Advice on moving to San Diego from Wisconsin (Chula Vista, Vista: rent, houses) - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

bebe18 · 03-23-2009, 05:19 PM

My boyfriend, 13 year old son, and I are planning on moving to the San Diego area from Wisconsin this summer. We want change and better weather. For the past two years we have been doing as much research as we can and still are not sure what areas we should pin point. My boyfriend and I are both 30. He is a pharmacist and I recently obtained a double major in Business and Marketing. We are not sure what areas we would be able to afford on an income of approx. $120,000 year? More after I start working. Also, which areas are very safe and have good schools? My boyfriend is from Chicago and we don't have any problems with big cities. It would be nice to live by the beach but not necessary. Any thoughts from anyone?

sav858 · 03-23-2009, 05:49 PM

Start by checking this thread out that briefly summarizes areas of San Diego: http://www.city-data.com/forum/san-d...reater-sd.html

This thread has a link to a school performance maps that shows where the better schools in SD are:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/san-d...mance-map.html

I'd take a look at these then ask some more specific questions you still need answer too.

ajohnson56 · 03-23-2009, 11:52 PM

Well with that income, you have quite a bit of choices as far as where you could live. Being your age, I prefer the more suburbia lifestyle, like Eastlake, Rolling Hills, Otay Ranch, and Rancho Del Rey in Chula Vista. This is the east part of CV and about 20mins from downtown. The area codes are as follow, and this should help you start your search. 91913,91914, 91915. Good luck and welcome!!!!

bebe18 · 03-24-2009, 04:03 PM

Thank you soooo much for the information. Any information is a great deal of help and is very much appreciated. Also, are there any areas that are more friendly than others? Are there known areas that are considered snotty and we should stay away from or is there typically a mixed variety in most all the areas?

loveautumn · 03-24-2009, 04:17 PM

are you sure your bf will make $120k as a pharmacist in San Diego, that seems on the high end?

bebe18 · 03-24-2009, 06:12 PM

If he transfers with the same company. Otherwise, I know what you are
saying. Wisconsin pharmacists tend to make more in general because of the demand for them. Some people he graduated with that live in Cali say they do not make that. Plus, Uncle Sam takes a huge cut. Would you say there is a minimum amount of money that you need to make in order to be comfortable in California? We realize cost of living is much higher in CA. We sold our home last month and realize we will probably pay more in rent there than we did for our mortgage. I guess that is the price we are willing to pay.

loveautumn · 03-25-2009, 02:45 PM

yes, housing will be your biggest expense. Rule of thumb, housing here will be about 40-50% of your net income.

bebe18 · 03-25-2009, 03:05 PM

That is what I figured. I have seen the prices but is this how the ratio is for the majority of people in California?

NYSD1995 · 03-25-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bebe18

That is what I figured. I have seen the prices but is this how the ratio is for the majority of people in California?

Depends. For people who are just moving here, yes. People who bought in long ago pay much less. CA was cheap, once upon a time.

bebe18 · 03-25-2009, 04:47 PM

We plan on renting first until we make sure we like the area. Would it be wise to buy a house while the prices are lower or not? I heard you can buy a house for around $250,000 to $300,000. Do you think these houses would be in a good area and what kind of house can you get for that? Also, how do property taxes work out there? The few people we know of out there have had help from their parents, we will be doing it on our own. Any suggestions. Thanks...........