Oceanside Neighborhoods ??? (Carlsbad, Encinitas, Mesa: for rent, houses, buying)

[azgirlie]

We are considering relocating our family to Oceanside. We are looking for a family friendly neighborhood within walking distance of things like parks, libraries, schools, and local restaurants. We will also be looking for office space within biking distance as we own a small business.

We are specifically looking at Oceanside because home prices seem more affordable and the area is more diverse than Encinitas or Carlsbad. We would be open to other City/neighborhood suggestions if they are diverse, walkable, and affordable.

Thanks!

[cruitr]

What do you mean by 'affordable?'

[azgirlie]

Monthly payments around $1500 for rent. Which would put us in the $200,000 to $250,000 price range for buying.

[novabrite]

You will probably be priced out of buying or renting a single family 3 bedroom in most of O'side, byt you can find something like that in the Mesa Margarita area of Oceanside, commonly referred to as the "Back Gate." The prices are a little lower there because, to be completely honest, the area has a bit of a reputation for having some gang activity. While this is not totally without merit, the gangs here are very different from, and less violent than, LA gangs. There was more gang activity here in the 80s and 90s, but it has really been cleaned up a lot. The Oceanside gangs, specifically in this area, are usually family-affiliated. They beat up (and occasionally shoot) each other, but not uninvolved people with no gang ties. Most only have 20-200 members. A lot of these gangs are Samoan, and they have rivalries with each other. They usually don't involve non-Samoans.

Now, the info I just gave you will probably scare the pants off of you, but I'm telling you this to be honest about why the prices are lower over there. In reality, if you mind your business and don't cross anyone, they will leave you alone. My sister-in-law and best friend lives over there, and I've spent a lot of time there. I am a white girl from the midwest, and I've never felt unsafe there. I've walked there with my kids, taken them to fish at Lake Libby Park, etc. The houses and yards are usually kept up pretty well too. They are finishing a brand new elementary school (Libby) which will open this fall. It's going to be awesome. There are also lots of parks and rec centers over here, bike trails, jogging trails, grocery stores, movie theaters, restaurants, etc. I would live there. The "dangers" of the area are way exaggerated.