Moving From Vermont to San Diego: HELP! (apartment, neighborhoods)

[SoCalSD514]

and as far as a car goes, i own an '03 mitsubishi eclipse with quite a bit of work done to it... is GTA really that big of a problem out there?

[Irish4evr]

Central Vermont to San Diego....thats a switch for sure. San Diego has an awesome climate, but comes with a price. The economy is a bit steeper than what you are familiar with. The economy is tight, as you are aware. There are a lot of unemployed degrees walking around right now...Building has slowed, so work in a lumber facility, or even HD, might be tougher to obtain that you think. Good luck on your move....I went West over thirty years ago, and never looked back....It's the best thing I ever did ! GTA is a big issue, there and in many SW cities.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by SoCalSD514

and as far as a car goes, i own an '03 mitsubishi eclipse with quite a bit of work done to it... is GTA really that big of a problem out there?

It's a major problem and that car is a giant target for thieves and cops alike.

[SoCalSD514]

aight i guess ill have to save up enough as to where i can move into a somewhat more decent neighborhood. has anyone on here ever been up around oceanside area or carlsbad? are they nice places and somewhat affordable? ($600-$900 a month rent). i imagine that the job market there is also not good as is everywhere, but are there simple jobs like a janitor or something that i could get just to get by. ive worked 3 part time jobs before to make ends meet and that isnt a problem if i have to...

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by SoCalSD514

aight i guess ill have to save up enough as to where i can move into a somewhat more decent neighborhood. has anyone on here ever been up around oceanside area or carlsbad? are they nice places and somewhat affordable? ($600-$900 a month rent). i imagine that the job market there is also not good as is everywhere, but are there simple jobs like a janitor or something that i could get just to get by. ive worked 3 part time jobs before to make ends meet and that isnt a problem if i have to...

Word of advice: get a roomate if you are planning to spend less than 1k/mo. A 600 dollar apartment anywhere in a major city is going to be scary.

[SoCalSD514]

can you just find roommates out there or do i have to bring somebody from here, cause nobody i know will move to California. but i dont know if i really wanna move in with a stranger... i found this apartment complex is this a bad place it looks good to me but i dont live in that area so maybe it isnt. the address is 5109 and 5139 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard San Diego, CA 92117

[sav858]

You can find roommates on Craiglist, but it can be hit or miss of course. I've had friends have horrible experiences with that but some that have had great experiences and have become good friends with their CL roommate.

That area in Clairemont Mesa is not too bad and a good choice for your budget, a little dumpy but not too much crime. And its a fairly central location too so it gives you access to the best parts of SD for younger people. I'd go with that area or some areas like North Park, University Heights, Hillcrest too.

[SoCalSD514]

alright thanks that helps me narrow it down. ill keep looking and when i do move ill just have to hope i can find a job and get at least somewhat on my feet, then take it one step at a time from there. thanks

[Sassberto]

The problem with cheap apartments is that, well, they are cheap. That means anyone can afford them, including people you probably won't want to live around. Clairemont Mesa is not a bad area per se, but that's not to say your apartment complex isn't. In many cases, apartment complexes ARE the "bad area" in an otherwise good neighborhood.

[DezertGirl]

Originally Posted by SoCalSD514

and as far as a car goes, i own an '03 mitsubishi eclipse with quite a bit of work done to it...

If it's not stock in the emissions department, put it back the way it came from the factory. Exhaust, intake, sensors, computer. If the car will not pass a smog check, you will not be able to register it in California. Smog checks occur every 2 years after your initial out-of-state registration. If you did not pay sales tax when you bought the car...you will now. Registration fees just almost doubled from what they were, starting April 1, 2009.
There are laws regarding modifications. If you get caught street racing in that car, they will crush it into a tiny little cube and you cannot stop them. If you owe money on it...you will still owe it and be making payments on scrap metal destined for China.
Insurance rates for you will be sky-high. The car theft that occurs there has the stolen vehicles going over the border in the matter of an hour or two. Ask your insurance company how your rates will change. Also ask them about renter's insurance.
Just a couple of thoughts...these are things people don't mention much. That's a very nice car...just make sure you don't have to give it up to move to San Diego and find out when you get to the DMV.