Thinking about moving from Linda Vista to Encinitas or Solana Beach (Carlsbad: apartment, to rent)

[cainsurance]

We are looking to rent an apartment near the beach in North County. My parent's have a beach condo in Solana Beach and really love it there. I surf a lot, so it would be nice to be closer to the beach. I've always wanted to live really close to the beach and think I should try it soon.

What area do you like better? Also, do you think I should just stay at my current place and just drive to the beach on the weekends... or is the whole experience of living there make it worth it?

I will have to commute to Mission Valley each day.. do you think this is too far?

Thanks for your help in advance.

[Encinitan]

Well, I was born and raised in Solana Beach and now my family and I live in Encinitas, so I guess I can compare the two.
Encinitas has a bit more going on in terms of shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, all the stuff you need for daily life. Solana Beach is much more of a bedroom community. It's very nice, don't get me wrong, but lots of people in Solana Beach drive to Encinitas to do a lot of shopping (Target, Trader Joes, that kind of stuff). So take that into consideration, if that's an issue for you.
I surf, too, so I definitely can relate. I couldn't live more than 15 minutes from the beach. Being able to jump into the water for a quick session before work is a big deal for me, and I can do that cuz we're only about 7 minutes from the beach.
The commute southbound to Mission Valley is bad in the mornings, but usually only through Carlsbad and northern Encinitas (Leucadia, etc.) At Cardiff and into Solana Beach, it's usually full speed. I'd say you could be in Mission Valley in 30 minutes, with traffic. Don't know if the Coaster-Trolley from Old Town route would work for you.
good luck.

[MiTaylor]

I haven't lived in Encinitas, but I'm a fan of Solana Beach Either one is great - it just depends on your preferences. I don't mind driving to Encinitas to get to Target or whatever. I have pretty much everything I need down the street (Vons, Henry's, CVS, Credit Union, etc.). I love the area and being so close to the beach!

I don't think the drive to Misson Valley would be terrible, especially if you lived south of Leucadia - but I've been driving all over the county the past few years for school and work, so I might not be the best person to ask. If you can, you might want to take a drive during the times you would be commuting to see if it is something you'd be able to handle.

The coaster and trolley might be another option. Good luck!

[cainsurance]

Thanks for all of your help. Please let me know if you have any other suggestions or input...