Relocating from the East Coast to Coastal Area in Cali (San Diego: apartments, rent)

[Adventurer22]

Looking for an apartment on a limited budget in California near the coastal towns. Concerned about a safe area, convenient to transportation, and grocery and shops all around. Close to hospitals and medical treatment center. I am looking to spend $1200 a month in rent. What is included in w/rent in California? On the East Coast it's heat and hot water.

Trying to figure out where to start since it will be very difficult going back and forth.

I am looking for good year round warm, and sunny weather for health reasons.

[OwlKaMyst]

Southern California is where you will get the better weather, but it won't be sunny year round. Coastal towns are much more expensive than places just a bit inland.
Most apartments; water and garbage comes with, you pay for electric and gas (if gas is used).
If you find a place for $1200, the most amount that can be asked for - for your move in money will be $3600. If they ask for more, they are breaking the law. It does not matter what they call the deposits, it cannot exceed $3600.

[ccm123]

Don't call California "Cali", you will immediately look like a tourist.

[Wells5]

Chula Vista, which is south of San Diego. The weather in the area is the best in the USA and you can find decent apartments in your price range. Very little heat and AC is required and many apartment LLs pay for gas heating, hot and cold water, garbage and sewer. Excellent medical facilities are in the area including the Scripps Clinic. Ask this in the San Diego forum.

[nightlysparrow]

Originally Posted by ccm123

Don't call California "Cali", you will immediately look like a tourist.

Agreed. Look in Oxnard area.

[OptimusPrime69]

Originally Posted by ccm123

Don't call California "Cali", you will immediately look like a tourist.

Exactly, please dont do that.

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

Originally Posted by OwlKaMyst

Southern California is where you will get the better weather, but it won't be sunny year round. Coastal towns are much more expensive than places just a bit inland.
Most apartments; water and garbage comes with, you pay for electric and gas (if gas is used).
If you find a place for $1200, the most amount that can be asked for - for your move in money will be $3600. If they ask for more, they are breaking the law. It does not matter what they call the deposits, it cannot exceed $3600.

Landlords in CA can only ask for twice the monthly rent for unfurnished, and three times the monthly rent if furnished. So, if the OP gets an unfurnished apt, the deposit can only be $2400, just to clarify.

In CA normally apartments will include water, sewer and garbage. You will normally have to pay electricity and/or gas. You would be the one paying to heat your hot water, normally.

Realistically, you should add at least $50/month for electricity and gas, if you live somewhere you won't have to use much heat or air conditioning.

You need to get on Craigslist and Google Maps. Look for towns along the coast, then go to Craigslist for that area and put in your max rent. And see what pops up. Then, do some googling on the county that town is in, to find healthcare options, and look at the transportation options for the city, etc., etc., etc.

Then, come back and ask specifics about the towns that look promising.

I wish you well, but I'm not going to do all that work for you.

You want to ask about a specific town, there will be people here with some good feedback, though.