So, Household incomes average around $104,321 in San Diego. Average temperature is around 61°F, so the weather is moderate. You can expect to pay around $2,223 for rent here. It's a a major city city with about 1.4M people. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Anyone in a similar situation? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to.
67 upvotes
6 Replies
Ezra B.
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
34 upvotes
Chloe Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 45, moved here 8 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Fairview and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
33 upvotes
Eli Brooks
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 7 years. Moved from Nashville for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Not very walkable outside downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
David Martin
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 5 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Levi R.
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
19 upvotes
Cooper Foster
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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