Considering relocating to San Diego, CA (El Cajon, Poway: rental, house, job market)

[1978kia]

Hello All, I am really Looking for some guidance because I have seriously been thinking about moving to San Diego. I am a single African American Women with three kids. I am looking for information on great schools, areas; honestly any information that is provided would be greatly appreciated. I am thinking about moving to San diego for a new start, something different. I currently live in Baltimore, md and for a short period of time i lived in Florida. I need as much information on family friendly areas as possible. Thanks in advance for all honest information.

[mlarsen23]

San Diego is a great place to live, and there are some good public school districts and good private schools in the area. But you need to be able to have a job or other income that will allow you to afford to access those things. The job market in San Diego is poor, especially for government jobs or relatively low skilled jobs. Meanwhile, housing in the best school districts will be expensive compared to Florida, and possibly even compared to Baltimore.

If you outline what your plans for income are, and what you think you can afford to spend on rent or to buy, folks on this board will be able to give you some good advice.

[1978kia]

I am putting in a transfer with the company I currently work for. They have several positions open. As for my budget, I know I want to rent for right now and I will only be able to afford 1500. - 2000. monthly looking at the cost of living there.

[mlarsen23]

I would say that rental range is on the low side for a house with 4 bedrooms in a really good public school district like Poway or San Dieguito. You would probably need at least to move into the $2,000-$2,500 range.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Originally Posted by 1978kia

I am putting in a transfer with the company I currently work for. They have several positions open. As for my budget, I know I want to rent for right now and I will only be able to afford 1500. - 2000. monthly looking at the cost of living there.

Where is the office located? That would certainly help in narrowing down areas to live in.
ot my knowledge, Poway and San Dieguito are two of the best in the county, but there is life outside of those districts. On the whole, these two "score" the best, how that equates to quality education is dependent on the student of course.

[hitman619]

Allied gardens/la mesa/san carlos/ lemon grove / El Cajon
for that price range and decent schools

[Mtbeth]

Originally Posted by 1978kia

Hello All, I am really Looking for some guidance because I have seriously been thinking about moving to San Diego. I am a single African American Women with three kids. I am looking for information on great schools, areas; honestly any information that is provided would be greatly appreciated. I am thinking about moving to San diego for a new start, something different. I currently live in Baltimore, md and for a short period of time i lived in Florida. I need as much information on family friendly areas as possible. Thanks in advance for all honest information.

I have lived in San Diego for 3 years but am in the process of moving. Although the weather is almost perfect, I find this area to be crowded, expensive, spread out and unpredictable for housing, schools and commute. Although I seem to be the minority in my opinion, I have found this area to be largely difficult to manage. Housing is expensive, schools are spotty even within one district. I am not sure how old your children are, but an example for preschool costs: three half days a week can cost $750 a month. I think as a single mom you might find yourself stretched because affordable housing might mean you have a long commute. My opinion - think twice before moving!

[jimhcom]

In San Diego you are probably looking at a lower working class neighborhood for that kind of rent.
A good area is closer to $3000.