Moving to San Diego from Out of Country (Chula Vista, Vista: rental, how much)

[mricu]

Hi all,

I have a job offer from a San Diego company and wanted to know a bit more about the city. If you can help me out that would be great.

My job will be in Chula Vista but my wife and I are young and want to live closer to the city. I was thinking Mission Valley since that is the area I stayed when I was called for my job interview and it seemed to have all the things we want, and we have a car. The trolley is also within walking distance if we want to take that option. The following are my questions:

1) Is Mission Valley considered to be one of the more safer areas of the county?

2) I noticed that if we rent a place, you usually pay extra for water and hydro etc ... but this is the first time I've seen trash services as being extra. How much does the trash service typically cost monthly?

3) Now knowing where I work, are there any other parts of the county worth looking into for renting besides mission valley? My budget for the rental property is probably $1300 for a 1 or 2 bedroom unit. We should be close to public transit (wife needs it), good place to take a walk in the evenings, close to major shopping.

I appreciate any input you guys can give!