Almost Perfect
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2/12/2006
Except for the fact that San Diego is on the edge of the US, it's perfect. It would be nice to drive in all directions, but you can't go west or south which gets kind of boring when it comes to weekend getaways. The weather is outstanding year round. Crime is not an issue--only East San Diego and the South Bay areas caused me any concern. I lived in Hillcrest, just north of downtown from 1996-2005. I cashed out when my condo's value tripled. The appreciation cannot and will not continue. I anticipate a strong price correction in the next two years. Rent for now, buy after the market crashes. Housing and gasoline are the two main economic gripes I had. On the other hand, food is cheap and you don't need electricity for heating or air conditioning, so while I was there, my expenses were low.
Like most cities, some areas are better than others. Inland San Diego is a sea of poorer neighborhoods. The coastal communities stretching to the north are suburbs with beaches and no real unifying features. Expensive like Orange County, but there is no "there" there. And, anyone who lives north of Miramar airbase isn't a San Diegan in my opinion. The portions of San Diego northward along I-15 are inescapably suburban with AWFUL traffic (worst I've ever encountered, even after living in LA, Seattle, Chicago, Phoenix, etc.) Everything south of Petco Park in downtown San Diego is Mexico, pure and simple. Slightly cheaper housing (except for new areas in Chula Vista) but what's the benefit if the traffic is awful too?
Generally, the Central area of San Diego from Point Loma to Pacific Beach to North Park cannot be beat. Amenities, restaurants, and outdoor activites are beyond compare. Friends can be found, private paradises can be made.
Michael | Phoenix, AZ