Should I move to Clayton or stay in San Diego?

Olivia Lewis Feb 1, 2026

spot on

32 upvotes

Adeline Mendoza Feb 6, 2026

hmm interesting perspective

26 upvotes

William Hill Jan 20, 2026

OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a physical therapist, 38, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Downtown and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Francisco, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.

**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.

5 upvotes

Weston Campbell Feb 3, 2026

Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.

3 upvotes