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Genesis M. housing

First time home buyer in San Diego

I relocated for work and You can expect to pay around $2,223 for rent here. Rent is about $2,223/month for a decent place. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Should I be concerned? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
97 upvotes

6 Replies

Bennett Ramirez
same here
36 upvotes
Genesis Foster
good to know, thanks
29 upvotes
Jace R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a software engineer, 45, moved here 5 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Highland and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
27 upvotes
Dominic C.
Can confirm, been here 1 years.
24 upvotes
Cameron S.
honestly same experience here
13 upvotes
Rylee Watson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Downtown for 15 years. Moved from Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are decent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited high-paying job options. And healthcare can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
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