Beach living - Is it too expensive? (San Diego: renting, HOA fees)

[beachy_person2]

Originally Posted by RosieSD

How did you find the Hillcrest apartment? Was it also a referral from the place you'll be working, or an ad you found online?

If it was through an internet ad, be very careful about sending money to apartments advertised on the internet if you can't see the apartment in person first. There have been reports here of scams where people send money to secure a "great deal" on an apartment advertised on the internet that turns out to be non-existent.

If possible, can you have someone from the place where you'll be working swing by and check it out for you before you send money? Definitely post the cross streets and apartment complex name here (or the ad itself), but that still won't verify that it's legit.

Also, be prepared: if this IS legit, they'll likely get multiple applications for the apartment, so it may not be a done deal. A $1200 apartment in a building with an elevator, laundry on every floor, and free parking in Hillcrest is rare so expect competition and a close examination of your credit history.

I am using yelp to check reviews. I am planning on calling the landlord and speaking with them first. That ensures some reliability? I am a very cautious person. So, I won't be sending money until I verify everything.

[ShelbyGirl1]

Originally Posted by beachy_person2

I am using yelp to check reviews. I am planning on calling the landlord and speaking with them first. That ensures some reliability? I am a very cautious person. So, I won't be sending money until I verify everything.

As it should be! But things move very quickly here. What's available now, could/will be, gone in a very short time.. Keep us posted!

[beachy_person2]

Originally Posted by rosa surf

Hillcrest, North Park, Normal Heights are all great areas to live in- the beach is only 10-15 Minutes away. You can walk to supermarkets, restaurants, bars, etc...

Only thing is- if you find an apartment you are interested in, it gets very competitive, especially if it is a cheaper price for the area. You need to communicate with the contact immediately, be one of the first to see the place, and submit the credit check right away. These are very desirable areas, you'd be surprised how fast these places get rented.

How is central san diego? When I do apartment search, it is one of the neighborhoods that comes up. Is that same as downtown? I found some pretty cool lofts in down town that has the amenities I am looking for (in unit laundry, dish washer etc). The price is a bit high but I can compromise on that. However, the yelp reviews point out that apartments in down town are not necessarily quiet especially the ones facing market street. Does any one have any input on this? Is downtown living really that noisy? I am having a hard time with this sine I am a light sleeper.

[moved]

Living downtown can be very noisy, especially if you're in the Gaslamp District.

In February, you'll have the giant Mardi Gras pukefest, complete with the parade and noise, then in March, there's Shamrock in the Gaslamp, which is smaller scale Mardi Gras, where they roll out the astroturf for the night, and have live Irish music. Then you have Monster Bash on Halloween night, where people dress up in costumes, and also get drunk.

Everyone spends the night getting drunk, and there are lots of fights on the street when it's over. For Market Street, it would probably depend on the location. If you're a light sleeper, I don't recommend downtown.

[rosa surf]

Originally Posted by beachy_person2

How is central san diego? When I do apartment search, it is one of the neighborhoods that comes up. Is that same as downtown? I found some pretty cool lofts in down town that has the amenities I am looking for (in unit laundry, dish washer etc). The price is a bit high but I can compromise on that. However, the yelp reviews point out that apartments in down town are not necessarily quiet especially the ones facing market street. Does any one have any input on this? Is downtown living really that noisy? I am having a hard time with this sine I am a light sleeper.

Most of Central San Diego is nice, there are a few areas you probably wouldn't want to live in(Sherman Heights, Logan Heights). Golden Hill, Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, parts of Downtown, Hillcrest, Normal Heights, North Park are all very nice-decent areas to live in.

There are some nice parts downtown, but there are parts of Market street that are shady. Also, there is alot of movement downtown- festivals, people going out, lots of homeless, etc...if you are a light sleeper I would not recommend living there, unless you are in an apartment that is high up.

[terrychan]

Where will you be working? If you'll be working in La Jolla or close to UCSD, you can look at Oceanside. They have a coaster that will bring you straight down. Takes about 45 minutes, but Oceanside is the only affordable coastal area of San Diego.

[Kid Ashbury]

Originally Posted by 1AngryTaxPayer

I had a studio off Thomas for 425 and a two bedroom for 650 off Bayard. Of course that was in the 90s.

Shortly thereafter I bought my first place for 150.

My buddy just bought a 1br apartment off Loring/Cass in PB in a building built in the 60s for $370k and was ecstatic about the "deal" he got.

My how the times have changed.

[bloom]

Farm living is the life for me.

[msgsing]

Green Acres is the place to be.

[beachy_person2]

Originally Posted by terrychan

Where will you be working? If you'll be working in La Jolla or close to UCSD, you can look at Oceanside. They have a coaster that will bring you straight down. Takes about 45 minutes, but Oceanside is the only affordable coastal area of San Diego.

Thanks. I will explore that. What is the closest neighborhood to ocean side? 45 minute drive to UCSD? Is that during rush hour? Is there a train service in san Diego for public transport like Chicago or Boston? I am thinking no but just checking.