Housing in San Diego

[dressageluv]

Hi guys :) I wanted to see if anyone had some suggestions for apartments in San Diego? I'm looking to live downtown near Gaslamp and have found a couple options but wanted to see where everyone else has decided to live down there?

I'd ideally like a 1 bedroom with a washer/dryer in-unit that must allow dogs (50-55lb standard poodle) and be relatively quiet for city life (whatever that means). I'm not moving down until the end of September so am mostly just browsing. The husband has told me he'd rather not live in the city but neither of us have lived in the city and we're in our early 20s, I say we experience that type of living! Plus, I have to think about his deployment and my social life. We've looked into Chula Vista and it just seems too far with iffy neighborhoods. Not that I'm a complete chicken but I want to be comfortable and live in a desirable, clean neighborhood. Rent wise I'm looking at $2,000 max w/o utilities.

IDEAS??

[Anti M]

Personal opinion:  There are a LOT of homeless people downtown, and tourists.  It is nice to visit, there's lots to do, parking sucks, traffic is awful, still, the apartments look good ... but oh hell no from me.   I'd not feel safe walking there alone at night.

Chula Vista is a bit out, and for me, so-so.  

We lived in Birdland, between Linda Vista and Serra Mesa.  North of Mission Valley.  Actually, Mission Valley is "close" to base, and an easier commute.  LaJolla may be a good choice for you, my friends were there, near the university, so lots of social stuff.  Commute is reasonable.  

Face it, in California, everyone drives everywhere.  You pretty much need two vehicles.  My husband commuted to North Island on a motorcycle.

Finding a larger dog friendly place will limit your choices. Some of the housing areas are very nice, they take pets, and are not on base at all. Have you looked at them?

[dressageluv]

Thank you Anti M, this is super helpful!

I've only just begun researching the area so I had no idea Mission Valley is so close in terms of a commute on base so I'll start looking into that. At this point we'll only have one car. My husband has talked about getting a motorcycle in order to commute as he sold his old car and will probably wait to buy a new one until after his first deployment.

I've looked at the housing areas, I believe only 2 actually allowed a dog of my size. We'd probably have to get on the wait list sooner than later as the soonest one was a 1-2 month wait (which is plenty of time).

Thanks again for the help!

[Anti M]

SD freeways can be scary on a cycle, but if he is an experienced rider and takes the mandatory safety course, he should be fine.  Used bike are easy to come by.  Parking on the 32nd Street base is dismal; he might have a long walk from where he parks to the ship (just guessing he's on a ship).

I was raised in Navy housing so I avoided it; but when I saw how nice some of the Lincoln neighborhoods were, I regretted it a bit.  We had a nice condo in Birdland, but when the management company changed, it was awful.  They were really rude and kicked out a lot of low income single moms who couldn't re-qualify for the "updated" units.  They kept our deposit too, just awful.

Even if you decide to rent privately, be sure to check with the housing office.  They have home hunting tips, a list of places to avoid (I think), and they will review a lease before you sign it.  They are a good resource, use them.

[dressageluv]

Thanks for the tips! I've been checking out reviews on apartments as soon as I find something I like. I'm always wary of places if I'll be stuck there for a year.

The motorcycle idea does concern me a bit as he's never ridden a motorcycle or anything with two wheels and a motor. For early fall and winter he'll still be in c school and have short classes so he may have time to do some safety courses and hopefully be safe!

[Courtney-RE Agent]

Hi dressageluv,

It's all about what kind of lifestyle you enjoy. Downtown is a little more "fancy" with piano bar, clubs, and nice restaurants. 

Have you considered Pacific Beach? You may have better luck for pet allowances. PB is much more casual and perfect for 20's and 30's. Hop on your beach cruiser and grab dinner and any local bar and grill and go out at night in your jeans and flip flops if you want :) 

I sell real estate all over San Diego so let me know if you have any questions! :)

[dressageluv]

Thanks Courtney. I'll have to look into Pacific Beach. I've only been to San Diego twice and visited Gaslamp and North Park/Hillcrest area. I definitely liked Gaslamp better in terms of area and things to do, I always wanted to go back! Otherwise I'm really not sure where to look for and what's close to base. I'd really like to stay within 10 miles of base unless we find something a little further that is the 'perfect place'.

In general my husband and I are pretty quiet and low key, casual drinkers but probably never ones to have big parties or run wild. If anything we'll mostly just be home to sleep and hang out so I'd prefer to live somewhere on the quiet side.  I don't really mind city noise as we both are pretty good sleepers. I will say that I like going out to dinner and going on bike rides or walking down the beach. We may go to clubs on occasion but I can't imagine that would be something typical.  So Pacific Beach does sound ideal. What are your thoughts on Mission Valley?

[lovemysailor28]

I am going through the same thing right now!! Looking for mid August/possibly mid-September and I am starting to think that base housing will be the most reliable/safe! They aren't quite as nice, but it'd be nice to know that you're in a good neighborhood with like minded people :) Feel free to message me! My husband and I are in our 20's too :) 

[Eva]

We just moved out here 3 months ago and live in Gables Point Loma. I really like it. Point Loma is a nice area north of the city. Its clean, for an apartment complex and the apartments are newer rather than older. There are a lot of military people who live here. We're less than 5 miles from downtown and 2 miles from the beach. Theres also a dog beach and a big fenced in dog park less than 2 miles from our apartment which is a huge plus for us. My husband has a 10 min drive to work in the morning. You can have pets. We have a lab and a cat. No washer and dryer but the Laundry room in our building has 6 washers and dryers.

Message me if you want more information! I know how stressful moving here can be. Our move got SO screwed up and had to find an apartment within a 4 day window.