Relocating! Job in Chula Vista....where to live? (rentals, condos)

[bfmama]

I just got a solid job offer in the Chula Vista area.

What are the reasons to live in CV instead of SD proper? Or why should I opt to live in SD and have a commute?

I need some advice on the actual commute time if I were to live in North or South Park, for example.

Job is located around exit 7B off the 805.

Help is much appreciated!

I'm late 20s, mom of a toddler.

[moved]

Are you buying or renting. What's your budget?

[bfmama]

Under 1500, 1-2 BR. Renting for now...

[bfmama]

I would love to find a guest house situation and pay a little less....

[moved]

What do you call a guest house situation? Check out Craigslist for rentals in your budget, and post the addresses here for comments.

[lrmsd]

Check out Eastlake, near Southwestern College. Though your child is young now, you may be interested in the benefits of Eastlake's good schools, walking trails, parks, etc. Great place for families. [East of CV, so a pretty easy commute].

Living in SD proper would vary depending on where in SD proper. The areas you mentioned are the hipster, artsy more urban central SD. SD is a series of spread out suburbs; some people want family friendly, others want a beach community, etc. The vibe in central SD is less suburban, more vibrant but also with the associated urban factors-homeless and addicts in the parks, the usual aspects found in all urban areas to greater or lesser degrees. South Park is very nice, and you'll benefit from good cafes, restaurants and some independent businesses. You'd be close to Balboa Park and the Zoo [if you want to get an annual pass, many parents take their kids there on the regular, b/c it's a good, safe and clean place to explore and be outside all day...Plus, the animals, of course. (:] I've known people to take their kids as their daily outing several times per week. Otherwise, you can drive up from DV in 20 minutes and you'll be working weekdays anyway.

If you live in north or south park, heading south on the 805 would be mostly reverse. When I lived in Normal Heights [near N Park and maybe of interest to you, as well as University Heights], I used to drive my child to the preschool on site at Southwestern community college [They had full or part time and you should check it out if you need daycare. It was Reggio Emilia philosophy based-an Italian thing. I drove specifically b/c I wanted that style of program; the facility is gorgeous and RE focuses on aesthetic as important for learning and development, anyway. They also have an amazing outdoor art studio area for the kids].

My point for mentioning this is that I drove around 8:30 am and there was no traffic going south to CV. Really easy. Took me about 20 minutes and the college is further east. I'd probably allow for 30 minutes during rush hour just in case. You can google map it from eastlake to your job location and factor in a busy road with lots of stop lights to get there.

Though, I imagine in the SW College/Eastlake area, you could find a house stay or house share situation, possibly with other single moms, too. There are plenty of condos, town homes and single family homes in Eastlake and CV. Also, one of my kids used to take archery classes at the Olympic center in eastlake/CV, studying with the olympic archery team and coach. The facility is the base for a number of summer Olympic sports. CV and surrounds are not as hip as N or S Park, but it's an interesting area with friendly people, in my experience. I think the quality of life can be good there, especially since you'll be lessening your commute.

If you think you'll be in the area for awhile, I recommend giving thought to the school options [in north and south park, you may want to go the charter school route, or magnet schools, and you'll have to drive your child]...3 years goes by quickly! If already set up for eastlake schools, then you're good to go. Also, CV has a few well regarded charter schools that are open to anyone in the county. I recommend visiting both and looking online at images to get a feel for the vibe. While you may prefer SD proper urban hoods, I think as a mom you may prefer eastlake area. Since your priority will be working and your child, toddler/preschool/kid life is easier to enjoy in the burbs, IMO. Less stress for all, plus a shorter commute. I'd go with Eastlake/CV and [some parts of CV are BAD, however, so do your homework].

Research schools at great schools dot org for reviews and ratings.

Edit: Here's the link for the SW College Child Development center.
http://www.swccd.edu/index.aspx?page=1375
"The Center is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach and emergent curriculum. The Reggio Emilia Approach is based on several core principles: parent involvement, enriched setting and collaboration among parents, teachers, children and the community. This educational philosophy developed within the town of Reggio Emilia , a community in northern Italy shortly after World War II. These schools encourage children to explore their environment and express themselves through their natural languages.

Emergent projects are in department studies of concepts, ideas and interests that arise within the group. Staff pose ideas and children provide feedback that creates the direction of the project. Parents and the community can also be part of this process"

[bfmama]

Thanks, LRMSD!! I will look further. I really appreciate your reply.

I would love proximity to the zoo, but I agree with you that having the ease of the burbs can help. Weekends will be time for beach, zoo, or downtown trips....what beach areas are family friendly near CV?

[bfmama]

2920 Briarwood Road

1/1 condo for rent

What about these areas?? Near my job in CV.

[malcorub16]

Originally Posted by bfmama

2920 Briarwood Road

1/1 condo for rent

What about these areas?? Near my job in CV.

These areas are good. But so are many other areas.

You have many options since you will either have no commute or likely will have a reverse commute.