San Diego on 55k a year? (Chula Vista, Vista: apartments, rent, condos)

[CMG360]

Hi everyone. I'm considering taking a job in SD, moving from one of the most boring states on the planet, Delaware. I currently make 55k a year, but there would likely be a raise involved for the new position + cost of living adjustments.

I am a 30 year old male looking for year round good weather and some interesting single women. I enjoy jogging and being outdoors in general, so SD seems like it might be a good fit for me.

I like coffee houses, internet connected areas, not big on the club scene, and a decent stretch of road where I can cruise around when I am bored.

No, this is not a personals add

I'm just trying to get an idea of where a good landing spot might be given the provided criteria. The job would be on the east side of Chula Vista, sorta near Lower Otay Lake. I don't think I want to live in that area though.

Anyone have any insight they can provide?

[novabrite]

Yes, it's definitely doable. Especially if you are getting a raise for adjusted cost of living. You're single, so yes, it's very doable. My husband earned less than that last year, and we got by just fine (I stay home). He was supporting 5 people, not one. Sure, we were pretty broke, but we didn't starve or go homeless. As a single guy, if you live within your means (debt-wise), you should be fine.

[novabrite]

Oh by the way, I meant to say that we live in North County, but you'd find the commute to Chula Vista to be too far. You might like Eastlake, but it's more family oriented, not singles-oriented. As a single guy, you might like someplace like Hillcrest, South Park, or something near the Gaslamp. If you are willing to have a roommate, there are pricier areas that you could find enjoyable, also.

[CMG360]

Originally Posted by novabrite

Oh by the way, I meant to say that we live in North County, but you'd find the commute to Chula Vista to be too far. You might like Eastlake, but it's more family oriented, not singles-oriented. As a single guy, you might like someplace like Hillcrest, South Park, or something near the Gaslamp. If you are willing to have a roommate, there are pricier areas that you could find enjoyable, also.

Thanks NB, this is the kind of info I am looking for. I was looking at the prices of apartments in CV and even some of those seem up there. I'm paying $900 a month now and doing ok, but I think I'd look for a roommate and try to get a really nice 2B.

[novabrite]

Originally Posted by CMG360

Thanks NB, this is the kind of info I am looking for. I was looking at the prices of apartments in CV and even some of those seem up there. I'm paying $900 a month now and doing ok, but I think I'd look for a roommate and try to get a really nice 2B.

I DEFINITELY think you should get a roommate. Unless you are OCD and really really like your privacy, getting a roommate can be a fantastic way to a) live in a better apartment b) live in a better part of town c) get the inside scoop on your new hometown and d) get a jump on establishing a social group in SD.

There are often guys who own condos and rent out one of the rooms, especially when the condos have the "dual master bedroom" option. Check Craigslist or a roommate site to find someone, or post an ad of your own. If I was single, that would be the route I would take. My college-era roommates are still among some of my closest friends!

[tonyinsd]

You can find places for $900 if you look hard enough. They will be in older buildings, but we're not talking places that are about to fall down.

You may want to check out Little Italy, Banker's Hill, and the East Village. You'd be able to get to Chula Vista in about 20 minutes, and you'd be going opposite traffic.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

plenty of back roads E of Chulajuana.

[CMG360]

Originally Posted by tonyinsd

You can find places for $900 if you look hard enough. They will be in older buildings, but we're not talking places that are about to fall down.

You may want to check out Little Italy, Banker's Hill, and the East Village. You'd be able to get to Chula Vista in about 20 minutes, and you'd be going opposite traffic.

Thanks. Thats kind of my thought process on living closer to the city. Is it tough to get out of it in the morning/afternoon? I'm sure it's horrible getting in, but if it's a brees (too soon?) to get out I'd almost consider the Gaslamp Quarter.

[sdurbanite]

Originally Posted by tonyinsd

You can find places for $900 if you look hard enough. They will be in older buildings, but we're not talking places that are about to fall down.

You may want to check out Little Italy, Banker's Hill, and the East Village. You'd be able to get to Chula Vista in about 20 minutes, and you'd be going opposite traffic.

This! Going opposite of traffic will make the commute much easier.

[tonyinsd]

Originally Posted by CMG360

Thanks. Thats kind of my thought process on living closer to the city. Is it tough to get out of it in the morning/afternoon? I'm sure it's horrible getting in, but if it's a brees (too soon?) to get out I'd almost consider the Gaslamp Quarter.

I live a block away from the Gaslamp. It's pretty easy to get to the 163 or the five north, even during rush hour. Truth be told, I've rarely gone on the five south, and never during rush hour. So I don't know how bad it would be.