Ranch, although I'm concerned about having to drive downtown from the I-15 corridor. Any input?

As for the hockey, well, what can I say? The Oilers went to the finals last year so we had our fun anyway.

[NYSD1995]

Originally Posted by rodi

Thanks for the information; greatly appreciate it.

During my job interview trip this weekend, I'm looking at The Palms of Carmel Valley complex, and 2 listings from Craigslist; 1 in la Jolla but not right by UTC and 1 in Scripps Ranch, although I'm concerned about having to drive downtown from the I-15 corridor. Any input?.

15 south to downtown from scripps ranch is not bad.. 30 minutes maybe.

Scripps Ranch and Carmel Valley are definitely Minivan life. You're probably looking at a really big complex in a sea of big complexes, on or near a main road, and driving everywhere. If you are looking for a large, newer place and want to be near chain-type stores and restaurants, Carmel Valley, UTC, Scripps Ranch, Mission Valley are good bets.

If you want quiet and close to beach without a bad commute go to the upscale areas closer into SD like La Jolla, Birdrock, north PB, Point Loma... if you want even more laid back but still walkable do Leucadia / Encinitas or Carlsbad but the commute is rough. Not sure what your budget is but 2k will go pretty far in SD.

You will only find the hardcore party scene in OB, PB, Mission Beach... otherwise the beaches are pretty quiet just like most of SD.