32 yo single female - what neighborhood to live in San Diego? (Pasadena: apartment, for rent) - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

proudk · 06-28-2011, 06:20 PM

I moved back out to CA almost 3 years ago and live in Pasadena but now want to follow the original plan and head down to SD. I know a little of the neighborhoods but have a few questions. I work from home and am single, some neighborhoods seem too "old & rich" and some too "young." I think I like Littly Italy, Hillcrest but would love to be closer to beach.

Safety is a concern and I love to be able to walk outside and grab a coffee vs. getting in my car.

Any neighborhoods you recommend and why? I make a decent income but don't want to spend a ton on an apt but also don't want to live in a closet or a dive.

Any tips would be helpful. Thanks.

mlarsen23 · 06-28-2011, 06:23 PM

You should check out north Pacific Beach, Bird Rock area. I think it's the only beach close place that might really fit what you are looking for.

shmoov_groovzsd · 06-28-2011, 06:38 PM

I agree with mlarsen23 about Bird Rock and North PB from what I have seen going there. Its pretty relaxed and has lots of the things you are looking for. Its somewhat secluded as the freeway is pretty far from the coast in that area.

Tough call though as Hillcrest has some terrific things going for it that make it worth looking in to.

Personally I would choose to be closer to Balboa Park and live in the Hillcrest area. The beach is not far at all from there.

moved · 06-29-2011, 01:37 AM

Do you have a job lined up yet?

Syncmaster414 · 06-29-2011, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moved

Do you have a job lined up yet?

The OP stated that "I work from home" and "I make a decent salary."

It helps to read the post before replying...

Syncmaster414 · 06-29-2011, 08:05 AM

I am 29 and previously lived in North PB/Bird Rock. Currently have several friends who live there as well who are around the same age. I have to agree that it is close to the beach and a good fit for someone your age. The fact that you work from home is even better, as getting to the Interstate from the area can prove to be somewhat of a pain during rush hour (I used to live there and work in Sorrento Valley).

Alternatively, have you ever thought about living downtown? MUCH more walkable...

Good luck!

moved · 06-29-2011, 11:20 AM

If you work from home, and make a decent income, you can pretty much live where you want here. It all depends on how much you want to spend.

proudk · 06-29-2011, 01:49 PM

Thanks for all the replies. I love the idea of downtown but with a car it might be too pricey. I love Hillcrest and have heard NPB and Bird Rock are great areas so I am glad you are stating the same. Any complexes you recommend or are singles the way to go? I work from home so meeting new people in the area will be important!!

sdurbanite · 06-29-2011, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by proudk

Thanks for all the replies. I love the idea of downtown but with a car it might be too pricey. I love Hillcrest and have heard NPB and Bird Rock are great areas so I am glad you are stating the same. Any complexes you recommend or are singles the way to go? I work from home so meeting new people in the area will be important!!

Don't discount downtown just because of parking. Most of the newer complexes there have assigned parking for their tenants, at no extra cost. The quieter areas of downtown you should look at are Cortez Hill and the Marina District.

The cool thing is that you can take a bike on the ferry to Coronado and ride to the beach from there in less than 15 mins.

shmoov_groovzsd · 06-29-2011, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdurbanite

Don't discount downtown just because of parking. Most of the newer complexes there have assigned parking for their tenants, at no extra cost. The quieter areas of downtown you should look at are Cortez Hill and the Marina District.

The cool this is that you can take a bike on the ferry to Coronado and ride to the beach from there in less than 15 mins.

+1 sdurbanite

proudk,

I lived down there for 6 years on the border of the Marina District and Gaslamp. Living there was just a great experience seeing all the buildings go up etc. being regulars at some of the restaurants and bars. Most of it is fairly new as well.

sdurbanite makes some GREAT points that I share. Parking is normal in the newer buildings, so its not like an older city like NYC where you have a Brownstone apartment but park on the street. Most of the parking downtown is underground beneath the building and depending on the unit, some have 1 or 2 assigned spaces.

As far as life down there? Cant beat it. You have access to so many things that you can pretty much hang out in the area without ever having to take your car.
My wife and I would go to Old Town, Little Italy, take the ferry with our bikes to Coronado, quick drive to Hillcrest etc etc.

The only negative about downtown is that its not totally 'local' yet. You may have a difficult time meeting new people because the residents can be transient in nature (renting short term). You would get more of a local vibe in Hillcrest than Downtown. Being single, I might veer more towards Hillcrest than Downtown, but definitely take a hard look at whats for rent there.

PM me or post any questions you have about downtown. I have been in a good majority of the buildings over the years so can probably give you a good beat on pros and cons.