Transferring to San Diego area (San Marcos) (Oceanside, Vista: to rent, low crime)

[chobes68]

I'm moving a family of four, 2 kids ages 11 and 1.5. Anywho, I'm looking for safe family areas in or around San Diego.

Would probably rent a home or townhome to start, and eventually buy.

As far as budget, probably 2k and under to rent. Probably could afford more, but don't want to.

I've done some searching, and areas such as Temecula, Encinitas, and Carlsbad come up. How are they regarding crime, schools, etc?

[cruitr]

There's a lot of miles between Temecula and Encinitas. Nobody likes a long commute. Where exactly will you be working?

[sdhkshdcny09]

For the most part, great schools and low crime. Temecula is much cheaper than Carlsbad and Encinitas, especially when/if you eventually purchase a home.

2k doesnt get you too far in Carlsbad or Encinitas because it is on the coast. 2bd/2bth maybe.
You can rent a decent sized house for that price in Temecula.

Also consider actually living in San Marcos. School and crime are comparable to these areas. It's more affordable like Temecula, but not as hot or boring. It's also relatively close to the coast, but far enough away to avoid the marine layer.

What kind of community do you want to live in? Basically all of these cities fall under the umbrella of "good schools & low crime"
- Encinitas is more artsy
- Temecula is the epitome of suburbia
- Carlsbad is rich suburbia
- San Marcos is suburbia w/ college kids

general statements, but for the most part true.

[chobes68]

Originally Posted by cruitr

There's a lot of miles between Temecula and Encinitas. Nobody likes a long commute. Where exactly will you be working?

It would actually be my wife's job, and it would be in San Marcos. I know nothing of that area, and if it would be suitable as far as raising a family, schools, crime, etc. I don't have to live 10 minutes from the beach, so living in one of the 'burbs is actually desirable for me.

The other option we have is Vegas, and something about raising two small kids there just does not seem like something I want to do. The only good thing regarding a potential Vegas move, is that my wife would have a potentially (sales) much better paying job, that has been officially offered, its just both of us love the San Diego area.

I'm in I.T., and although I haven't found anything yet, I would before we'd make the official move.

[chobes68]

Originally Posted by rhanifin

For the most part, great schools and low crime. Temecula is much cheaper than Carlsbad and Encinitas, especially when/if you eventually purchase a home.

2k doesnt get you too far in Carlsbad or Encinitas because it is on the coast. 2bd/2bth maybe.
You can rent a decent sized house for that price in Temecula.

Also consider actually living in San Marcos. School and crime are comparable to these areas. It's more affordable like Temecula, but not as hot or boring. It's also relatively close to the coast, but far enough away to avoid the marine layer.

What kind of community do you want to live in? Basically all of these cities fall under the umbrella of "good schools & low crime"
- Encinitas is more artsy
- Temecula is the epitome of suburbia
- Carlsbad is rich suburbia
- San Marcos is suburbia w/ college kids

general statements, but for the most part true.

Is it true that Temecula has its rough parts? Sounds like Carlsbad is a bit out of my range. I'm somewhat familiar with Carlsbad and Oceanside. Back when I was in the USMC in the early 90s at Pendleton, Carlsbad was the nice area, and Oceanside had a pretty decent gang element, but I never felt threatened. I've also heard that Poway has some really good schools, and the commute, at least according to Google maps, wouldn't be too bad. For what that's worth, as the driving times they provide don't take into account traffic.

I'm coming from Chicago, born and raised, and while I love the area, and my friends and family are from here, I'm done with Winter, and ready for a big change.

[cruitr]

I'd look in San Marcos. Maybe Vista. $2K should get you a nice place. Why have a long commute when you need to?