Best neighborhood for a grad student?? (San Diego, Vista: apartment, for rent, houses)

[laurapatrick85]

Good morning everyone!

So, in august I will be moving to San Diego to attend USD School of Law. I was just wondering if anyone knew the best neighborhood to live in as a grad student. I don't really need to be super close, just somewhere kind of quiet, with smaller houses for rent. I can't do an apartment, because I have two dogs and need a yard. I would like to be around other young people (I'm 23), but would rather be in a nicer neighborhood if its a choice between the two. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'm nervous about making the move across the country (I'm from Charleston, SC), but really excited for a change of scenery since I have lived here my whole life...

Thanks!
Laura

[Oerdin]

Try Pacific Beach as it is relatively close to USD, on the beach, and filled lots of 20'somethings. It is not very quiet in the central parts but if you rent a bit north or south of the central PB area then you should be alright. Alternatively you could try the Ocean Beach area which is a bit more grown up and less party orientated but still only a short drive from the clubs in PB if you feel like partying it up a bit.

[TristramShandy]

I teach at USD (undergrad, not law school). Congrats on getting in! It's a beautiful campus.

I assume you have a car? Houses are expensive (even to rent) around the beach areas, but many grad students find houses to rent around SDSU. The drive would be only about 15 minutes from there at most. If you end up looking at Craig's List or the like, check out College East and West, Normal Heights, Allied Gardens, and Lake Murray. Even out where I live (Spring Valley) is only about 25 minutes drive time and a good amount of that is just to get to the 8 to get into USD. There are places in Linda Vista that can be rented as well - - may be a bit more expensive, but you could find a deal and be that much closer to campus.

[laurapatrick85]

Thank you for your very helpful posts! I do have a car, so that isn't an issue. It's just going to be hard to find somewhere affordable with a big yard. Thanks again!