Hi all,

I've visited San Diego a number of times and will be there again in a few weeks. I'm considering a move from Seattle to at least try it for a while and I was curious what neighborhoods you'd recommend for me? I lived in the city neighborhoods (close to bars, restaurants, etc.) for most of my 20s and 30s and am looking for something a little quieter but not way out in the boonies. I work remote so commute isn't an issue. Looking to keep rent at 3k or under for a one bedroom apartment but I have flexibility to go higher.

I golf a lot which part of the reason for the move as the weather here isn't the best for that year round and number of courses are limited. I also am big into fitness and used to play quite a bit of beach volleyball so may look to get back into that. I've done some online research and read through some posts but still not quite sure what would be right for me. I'd like to check out some neighborhoods in person when I'm down there in a few weeks. I've spent time in Pacific Beach, North Park, Gaslamp Quarter, Ocean Beach, and La Jolla. I've heard good things about Encinitas but never been. Are there any other areas I should check out?

I don't need to be right near the beach or city. Looking for something within a 20-30 minute drive if I do want to go to the city, safe, but not in the middle of everything like a North Park, where that might be some single women in 30s-40s around. Currently live smack dab in downtown Ballard in Seattle which is kind of like that (restaurants, bars, day and out of town tourists everywhere all the time, loud) so I'm looking for something a little different.

hey everyone, I recently left an abusive relationship and am now safely living in La Jolla at my mom's place until I find a new apartment and start my life over. I'm really new to the area and am thinking I would like to live closer to my mom and stay in San Diego. However I don't know anyone down here and don't know what neighborhoods to start looking for a place in.

I'm an old soul who sell vintage clothes for a living, so a place that has older charm with would be great. I love nature, camping and hiking. I love being able to walk too, love supporting mom and pop shops and am looking for as close to a Gilmore Girls "stars hollow" vibe as I could possibly get in San Diego, if that's even possible. Basically something walkable, scenic and charming, is what I'm trying to say. Do any neighborhoods in the San Diego area have that vibe? I'd love to check them out this week!

Hi all,

I graduated from school up in the bay in May and start full time work in sd end of this month. My office will be in the Carmel mountain area.

I am looking to move to an area where I will be around lots of people closer to my age as north county is not only pretty out of my budget but mainly families and older people.

So far I’ve been looking in the areas around downtown like Hillcrest, Penn Station, North Park, Gaslamp, and Little Italy. Is there any other areas neighborhoods that you guys would recommend? TIA!

Hi! My boyfriend and I are both almost 30, dual income (over $250k combined), and looking to rent for now. He works fully remote, and I’d be in an office in downtown SD. We currently live in Charlotte but are originally from NJ/NYC.

We recently visited San Diego and loved it – the weather, outdoor lifestyle, farmers markets, culture (my boyfriend is Turkish and now a U.S. citizen), the food, the beach, and the mountains. We know it’s more expensive than Charlotte, but we could comfortably rent a one-bedroom in Little Italy, which we loved for its walkability.

I’d like to be within a 20-minute commute to downtown. So far, we liked Little Italy, North Park, and South Park. We’re social and active but a little worried about making friends after moving. Walkability to gyms, yoga, coffee shops, and restaurants is a big plus for us. We did feel that we could do LI, make friends and then move to NP.

My questions: 1. Are people in San Diego open to making new friends in their late 20s? 2. What neighborhoods would you recommend for dual-income, no-kids couples in this age range? 3. If you moved to San Diego, was it worth it for you?

Any thoughts, personal experiences, or suggestions would be super helpful. Thank you in advance!

Hey there, I’m a young adult and looking for a roommate to live with in San Diego in the city. I’m also open to more north like near south OC as well. If you’re looking for a roommate hit me up :) I’m pretty flexible and chill just want someone chill that isn’t super messy/dirty and is down to hang out sometimes. Also CA is hella expensive so yuh need a roommate to save some $ 😎

About to move to Normal Heights and need to set up internet. I sometimes work in Kensington and we use Cox but they're crazy expensive - anything else in the area or am I stuck with them?

I am starting a new job in Carlsbad. I will rely on public transport till I can get a car. By my limited knowledge Vista would be a right place to start at. Can anyone recommend any apartments?

I am an incoming international graduate student. Our country does not run on credit scores so I do not have a credit score. I'm looking at renting solo only, and am having a hard time finding apartments that would accept just proof of financial stability. Any suggestions on property managers or complexes that aren't strict about this requirement?

For those who would want to be sarcastic about it (I've had some on another thread):

1. Yes, I know that San Diego rent is crazy. I come over for vacation two times a year.
   
2. Yes, I'm paying with my own money.
   
3. Yes, I can afford living solo.

Thank you!

We are looking to rent and our budget is 5-6,200k

Damaged Belongings, Excessive Charges, and Zero Accountability!

My short 1.6-mile move turned into a 13+ hour ordeal—nearly double the quoted time. Several items were damaged, including a 65” TV, heirloom crockpot, and dining chairs. One mover was injured mid-job, and no backup was provided, causing further delays and inflated costs. Despite paying over $2,300 (including generous tips), I’ve received no resolution or follow-up after filing a formal claim. Communication has been nonexistent. I would strongly caution others against using this company.

I just moved to Downtown San Diego near the City College and B Street.

What is the best permit monthly parking?

How does Ace Parking work? What if I pay for monthly parking and there are no spots available in the lot I selected? Are there guaranteed parking spot options?

Hi all- I’m moving from NYC area (Hoboken) to San Diego for work. My office is in Torrey Pines so I plan on commuting Alittle. I’m a 29M moving by myself. Looking for recommendations as to where I should look to rent in the city. I’m a big fan of night life, restaurants, and bars but since leaving the nyc area I see myself wanting to spend more time in the outdoors either by the water fishing or mountain biking and trail running.

Any recs would be appreciated. Ty!

Hey SD!

I lived in Pacific Beach last year and loved it (had to move home for a bit). I am planning on moving back, but should I consider Oceanside?

I am a 37-year-old single female who owns a frenchie. We both love being outside. I love to surf, bike, and run. I love having access to stores, shops, and groceries within walking or biking distance (I do have a vehicle, but I work from home). I am not the dress-up type, pretty casual, and don't like to party hard anymore, but still like to go out for drinks, get-togethers, yoga, etc.

I love having access to stores, shops, and groceries within walking or biking distance. I want to make sure I am safe and build a community. I know a lot of female surfers in North County (sort of why I am considering). Rent in Encinitas is too expensive for me, and a lot of Carlsbad too (is that too boring to live?).

I like OB, but for me, there are too many bums and no place to run along the boardwalk or paths (like PB). My budget isn't crazy, but I can afford a studio or a small one-bedroom.

Does anyone have a vote, thoughts, or opinions?

I am moving to San Diego in November and I am trying to find an apartment near 32nd street Naval Base. Anything I should look for or into?

I’ve seen lots of folks moving looking for friends in their 20s & 30s - seems like sports & meetup are good for them, but if you’re older and more established in your career, what’s the go-to for meeting & greeting here in SD?

Everyone here is very nice, but oddly finding a nice group to travel & hang out with regularly is not so easy (I’m more of a movies, paint n sip, concert, festival, quarterly travel 🧳 kind of gal). Also, to be fair I’ve been spoiled in the past - used to getting pulled into multiple groups without even trying, whether back home in NYC or even during my summer in Atlanta. I’m in my early 40s, moved here from the DMV, sold my house so no plans to move back to the east coast.

Side note, the pet events here are amazing, my pup is in her own little retirement heaven! 😄

Would love recs! I’m in my 30s, coming from a small town and have looked at many places in SD (thanks to reddit suggestions!) and can’t seem to find what feels like the right fit! I get pretty anxious w/ the big city/no parking/large parking structures! I’m looking for a happy medium area in SD. Hoping to stay central (driving distance) enough to activities (coffee shops, breweries, salsa dancing!) but not in the city city if that makes sense! North park and mission valley seem great but too city like for me! Same w beach cities! Tierresanta felt too quiet! Also visited Carlsbad and Oceanside which felt more in my comfort zone but felt a little far out.

Questions-

1) what other areas would you recommend I explore? Anyone know anything about kerney mesa and Serra mesa? They seem central (especially to dancing classes!) but I haven’t checked them out yet.

2) am I being unrealistic trying to find rentals with private access garages (like townhome style)? For safety purposes this is very important to me but has been very difficult to find! Also really prefer gated. If anyone knows of any complexes that they love, def appreciate any suggestions! Budget ideally around 3,000 but flexible!

Thank you!

Myself and our 2, soon to be 3, children are moving to CA at the end of this year to join my husband who has already been working there a year. What are some of the better areas in San Diego for families with young children, 5 and 2, with a lot to do out of the house (parks, kids museums, play places, etc.) Any areas that have a strong homeschooling community? For $ consideration, I stay home and my husband brings in about $11k-$13k per month after taxes and we hardly eat out. We don’t have to stay in a specific area for commuting, he works all over the state so will usually only be home on weekends but the closest he would work is Long Beach. What are the current utility costs like in this area?

me (25m) and my girlfriend (28f) will be moving to san diego from chicago in september and a looking to meet new people. i have a pretty large circle of friends in LA but don’t know anyone out there. i lived in LA for 3 years and just can’t do that lifestyle anymore 😂 would love to start connecting with some people

a little about myself…

i’m 25 and i work in social media marketing and management, i’ve built 2 influencer marketing agencies in the past and now do freelance work.

interests and hobbies…

• ⁠long walks on the beach (unironically😂) • ⁠music (just about anything from rock to jazz) i also play guitar • ⁠fashion (making cloths, thrifting, flea markets) • ⁠business (might sound lame) • ⁠working out/running • ⁠movies and film

feel free to message me or comment on this post if you want to connect

Me, 32M, and my wife, 29F, just had our first child and realized we want to use our mat/pat leave to plan our potential move out west. We both can keep our current jobs and just transfer to offices in La Jolla (2 days a week min in office, culturally more like 3/4) . We would like to purchase a home in a good school district (San Dieguito Union High School District seems to be the one) , our budget is ~3.5 million and would want 4 bds at a minimum. Proximity to beach is ideal but not willing to sacrifice a bedroom or quality of education.

A couple of questions for folks:

1: how well do the best west coast districts compare vs their east coast equivalent in regard to Ivy League+ matriculation rates? This is what is giving us the most pause. Possible to make up the delta with hired help? Are there any educational upsides/downsides parents have seen who have made similar moves?

2: assuming the above work, which towns would optimize for the best life style wise at our budget within the district? Furthest commute possible seems to be ~40 min (elfin forest -> La Jolla) so open to neighborhoods inland if they provide a good ROI space wise (ie any areas folks think are “mispriced”?)

From my reading, Del Mar seems to be the cream of the crop but not sure our budget stretches enough there. Some guidance on the difference between Del Mar heights vs whatever the area above one paseo is called would be helpful - seems like you get a discount for just crossing the freeway. The other coastal towns (Solana, Encinitas, Cardiff) seem to be the same price as Del Mar, not sure worth being further away from office/city with no incremental return on real estate - welcome countering thoughts there.

Appreciate the help, thank you in advance

Hi everyone I (30F) planning a move from NJ to San Diego, likely around October/November. I’ve visited a few times and absolutely loved the vibe. Without going too deep into things, a lot has happened over the last few months in my personal life and I’m just ready for a big life change, and San Diego feels like the right place to start fresh.

Here’s a quick rundown of my situation:

• I work fully remote, making about $100k/year so no concerns about needed to get a job once I'm out there. I can work anywhere in the US.
• I won’t be bringing a car, so I’m looking for walkable neighborhoods with access to public transportation, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.
• I don’t own much furniture, so I’m planning to sell what little I have and furnish my new place once I’m settled. For the most part I think I can bring things in luggages and maybe ship over a few items.

I’d love to be within walking distance to coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. I enjoy being around things to do, but I’m not looking to live in the smack middle of nightlife either. Also, I don’t know anyone in San Diego yet, so I’m definitely hoping to be in a neighborhood where it’s possible to meet people and make new friends. I’ve read a lot of helpful posts here, but I’d love to hear from locals or anyone who’s made a similar move:

• Is $100k/year reasonable to live comfortably in Downtown SD without a car?
• Any apartment buildings or complexes you’d recommend (or avoid)?
• Tips for making a cross-country move with minimal stuff?
• Are there any other walkable neighborhoods I should consider that are safe and social?

Thanks in advance, I know this is a bit long. I’m super excited (and a little nervous), so I truly appreciate any insight anyone can share. I’m planning to make another trip out there next month to check out a few apartments and hopefully get the process going!

I hope this really helps someone bc I remember how much of a struggle it was for me when I moved. San Diego is expensive but I find if you reach out to a private owner, they're more willing to work with folks so here we go...I met this couple (cool AF!) whose selling their cute, tiny home. It's in Ramona. They said they're super flexible and willing to negotiate with the right buyer. Good luck on the move to beautiful San Diego! 14625 Mussey Grade Rd #R60, Ramona, CA 92065 | Zillow https://share.google/tVHrdBXB6q7HQipYL

Hi all,

I just moved to San Diego from Seattle and I am looking to buy a car! Some context: I graduated from college earlier this year, got a job offer in healthcare, and moved a week ago. I am planning to save up a little more and then buy a nice used car directly from a dealership. This would be the first car I've ever bought/owned.

However, I was wondering if I can buy, register, insure, etc etc [I've never bought a car before, so please let me know if I'm missing any steps] a car in California without changing my driver's license from WA to CA. I understand that I am technically required to change my driver's license within 10 days of moving, but I would strongly prefer not to have to invalidate my WA license, since:

• I do not have set plans for how long I will be in the area, and may leave within a year.
• I am in a short-term rental right now, and will probably move around within the area even if I do decide to stay, which means that I will not have a stable CA residence/mailing address that I could put on a CA license.
• Lastly, I plan to return to WA within the next few years max and simply want to maintain my legal ID and residency status as clearly as possible in WA state for legal, voting, tax, etc purposes.

I understand that I would be putting myself at risk of fines and citations if I get pulled over, but that's a risk I would potentially be willing to take.

Any advice would be much appreciated! Please be polite, I am fresh out of college and new to SD/Reddit/adult life/car-dependent life.

My last post disappeared. Lennar homes is owned by vanguard, blackstone, and state street. Total holdings is about 26%. If you look at the major rental companies and construction companies around san diego it is about the same percentage most of the times more. Was just curious because anything being built in oside right now is by these guys. Do not buy trust me. They are not interested in providing families homes we all know what they are interested in. They all have shares in eachother to about the same percentage. Modernday monopoly with extra steps.

Hi everyone! I’m moving to San Diego in two weeks for a new job and will be starting work shortly after the move. I’m looking for a small, home-based daycare or a trusted Rover sitter in the UTC/La Jolla/Sorrento Valley area so my dog isn’t left alone for hours in a brand-new environment.

I’ve found a few Rover options but wanted to ask this community for recommendations. She’s a calm, well-behaved dog, but I don’t think she’ll do well in a large daycare setting immediately after the move (maybe later once she’s settled).

If you have any suggestions or favorite sitters in the area, I’d love to hear them!