My wife is pregnant and we're moving to San Diego (Kensington: rent, condo)

[pedrosplanet]

The title kind of says it all, but here's the rundown: my wife is 3 months pregnant. We're moving to San Diego from north side Chicago. We are not suburban people and we want to raise our child in a decent/safe area of SD, at least for the first few years, so a great school is not a big factor. We like neighborhoods that are walkable and have some character, but we're not big on partying or staying out too late. We also have a dog and would really love a yard!

From what i've heard, North Park might be a good option. We have found a few places north of University and a few places south of it. The north seems to be more affordable, whereas the south seems to be a better neighborhood. Any thoughts on deciding between these or other neighborhoods to consider?

[shmoov_groovzsd]

You said 'more affordable' in regards to North Park. What is your budget? Renting/Buying? Will you be working?

In brief:
Kensington or South Park and the south part of University like you were seeing. Maybe University Hghts if you are near the shops in regards to 'walkability'.

Have you thought about living near the water? There is a different dimension to living in San Diego in a coastal city vs urban areas or suburbs vs other cities in the country.

[bloom]

Mission Hills renting can be affordable depending on budget.

[pedrosplanet]

Our budget is between $1900 - $2200. We would like a 2 or 3 bedroom with a small yard.

We are having a very hard time finding something in Mission Hills, Normal Heights or Uni Heights, but are finding more in North Park, mostly north of University.

Would it be a horrible idea to move to that neighborhood with a baby on the way, or is it normal?

[Clevelandgal]

If you were diligent, You could find a 2 BR cottage with a tiny,tiny yard in Ocean Beach for that price range. It's definitely urban and walk able and very young family friendly. There is an off leash dog beach for your pooch.. Stroller brigade is in full force... Along with surfers and hippies of all ages, are the boring (but anti suburban) professionals like my spouse and I who like beach living and walking everywhere. The problem is these little cottages rarely make Craigslist or a realtors office, a sign is hung in the window and it's gone....mission hills is also terrific, but that price range may not happen. university heights should stay the table. Anything walk able to Park Blvd is well located. There are PLENTY of parents with young children to connect with in these areas. They do tend to disperse as the kids near middle school and the school situation becomes more challenging. The biggest problem with these desirable areas is the best places are often never advertised. Trust me it's frustrating.

[NYSD1995]

2200 budget and walkabout / cute might get you a nice condo in an inner area but most likely a shabby house. If you can go closer to 3k I think you get a lot more. My personal pref is usually univ heights pre kids, mission hills after

[tonyinsd]

How big of a deal is the yard? Reason I say that is because there are places with nice courtyards/parks around that will work for you. You won't actually have grass of your own, but if you can walk around a park that has it, will that work?

[thepinksquid]

We rent a fully detached 1500 sq ft 2-bedroom condo in that price range in Mission Valley with a small dedicated backyard. It can be done!