Have anybody moved to San Diego from the Southeast Coast of U.S.? (Corona: houses, buy)

[Serenity2019]

I might take a (Federal) job in San Diego. I have lived on the Southeast Coast / Beach all my life. What are the differences with the East and West Coast Beach scene?
I always hear the cost of living is terrible, and it is not worth moving there.
I also hear it's a very cool place with great weather. I was told by some cool visitors here, that I would like Encinitas.
I just wanted info on the area, especially if somebody came from the other (southern) coast.

[SanSav]

I split time between SD and the SE Coast. Weather-wise its only slightly better in SD. The last few summers have been pretty rough. Rough enough where I'd rather be in the SE because our house has AC. It rarely rains here, which at times is great but if you like plants and greenery,... well, no so great.

As far as the "scene" I prefer it here, the east coast i think is a bit different where loads of people mob the beaches and bake all day. I dont find that to be the case out here. Yes people go and sit but for the most part the folks here are a bit more active and you'll find most people go to the beach to surf, fish, jog,...etc. There are also a lot more people living by the beach so its not so "small". For example places like Tybee and Hilton Head are the ones i'm familiar with out there. The community of folks who live there year round is much smaller than any coastal community you'll find on the west coast. As such there's more variety in food, markets, ...etc. out here.

Cost of living is much better in SE. Housing, fuel, utilities will all be higher in SD.

Pace of life is faster here but nothing compared to LA or SF Bay Area.

In the end, you'll have to visit and see if you like it.

*BTW, I have no idea about encinitas, I've surfed there and thats about it. It seems pretty suburban.

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by Silver-Fox

I was told by some cool visitors here, that I would like Encinitas.
.

Where will your job be located in San Diego County? If you'll be working at Camp Pendleton, the Encinitas would be convenient (although housing is expensive there). If you'll be working in one of the Federal offices or labs near downtown or in the south bay, Encinitas might not be an ideal commute.

[moved]

The job could also be on one of the military bases, so until the OP provides a location, there's not much information that we can provide.

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by moved

The job could also be on one of the military bases, so until the OP provides a location, there's not much information that we can provide.

Also, without knowing what his housing budget is, we can't really point him anywhere. No sense recommending Del Mar when he's on an El Cajon budget.

[Serenity2019]

Originally Posted by SanSav

I split time between SD and the SE Coast. Weather-wise its only slightly better in SD. The last few summers have been pretty rough. Rough enough where I'd rather be in the SE because our house has AC. It rarely rains here, which at times is great but if you like plants and greenery,... well, no so great.

As far as the "scene" I prefer it here, the east coast i think is a bit different where loads of people mob the beaches and bake all day. I dont find that to be the case out here. Yes people go and sit but for the most part the folks here are a bit more active and you'll find most people go to the beach to surf, fish, jog,...etc. There are also a lot more people living by the beach so its not so "small". For example places like Tybee and Hilton Head are the ones i'm familiar with out there. The community of folks who live there year round is much smaller than any coastal community you'll find on the west coast. As such there's more variety in food, markets, ...etc. out here.

Cost of living is much better in SE. Housing, fuel, utilities will all be higher in SD.

Pace of life is faster here but nothing compared to LA or SF Bay Area.

In the end, you'll have to visit and see if you like it.

*BTW, I have no idea about encinitas, I've surfed there and thats about it. It seems pretty suburban.

Thank you for such a detailed report man.
I thank you all for replying.
If I come, the job would be in the area of West F St. & State St. Downtown.

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by Silver-Fox

Thank you for such a detailed report man.
I thank you all for replying.
If I come, the job would be in the area of West F St. & State St. Downtown.

Encinitas wouldn't be ideal if you're commuting by car to downtown, due to traffic on the I-5 corridor during peak commute times, but you would have the option of taking the Coaster (train) to downtown. Again, I don't know your budget, but Encinitas tends to be an expensive area (both rents and houses). It is a very nice area though if you dont mind being farther from work and in a more suburban area.

However, you might want to also check out some areas a little closer to where you'll be working in downtown. Some possible examples (but by no means the only options):

Beautiful (but expensive) beach communities with easy commutes to downtown: Coronado, La Jolla
Great downtown areas where you could walk to your work location (but urban): East Village, Little Italy, Harbor area
Easy commute to downtown beach areas that are less expensive than Coronado or La Jolla: Point Loma, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach
Easy commute to downtown with easy access to everything San Diego offers: University City, Claremont Mesa, Hillcrest, North Park, Normal Heights, South Park, Bay Park, Mission Valley, University Heights, Kensington, Mission Hills, Del Cerro

Of course, much depends on your housing budget. But, if you go to Zillow.com and plug in a search for San Diego County or any of these areas, you'll be able to get a quick overview of what your budget might buy in these areas.

And, you didn't mention if you have kids who need schools. Not all of these would be appropriate in that case.

Good luck with your decision! San Diego County is a great place to live, with something for everyone.

[Jenkay]

Originally Posted by RosieSD

Where will your job be located in San Diego County? If you'll be working at Camp Pendleton, the Encinitas would be convenient (although housing is expensive there). If you'll be working in one of the Federal offices or labs near downtown or in the south bay, Encinitas might not be an ideal commute.

Downtown would be coaster-able from Encinitas, though, yes?

[RosieSD]

Also, you may have already seen this thread, but it will help you get a sense of the pluses and minuses of many different areas in San Diego County from the perspective of locals who currently live in those areas:

//www.city-data.com/forum/san-d...out-where.html

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by Jenkay

Downtown would be coaster-able from Encinitas, though, yes?

Yes. As I said in the first paragraph of my post:

Encinitas wouldn't be ideal if you're commuting by car to downtown, due to traffic on the I-5 corridor during peak commute times, but you would have the option of taking the Coaster (train) to downtown.