Young professional moving to San Diego area to work in Murrieta, where to live??? (Oceanside: for rent, big house)

[yorkster86]

I'm a young, single, professional female that will be moving from Indiana for a job in Murrieta in July. From my research, Murrieta seems very nice and family oriented but not too happening in the way of night life, culture, and things for young singles to do. I'm thinking about living in north San Diego county, possibly Oceanside, Carlsbad, or Vista, but I am wondering how bad the daily commute would be to Murrieta, and if I should consider living in Murrieta and driving down to San Diego when I want to do something socially. I am looking to rent in the range of $1000-1800, preferably in an area with a decent night life and culture, although I don't want some place that is party central nonstop all the time. I would like a relatively safe area but would be willing to budge a bit to find a unique area with more social opportunities. I like the bar scene but not so much the club scene, am very active outdoors, and would like a walkable neighborhood if possible. Not sure what areas I should look in, and what areas I should avoid. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated!

[Marinadistrict]

Of your 3 options, I'd go with La Costa in Carlsbad. On the map it looks further, but it looks like Vista, O-side and La Costa would be in the 50-55 minute range for a commute. La Costa would put you right on Rancho Santa Fe Road that will take you towards the 15. The 78 can be a nightmare, the I-15 portion of your drive should be fine. From making the La Costa to Murietta drive to play golf all the time as a teen, I know you can make it with no traffic in about 45-50 minutes. That is with bypassing the 78 completely and cutting through San Marcos via Twin Oaks and Deer Springs to get to the 15. La Costa is closer to the nightlife of Encinitas, close to the beach, and in general, just nicer. Vista and O-side have pockets of nice, and pockets of bad. As a newcomer, I would just go with La Costa, especially when all 3 options have essentially similar commute times.

[docmcstuffin]

If you're already considering Carlsbad, maybe you drive another 5 minutes more and consider downtown Encinitas area? If Carlsbad is as far as you'd go, for a single person, I would pick downtown Carlsbad.

[Marinadistrict]

Agreed, in your price range, you might consider Leucadia. Walkable, close to nightlife, and near the beach. Cheaper also.

[yorkster86]

Thanks for the input! It's nice to hear that doing the commute isn't out of the question...although I am going to have to get a more economical car.

[USDefault]

Unquestionably, I would live close to work in Murrieta. First, you will save a ton of money by residing in Murrieta. Second, you will save a ton more by having a short commute. California gas prices are among the highest in the nation, including base price and California's sky-high gas tax, which was recently raised to 39.5 cents per gallon. Every time you fill up the tank, you're giving ~$6.50 to the state in taxes.

Plus you will save a ton of time and frustration if you can avoid Southern California freeways to get to and from work. A lot more time for you to do as you please, you can't put a price on that.

So consider working in Murrieta a positive: you can reside close to work, pay a lot less for a home or for rent, and seriously cut down on commuting time and costs. A triple-win if you play it right and focus hard on keeping the commute to a minimum.

[docmcstuffin]

Originally Posted by yorkster86

Thanks for the input! It's nice to hear that doing the commute isn't out of the question...although I am going to have to get a more economical car.

I was referring to location you might want to consider, since you don't mind commuting and you didn't even mention living in Murrieta, so I didn't want to bring it up. But if it's me, I'd live in a big house in Murrieta for much cheaper, take the money I save and go on a lot of vacations. From small weekend trips to LA/SD/SF to longer & bigger trips.

[USDefault]

Originally Posted by docmcstuffin

since you don't mind commuting and you didn't even mention living in Murrieta, so I didn't want to bring it up.

She did make a reference to it:

and if I should consider living in Murrieta and driving down to San Diego when I want to do something socially.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

As a young, single professional female living in Murrieta? The practical side tells me that its a no brainer to live in Murrieta because of the job location, newer homes, lots of shopping, lower cost of living etc.

We own a property in Murrieta and are up there 3-4 times a month on weekend. Its a really great area and close to Temecula where there is more shopping but in all honesty much more family friendly and doors closed after 7pm during the week, than a hoppin singles scene/social scene.
For me personally, knowing how I was at that age, would be bored to tears living out there.

Tough decision. Be closer to the beach in an area like Leucadia or be closer to work? Is your job a 5 day/wk gig or off hours?

Like doc said, you could always plan trips when you have days off.

[yorkster86]

My gig is 5 days a week, most likely 9-5 but could be a 8-4 or even a 10-6 type situation. I can definitely see the positives of both sides, but I think I am still leaning more towards commuting from Carlsbad. My thinking is that I can always try it out, and move closer to work if it ends up being not worth it after 6 months to a year, or if I decide to start looking at buying, in which case I would most definitely look in Murrieta. I am nervous about isolating myself in a community that doesn't have a decent young single scene, especially when I first move out there, and being bored out of my mind and miserable. Also, I am moving from Indiana to experience California, and I really want to be close to amenities like the beach. That being said, I haven't made up my mind for sure...so thanks for all the input.