23 year old male moving to San Diego needs guidance (Santa Rosa: rent, school)

[Axeslinger754]

I am originally from MD (DC area) and needless to say I am happy to have gotten out of there. My room-mates and I moved to Santa Rosa (by their choice) and I am establishing residency to finish school (SDSU). I don't really like it here; it is to slow moving and the ultra left-wing vibe gets on my nerves. Iv'e decided that San Diego is probably my best bet for a couple of reasons:

The weather; I am a tropical weather lover, and could do without the seasons. I love the beach. I do ski, however, and there are resorts in close proximity if im not mistaken.

The women; I will freely admit that I cherish being twenty three, and really have no desire to settle down, so an area with plently of young, uninhibited ladies (contradictory?) is something I desire.

I am a musician, but am not into anything mainstream, and I know from experience that there is lots of groundbreaking stuff going on in San Diego, maybe because of it's close proximity to LA.

Mexican Food.

People. Iv'e heard that people are laid back, and relaxed, but not neccesarily stupid. (smart enough to know that you don't care about their world views, ya know what im sayin?) Living near SF seems to have the effect of making me, a slight left winger, want to vote for McKain, and drive a huge SUV even though its usually just me in the car, flicking cigarette butts into dry forest areas. Im just kidding, but you get the idea.

Anyways, I guess im just looking for residents themselves to tell me whether these are logical assumptions, or if I don't know what im talking about.

While in school, a friend and I will be renting a 2 bedroom apt. What is a good area for me? My top picks would be University Heights or Pacific Beach, but I am open to suggestions. Also, 1200 rent per month would be the max, so, take that into consideration.

How is the nightlife? I know its probably pretty crazy but how are the people? There is an area here called "Cotati" that has the worst vibe of anywhere I have ever been. Everyone seems like they just want to impress everyone, and I have trouble having a normal conversation with people. Anyway, I have heard San Diego reffered to as "laid back" and want to know if the nightlife reflects that. I know that there always "exceptions to the rule" so please don't post life lessons...

Just looking for a general consensus.

Also, how are drink prices? I can get a stiffly-poured gin and tonic here for
3.50, which is one of Santa Rosas' saving graces. These things matter!

Feel free to post stories about nights out, or anything else SD, as that is usually the best insight. Be creative!

[dvflyer]

Not sure about rent prices, but Pacific Beach sounds like it'd be perfect for you. Lots of nightlife with people your age. It's beach oriented, so you don't get too many of the stuffy types. (although it's been a while since I partied down there so maybe things have changed).

[jkoz]

The weather; I am a tropical weather lover, and could do without the seasons

San Diego is desert (semi-arid Mediterranean climate). Although we occasionally get tropical-like weather during the summer, that's not the norm here. Some people expect "Florida West" when they come here and are surprised at how untropical it really is.

[Axeslinger754]

Yeah well I guess I didn't really mean TROPICAL weather so much as nice, warm weather. I know it does get a bit cold, but if it didn't then you wouldn't appreciate the nice weather. So it's probably a good thing. I could do with out 40 and below in the winter. Whats the coldest it gets?

[aacole]

On the coast it generally can be in the low 60s maybe high 50s in winter. Inland valleys can experience highs in the 40s and lows sometimes in the 30s or high 20s. I always hated winter mornings while living in Lakeside, but it would warm up quickly. Near the coast the temperatures have less extremes.

[Lil Jhwk]

Originally Posted by dvflyer

Not sure about rent prices, but Pacific Beach sounds like it'd be perfect for you. Lots of nightlife with people your age. It's beach oriented, so you don't get too many of the stuffy types. (although it's been a while since I partied down there so maybe things have changed).

I agree. Pacific Beach does sound like the place for you. Whenever I go there, I get the college town feel because of the 2 lane street and the bars and small shops lining the street. I love going there with my boyfriend and going to a sushi restaurant and then being able to go to the beach for a walk.