Ideal direction for a high-rise balcony to face (Marina: rent, how much)

[Eauboy]

I'm considering relocating to SD from the east coast. I would almost certainly buy or rent a unit in a high-rise building downtown (East Village, Gaslamp, Marina). I currently spend as much time on my balcony as possible, and would expect to do even more of the same, year-round, in SD.

Mid-Atlantic summers are hot and humid. Some days I can't even bear to be out there for more than an hour or so before I have to come inside. I'm talking days where the heat index is in the upper nineties and beyond. If you're in the sun, even on a less extreme day, forget it. Here, a north-facing balcony or an east-facing one (if you don't mind staying inside during the morning hours), are the best options. A south-facing balcony, unless it is deeply recessed, will be useless most of the day. A west-facing balcony is miserable from noon until sunset.

So, what about SD? Do the cooler temps mean that the sun actually feels good, or is the problem similar to here? Don't get me wrong, I love the sun and love to be outside, but baking in it isn't remotely fun. I realize there are a few properties with wrap-around balconies or decks, but they aren't that common. I also realize that one may put up an umbrella, but most of the properties I have seen have smaller balconies that don't have room for an umbrella.

I'm also curious about how much wind is to be expected on high-rise balconies. Can I raise plants, or are they going to get beaten up by the wind?

Thanks everyone...


BTW, a shout-out to WDCGirl who I saw posted a relocation thread earlier.

[kettlepot]

Downtown is among the coolest, as in temperature, areas in SD.

The higher up you go in floors, the more wind you are likely to get, though I don't know about how this will affect plants.

The West obviously might have views of the ocean, but that's problematic in East Village given that other buildings may block your view. There will also be some beautiful sunsets unless other buildings block your view.

The East gets you access to bright sunrises, unless they are blocked by the morning fog. And if you're not a morning person, maybe the last thing you want is a bright morning sunrise.

The South is much like the West because we are north of the equator and you might actually have a better opportunity for an ocean view from a south facing balcony than a westward facing one.

The North is the traditional "best" direction for windows and balconies because there is little direct sunlight. But...this is tough.

I don't know if the cooler temperatures, fog, and overcast negate the blazing heat of summer afternoons, and in the other seasons, will you find you NEED the heat and clear skies of the afternoons to make your balcony warm enough to use.

So, I was attempting to help, but I think you will need an opinion from someone Downtown who has a balcony.

[bloom]

South may get too hot if a lot of windows but gets most light. North maybe too chilly to hang out often.
Currently, I'm facing west which is fine; sun gets in eyes in late aft sunset so I set chair behind a column to block sun. I think I used to have bedroom face east which helped to wake up.

[CNYC]

I would be more concerned about which side faces the most noise.

[moved]

Originally Posted by CNYC

I would be more concerned about which side faces the most noise.

This is true, there's lot of noise downtown, especially on the weekends.

[Eauboy]

Originally Posted by bloom

South may get too hot if a lot of windows but gets most light. North maybe too chilly to hang out often.
Currently, I'm facing west which is fine; sun gets in eyes in late aft sunset so I set chair behind a column to block sun. I think I used to have bedroom face east which helped to wake up.

Yes, I was wondering about north-facing. Here, it would be lovely most of the late spring/summer/early fall, but it is definitely cooler (much) in SD, so it might be chilly. I'm not averse to wearing pants and a light jacket, or even draping a blanket over my lap if that's what allows me to spend more time outside, but if it's 65 and breezy all the time, that might get old.

Your description of hiding behind a pillar reminds me of my east-facing balcony here. I can sit out there for perhaps an hour at a certain time of the morning, but otherwise have to wait until far enough past noon for the balcony as a whole to be useful. It sounds like the sun in your eyes is more of a concern than it being too hot, though.

Thanks!

[NYSD1995]

West

[bloom]

Yes, low noise would be first priority

[Eauboy]

Originally Posted by moved

This is true, there's lot of noise downtown, especially on the weekends.

I'd like to hear more about this. I live in downtown DC now, which isn't exactly quiet (sirens, amplified music, motorcycle morons..) but I'm pretty used to it. I'm nowhere near Nats park or outdoor music venues. Is there anything in particular I should be attentive to? I get that being close to Petco could involve extra noise on game days, and other days where there are events there. Is there anything else?

Thanks!

[Eauboy]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

West

Why, please? What is the appeal of a west-facing balcony? I'm as much a lover of a sunset/water view as anyone, but aren't west-facing balconies going to be hot from noon on? This is what I'm trying to figure out.

Thanks!