Neighborhood Rec's Please... (San Diego, Encinitas, Highland: apartments, rentals, townhouse)

[dimsum22]

What's up San Diego -

My wife and I are in the process of relocating from Seattle to SD. I would appreciate it if you could give me some advice or recommendations on the local neighborhoods. Here's some info about us:

-We are in our early 30s with a small dog and hope to start a family soon
-I will work on Carmel Mtn Rd (I-5 exit 32) and she'll be in Rancho Bernardo. Would prefer to be within a 20 minute driving radius for both of us.
-Looking for 2+ bdrm townhome or upper-level corner apartment unit to minimize noise.
-Budget: Target of $1,500 but can go up to $1,800/mo.
-Currently we share one car.

My observations on potential 'hoods:

-UTC/University City: Pros: Very convenient location, close to grocery stores and shopping, feels safe. Cons: Bit pricey, apartments are like resorts on steroids, doesn't have a neighborhood feel until university city.

-Carmel Valley: Pros: Convenience, safe. Cons: Expensive (for what it is), homes are crammed, feels sterile.

-Clairemont West/Bay Park: Pros: Decent location, cheaper rents. Cons: A bit shabbier (at least the rentals), lots of duplexes. Balboa Ave/Garnet exit always looks jammed.

-Rancho Bernardo/PQ/I-15 Corridor: Pros: Family-oriented neighborhoods. Safety. Seems like you get a little more value for rentals. Cons: Not very walkable. A bit cookie cutter and redundant (this is the suburbs after all).

I've heard a lot of good things on this forum about Encinitas. Would that be a killer commute?

Thanks for all your input!!

[cruitr]

There's a great place right between your work location and her work location. It's call Torrey Highlands. It's in the PQ zip code of 92129.

Here's a sample rental: 2ba w/garage townhouse, award winning schools (http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/apa/1687830013.html - broken link)

And yes... you'll need two cars. Welcome to SoCal!

[Encinitan]

Originally Posted by dimsum22

I've heard a lot of good things on this forum about Encinitas. Would that be a killer commute?

Encinitas to RB could be kind of rough. Assuming you work regular hours (9-5 or something like that) you'd have to navigate the southbound 5 through Del Mar, then the 56 east to RB. Not impossible, lots of people do it, but it could be a drag. But then, at the end of the day and on the weekends, you're home in Encinitas, which is a really nice place to live, I think.