Philly to San Diego (Encinitas: fit in, rentals, home)

[jenkl20]

So me and my boyfriend of 5 years have a goal to move to San Diego within 3 years. We both love Philadelphia but are ready for a change while we are still young.

Realistically, I've started to doubt the move after reading several posts about how expensive the cost of living is down there.

We are both artists (dancer and industrial designer), mid-twenty's, not much money saved up. I'm also a certified Massage Therapist which is where I pull in most of my income. I'm not too worried about his job security -- he will be set. But, I need to be able to hold my own and not depend on him 100% financially (I like being independent ).

So, what are the better area's of town where there are younger couples? Is San Diego a good place for a Massage Therapy career?

Basically, where should we start to look for a place to live... somewhere that's not skyrocket expensive, but also somewhere we will fit in??

We're planning another trip out there the end of summer to scope out areas to live, jobs etc... any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!!

*Laura

[MrNiceGuy06]

I used to live in South Jersey, from what I've seen the cost of living isn't as drastic a difference as folks make it seem. What do you pay for rent?

[jenkl20]

around $800 not including utilities.

[MrNiceGuy06]

WWW.SDPROPERTYMANAGER.COM, http://www.sevillemgmt.com/ (Lots of reasonable Studios and 1Br apts)

Mckee Asset Management (1BR in North Park for $725. Studio in Hillcrest for $725.)

AMI PROPERTY MANAGEMENT same as above. Studios in Banker's Hill low as $750 w/utilities.
Ex. of one I'm looking at: from: 4301 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92110 to: 2027 Front St. - Google Maps (2027 Front St.)

Those are just a few examples, I've got many more and much nicer leads too...all for reasonable prices. Like I said before, this place isn't as expensive as some make it out to be.

I love Philly, but I'm one of those people who would trade in the brand new $800/mo. apt. for a not so new apt., same price, but in the middle of San Diego...

[Encinitan]

There's a fairly established "alternative medicine," yoga, holistic medicine, that sort of scene going in Encinitas (North County Coastal San Diego County). There are lots of small, independently owned places and some larger day spas that might employ you. Before other posters point it out, as it often seems to happen, I admit Encinitas is certainly on the expensive side of SD in terms of home prices, but it's a fairly affluent, desirable community with lots of beachy rentals, some, but not a ton of mid-20s like yourself, a decent nightlife (bars, restaurants) and you'll certainly feel as though you've moved to Southern California, as the laid-back, beach culture is very much a part of life here. Encinitas may be a place to check out. Good luck.