Small budget, short notice... relocating with work (San Diego, Mesa: lease, houses)

[LocalType]

Hi all!

My work is transferring me to San Diego. I found out about 2 weeks ago, and have about 3 weeks to pack and plan. Unfortunately because of the short timeframe I can’t squeeze in a flight out first. The best I can do is 5-6 days when I arrive, which I’ll have free before I start work. Not much time.

I’m basically looking at all the areas in a circle from University City, to the 15 on the east, Balboa Park in the south, to Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach on the west. I’ve learned a lot but that ends up being 2 weeks of scouring the internet and asking friends here who've visited, which I realize is not very good. I was hoping for some suggestions if you guys have some.

My office is in Kearny Mesa; as for me, I’m a 40 y.o. female professional, solo (partner will join me at end of the year), no pets, and renting on a small budget ($1000) until my promotion goes through, which may be a few months. But I don’t have any problem renting a very tiny place if I like the area, and I’m ok with fulfilling a lease and not necessarily looking for something short-term. I'm not sure if it matters but also once or twice a month I'll be driving up to LA, but it could vary as far as weekday/weekend.

The only real needs I have in a neighborhood are that it’s walkable, but it won’t be a deal breaker if it’s in a busier area. I just like to get out and check out local shops, parks, meet people. I prefer smaller complexes or houses, and not interested in night life and would like to be away from the college partying crowd.

Is the search area above good or did I miss anything? I realize 5 or 6 days isn’t a lot of time to get much done, so I'm trying to do as much here and now as I can. I appreciate your help!

Thanks!!