from SD to SD (San Diego, El Cajon: apartments, crime, month to)

[Darin_1]

Hi everyone!

My name is darrin I have been thinking about moving from South Dakota to San Diego for about a year now because theres nothing for me in south dakota, I feel extremly out of place here mainly because I'm not a farmer, I have nothing in common with any of the people here, the people here always seem so mad, and there is nothing to do here.... I have been interested in the Lakeside area because one of my good friends lives in barona which from I here is only like 10 minutes away, and her mom works at the casino there so maybe I could get a job there.... can anybody give me some good insight into what its like in lakeside such as: is there alot of crime, hows the traffic, is it a nice place to live, Ect.

I have been looking at some apartments online and i found a decent looking one called "Stoner ridge apartments" it looked ok to me and it was in my price range around $800-1000 i will have a roomate with me...

i have been saving up for a few years now, I plan to have over $10,000 saved up by the time i graduate


but yea i will appreciate any advice!!


thanks everyone!!

[NYSD1995]

Originally Posted by Darin_1

Hi everyone!
I have been interested in the Lakeside area because one of my good friends lives in barona which from I here is only like 10 minutes away, and her mom works at the casino there so maybe I could get a job there.... can anybody give me some good insight into what its like in lakeside such as: is there alot of crime, hows the traffic, is it a nice place to live, Ect.

Lakeside has some semi-rural areas as well as some more typical suburban neighborhoods. Traffic in and out on the 8 is pretty bad through El Cajon during rush hour, but if you are commuting to Barona it should not be a problem. Crime is not really a problem there but there are some low-income areas and some problematic apartments here and there. Only major drawback is a lack of amenities such as restaurants and nightlife, and the very hot weather in the summer. Compared to South Dakota it will seem like Manhattan NY!

[kimmer]

As a San Diego native, I must comment on Lakeside. I don't know how to put this nicely, but my experience with SOME people that live there is that they are kinda racist or druggies. Not ALL people who live there are uneducated, etc. but over the many years in San Diego, you get a feeling for what type of person lives where. The town just doesn't have the best reputation in San Diego. I know there's possibly drugs/racism in every/any town, but my impression of Lakeside has never been good. I'm sorry if this is sounding snobby - I don't mean to offend.

It's far from the beach, so it gets HOT in the summer. Someone who's been there more recently than I can correct me, but I don't think there's much to do in Lakeside. If you like a quiet, somewhat rural area that's probably still fairly affordable, check out Lakeside.
If you're looking for more to do, and you're young, you might consider the beach areas. If you're going to have roommates to save money anyway, you might want to be closer to clubs/bars/beach.
I and many others could recommend other areas if you want, depending on what lifestyle you'd like to have.


Best of luck with your search.

[leighland]

Since you're from South Dakota, I am sure you are used to the rural life. My experience in Western Kansas introduced me to lots of bored teens offroading with a menu of drugs to sample. You'll find the eastern part of SD (known to natives as East County) quite similiar.
Lakeside still is dicey in spots. However, with rents, gas and apt rates, lots of family types are moving more inland of East County. You'll need to shop a bit and drive the hoods at nite to check up on any area.
Since you sound single and more transitory, you may wish to start off in Lakeside on a month to month and then get to know $D and where you'd like to be for a bit. Good luck!

[donnam]

[[i]QUOTE=kimmer;224641][i][i]As a San Diego native, I must comment on Lakeside. I don't know how to put this nicely, but my experience with SOME people that live there is that they are kinda racist or druggies. Not ALL people who live there are uneducated, etc. but over the many years in San Diego, you get a feeling for what type of person lives where. The town just doesn't have the best reputation in San Diego. I know there's possibly drugs/racism in every/any town, but my impression of Lakeside has never been good.
It's far from the beach, so it gets HOT in the summer. Someone who's been there more recently than I can correct me, but I don't think there's much to do in Lakeside.

Sadly, this is the stereotypical view some San Diegans have of Lakeside. Like any other town, it does have residents that do not have master's degrees, and some may have addiction problems. As for being racist, I DO NOT know why this label is applied to Lakeside. I've never seen racism of any kind there. My family has lived there for over one hundred years. We're not inbred, we do have college degrees, we don't take drugs and we have friends of several different races.

Lakeside is a fine town to live in. It's very family friendly. As for the weather, it does have a few days of 95 to 100 degrees (perhaps 10 days per summer). The beach is not far, it's 30 minutes away by freeway. There are several adjacent towns 5 to 10 minutes away that have movie theaters, shopping, etc. I lived there for 45 years and absolutely loved it.

Please check Lakeside out if you're interested. I highly recommend it as a place to live. If you would like any more information, such as preferred schools or recommended areas for househunting, please let me know.

[kimmer]

Donnam, I really do hope Lakeside has changed, if so, I stand corrected I had a few co-workers & 2 friends who've stabled horses there, or lived there, and they were nice, educated and non-drug addicted people. I've lived all over San Diego county, in both "rich" and "poor" areas, and have seen how each community relates to their people and other communities. I sure hope Lakeside has evolved from when I experienced it.

Darrin didn't say what type of community he'd like to live in, but he sounds young, educated and ready to experience life. I don't think Lakeside is known for it's nightlife or hot spots. Of course, the only person who needs to pass judgment on Lakeside is Darrin, since he's the person looking to move. Who knows, compared to SD, Lakeside might be a hoppin' city! Darrin, check out all of San Diego county. It's a great city to experience life and figure out what you want. If you post any info on what activities you'd like to do, I'm sure we can help direct you better.
Best of luck

[Darin_1]

Wow! thanks everyone for the replies!! I dont know what to say!....

I am pretty well Acquainted with uneducated, drug addicted, racist, alcoholic people because I'm from a town on an indian rezervation of a population of 2,500 plus people and im use to ugly Neighborhoods, and im sure that the nice/rich part of our town is the most poor part of san diego... I really dont mind how faw away I am away from the beach, or night clubs.... yes I am still young I am 17 years old and more than ready to move from this town to somthing better.... I love to Rollerblade, I'm an Indepent filmaker I have won 2 film festivals in the last 2 years, I am a very artistic person and I think that by moving to san diego that it will further in bringing out the best in me rather than staying here and getting not a whole lot accomplished..... but Lakeside sounds pretty promising by the way everyone makes it sound!

THANK YOU AGAIN EVERYONE FOR THE REPLIES AND PLEASE KEEP EM COMING!

[socketz]

If your going to move out here from the middle of nowhere, take your life savings and move in pursuit of something new/exciting....you have to take a shot at living near the coast. It's there you will feel inspired.

Lakeside is a place that some families end up living because they have to live there (lower cost housing and reasonably safe), few really love Lakeside and want to live there....it's ok at best and not really reflective of life in San Diego.

If your going to pursue your dreams, then you need to take a shot at living near the coast.

[kimmer]

Darin_1,
I also agree w/socketz, you'll be really bored with Lakeside. Once you see the rest of San Diego, you probably will not want to live in Lakeside. You might actually try looking at the neighborhoods of Hillcrest or maybe Kensington. Relatively cheap areas to live in, but have a lively, interesting mix of people, cultures, food, movies, and lifestyles. Hillcrest is also very walkable. I've had friends who've lived and worked in Hillcrest, so they didn't need a car. Hillcrest is inland from the beach at bit, off 8 freeway. (The 8 runs roughly east/west). East will take you out to the Lakeside, Barona areas, and west will take you to the beach.
Just because you're used to "ugly and boring areas" doesn't mean you have to continue living in them once you've moved
Come on out! San Diego is not to be missed! Do it while you're young!

[Lisaluvly99]

Darin1,

I suggest moving somewhere more coastal. If you're going to make such a dramatic move, you might as well go ALL out!! The ocean and beautiful coastal weather might even bring out more creativity out in you. You can easily live with a roomate off of 500 to 1200 anywhere close to the coast. Pt Loma maybe? As for neighborhoods.....Hillcrest is the heart of the San Diego gay community. However, great coffee shops and stores are located there within walking distance. So unless, that sounds like your thing, than you might take a look over in the Point Loma, Downtown, Pacific Beach area. Hope this helped. Good luck.