Lake Miramar area - fires? Live there? Quality of life? (San Diego: to rent, crime)

[worg]

Hi, I was wondering if this area is as risky for fires as others (just south of lake Miramar). It looks like there are some really nice neighborhoods there, but of course I don't live there so have no idea what it's really like. How is the shopping and general quality of life? No kids, so schools aren't an issue. Safety is, no gang areas. Would tentatively be commuting to the 805/Mira Mesa Blvd area. If this area is no good, what else would be good considering my daily commute? Price range 5-600's.

I am REALLY afraid of fires, and I know there are no guarantees, but are there any other outlying areas north or east of SD where the Santa Ana winds have less of an affect as far as fires (other than on the coast?) I'd be moving from the Northern VA/Wash DC area.

Thanks if you can help!

[skelaki]

Fires are just a part of life here but most years they really aren't a big problem. It's been about 5 years since the last big fires. Those went all the way from far east county to the coast and were very devastating. Hopefully we won't see another fire season that bad but there are no guarantees and you have to be prepared. If you're terrified of fires, the best choices of places to live will be in areas that do not have a lot of brush and are not close to canyons. In other words, more urban areas.

And your price range of $500-$600 would mean you'd pretty much be limited to renting a room in someone's home or sharing with someone/s.

[oddstray]

Plus the commute across Mira Mesa Blvd would be quite tedius - lots of stoplights and traffic. You could avoid that if you look along I-805 (probably heading south, to avoid driving in rush-hour traffic).

[worg]

I was stating my budget as for a house - 500,000 - 600,000's. Does anyone know more specifics about that area and also that area and fires? Thanks

[sdjimbob]

This area is better known as Scripps Ranch, typically a safe area as far as crime goes. Hundreds of homes were lost in the 2003 fires in the area past Fairbrook off Pomerado.

[cruitr]

Wild fires will always be a possibility in Scripps Ranch. Since it sounds like you're working in Sorrento Valley, why not live in Sorrento Valley? It's a very safe area with an easy commute for you. $600K (plus a little) will get you a nice house in Sorrento Valley. The zip code is 92121.

[worg]

It looks like Sorrento Valley is mostly businesses, do you mean Mira Mesa? If no, maybe you can suggest some streets in the Sorrento Valley area so I can orient myself better, thanks

[cruitr]

Sorrento Valley has a few single family homes. Prices range from $500-700k plus. Here's an example:
SDLookup.com | 6545*Windward*Ridge*Way - MLS# 110050535

However, I would rent a home for the first year or so. San Diego housing is a complicated topic. You'll probably change your mind as to your ideal location after you've lived here for a while.

[worg]

Isn't that smack in the middle of the canyons where fires would be more likely?

What's different about San Diego that makes renting more important before buying as compared to any other city you are unfamiliar with?

[oddstray]

Originally Posted by worg

Isn't that smack in the middle of the canyons where fires would be more likely?

San Diego has canyons scattered throughout. Sorrento Valley is farther from the urban/wilderness border than Scripps Ranch, so wildfires are less likely to get as far as Sorrento Valley.

What's different about San Diego that makes renting more important before buying as compared to any other city you are unfamiliar with?

Nothing different about San Diego. Rent a while before buying would apply to any move to an area one is unfamiliar with.