Is this a stupid question ? (San Diego, San Francisco: crime rates, how much, hotel)

[tande1n5]

Well, vfrpilot, one great thing is that the weather here's clear enough most of the time so you can do what your screen name says! When I'm up in northern CA, I have to file IFR about half of the year just to play it safe! I will gave San Diego that.

[Kamabrau]

I thought I was crazy to want to leave. The people here aren't friendly, the weather is always the same, housing communities are cookie-cutter, the cost of living is high, you buy a 1500 sq. ft. house on a 4000 sq. ft. piece of property, there aren't enough neighborhood parks for kids to play/explore in, you have to drive to get to any parks, it's really hard to make lifelong friends - I've been here 20 years and haven't had one friendship even half as long. My better friends are back in IL where I grew up, with whom I still keep in touch.

No, you didn't ask a stupid question.

[Sampaguita]

Originally Posted by Kamabrau

I thought I was crazy to want to leave. The people here aren't friendly, the weather is always the same, housing communities are cookie-cutter, the cost of living is high, you buy a 1500 sq. ft. house on a 4000 sq. ft. piece of property, there aren't enough neighborhood parks for kids to play/explore in, you have to drive to get to any parks, it's really hard to make lifelong friends - I've been here 20 years and haven't had one friendship even half as long. My better friends are back in IL where I grew up, with whom I still keep in touch.

No, you didn't ask a stupid question.

Definitely not a stupid question.

Kamabrau's complaints are much the same as mine.

Although we have made some fantastic, life-long friends here I do not get a "friendly people in SD" vibe. I can't put my finger on it but unless you seem to make a connection with people, they can't be bothered with you. In our old neighborhood in City Heights, NO ONE ever said hello to us. When we would reach out, I felt like we were annoying them so we finally gave up.

I'm almost afraid to move again someday in SD because I keep hearing that the friendliness in our neighborhood is so unique.

I think most planned communities across the US are cookie-cutter...most even uglier than what we have in SD.

[jksouthbay88]

Originally Posted by tande1n5

I agree. I don't think I've ever lived in a city with so much pride. It's pretty strange to me. I really like it here, and when I move away I'm sure I will miss it and visit often, but I don't really think this is a place where I'd like to live for the rest of my life... I think coastal north county is nice around Del Mar and Solana Beach, I could see myself owning a home there (but I'd most likely prefer southern OC as you guys before me said), but to live in San Diego inland areas doesn't seem any different to me than living in, say, Minneapolis with fairer weather. Just suburban communities.

just a question for jksouthbay88... what's your first most overrated city... you said SD was the second, so I'm just curious haha.

The first was St Louis.I was there for a week and it was ok.Nothing special but I've heard lots of positive and how fun it is.Maybe because I was 13 at the time.Yeah it's weird I'm a 19 year old teen who doesn't seem to like SD.I've pretty much done everything you need to do in the San Diego area.

[newportbeachsmostwanted]

How could a San Diegan possibly hate it there? It's one of the best cities in America right now.

Originally Posted by smu7070

Personally, I think southern Orange County is a much better place to live, with similar weather. One other thing: the crime rate of the San Diego area is higher then it should be.

I love it. The only thing lacking in So. OC is that you have to drive further to get to a true city life. That can also be a good thing! The greenery, perfect weather, rolling hills, economy, minimal traffic, friendly people, laid-back life, planning, safety, beaches, and cleanliness- it's kind of amazing when you compare it to the rest of the world!

[socketz]

The weather is amazing. It's almost funny how you can take it for granted. In San Diego, you never 'think' about the weather, you simply live your life.

I live in Dallas now, which is moderate compared to the rest of the US, but you do have to 'think' about weather here, which kinda sucks when you've become accustomed to San Deigo.

As for the RE Prices there, they will continue to come down slowly. I also feel the salaries will get better, which will fuel another upturn in 5 years or so. Once that happens, San Diego will be utopia once again.

[opelske]

Originally Posted by Sampaguita

Definitely not a stupid question.

Kamabrau's complaints are much the same as mine.

Although we have made some fantastic, life-long friends here I do not get a "friendly people in SD" vibe. I can't put my finger on it but unless you seem to make a connection with people, they can't be bothered with you. In our old neighborhood in City Heights, NO ONE ever said hello to us. When we would reach out, I felt like we were annoying them so we finally gave up.

I'm almost afraid to move again someday in SD because I keep hearing that the friendliness in our neighborhood is so unique.

I think most planned communities across the US are cookie-cutter...most even uglier than what we have in SD.

You're so right...cookie-cutter and suburban sprawl do not make a community! I'm from Long Island, NY and it is no better. I'm wondering whether the first overrated [state?] that a poster spoke about could possibly be NY???? Highly overrated!

[AnitaB]

I was born and raised in San Diego. It was the most wonderful place as a child and also as an adult to live. I lived there for 53 years before I had to leave due to a new marriage and my husbands changing jobs. Since leaving I've lived in Washington State, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona....and we are now back in Colorado. It's very beautiful here and I really like it...but... still I've found no place as wonderful as my San Diego. So many things to do with fantastic weather to do it in. I miss the ocean , the mountains and the valley.
I still go back at least twice a year to San Diego for a visit. It's changed alot over the years. Gangs and crime have almost ruined a beautiful city. There are still areas that are like "the old days". A lot of people are moving out to the east end of the county. The city itself has become over grown and even though it is still beautiful...Old Town, Horton Plaza Gas Lamp area, La Jolla, Kensington, I could go on and on. The over load of people is just too much to keep the 'small town' feel. And its too bad because San Diego will always have my heart. I will keep going back to visit...still have friends and some family there ( my two daughters have moved out of the area one to Santa Cruz the other to Portland, OR). But everytime I go back to visit I see more people than I ever thought possible to live in one area.

[castof1]

Originally Posted by dannl

Why does everybody living in San Diego think it is a great place to live?

Because it is a great place to live. Gee what a stupid question. (Sorry but I couldn't resist.)

[Pointer]

Originally Posted by dannl

Why does everybody living in San Diego think it is a great place to live?

Weather, The beaches and bay