Job in El Cajon, where to live? (La Mesa, San Carlos: apartments, to rent)

[TexasBound19]

I'm in my early 30s, single, no kids.

What would be the best area to live for someone like me? I'm trying to be 30 mins (max) from the job.

[malcorub16]

If you are a 9 to 5 er working in El Cajon, you'd be going against traffic. You could theoretically live anywhere west of El Cajon along the 8 freeway from Ocean Beach to El Cajon itself and it would be a 30 min max drive.

Now if your work starts in the afternoon, the story changes...

[TexasBound19]

Originally Posted by malcorub16

If you are a 9 to 5 er working in El Cajon, you'd be going against traffic. You could theoretically live anywhere west of El Cajon along the 8 freeway from Ocean Beach to El Cajon itself and it would be a 30 min max drive.

Now if your work starts in the afternoon, the story changes...

This is good to know. Job is flexible. I'd probably start around 9am.

Where do you think would be a good area to live, though (besides downtown) and more towards El Cajon?

I like to be around good restaurants/cafes. Is La Mesa decent?

[malcorub16]

Since you are 30 and single, I take it you will be living the apartment life...?

Yes, as a new comer I would totally live in La Mesa especially if it were walking distance from the village area and the Trolley which would allow me to explore the rest of the city without having to drive. La Mesa is the up and coming town/neighborhood.

If you are into hiking, the San Carlos area is also very nice and quiet neighborhood near the Mission Trails Park with lots of apartments.

If you want to be near bars, restaurants and breweries then I would look at University Heights/Normal Heights/Kensington or maybe North Park. Lots of action in that area and quick easy access to the 8 freeway to get to El Cajon every weekday morning.

If you want to save on money and drive as short a distance as possible and don't mind living in a gritty neighborhood, then just live in the city of El Cajon.

[Tdecel]

1. Mission Valley. You'll be driving against traffic and find a thousand places to rent in every price range. Shops, restaurants, night clubs. A lot of young people.

2. UTC- The area around University Town Center (La Jolla'ish) would be another choice but it will push your commute another 10 or 15 minutes. Not sure about the cost of housing VS MV.

We actually live in the City of El Cajon (Fetcher Hills). I wouldn't recommend this area or La Mesa if you need to fill your evenings socializing.