Random but My wife and I moved here from Denver about 3 years ago. Median income here is around which {inc_feel}. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.
52 upvotes
36 Replies
Madeline
Food industry person here. The restaurant scene in San Diego is underrated. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}..
49 upvotes
Ezra Robinson
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive San Diego guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- North Park: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- South Park: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- La Jolla: great community feel
- Mira Mesa: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: solid compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. San Diego is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value nature over walkability, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Austin.
48 upvotes
Kennedy Torres
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive San Diego guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Carlsbad: best food in the city
- Clairemont: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Normal Heights: underrated and affordable
- Encinitas: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: excellent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. San Diego is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value space over walkability, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider St. Louis.
Feel free to ask specifics.
47 upvotes
Mackenzie Robinson
This is the way.
44 upvotes
Amelia Wilson
I've been in Hillcrest for 10 years and People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. The parks system here is underrated.
42 upvotes
Roman Kim
Worked in government here for 10 years. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. The market is pretty good right now if you're in that field.
39 upvotes
Amelia P.
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Encinitas, South Park, and currently in Point Loma. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Encinitas: /mo for a 3-bed
- South Park: about /mo
- Point Loma: /mo but underrated
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, San Diego really clicks.
39 upvotes
Hannah G.
Food industry person here. The restaurant scene in San Diego is underrated. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from..
39 upvotes
Sadie W.
Totally agree.
36 upvotes
Daniel W.
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching San Diego.
Background: 23, single guy, moved from Tampa 6 years ago for work. Currently in Encinitas.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Encinitas because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Carlsbad - it's up-and-coming and the value is better.
**Work:**
education jobs are decent here. I was worried coming from Tampa but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect competitive for the cost of living.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 16 months were tough. Then I found my people through a dog park crew. Now I have a solid group. San Diego people are genuine once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: reasonable
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: amazing variety
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. For remote workers, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
34 upvotes
Delilah Wilson
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to University Heights from Phoenix about 4 years ago. Initially it felt a bit lonely. But after settling in, Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out University Heights and North Park for housing
- Try the farmers market on Saturday mornings
- Talk to your neighbors - people are friendlier than you'd expect
The biggest adjustment was walkability. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. Overall I'd give San Diego a 8/10 for remote workers.
32 upvotes
Caleb Gutierrez
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Mira Mesa, North Park, and currently in Hillcrest. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Mira Mesa: /mo for a 3-bed
- North Park: about /mo
- Hillcrest: /mo but underrated
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, San Diego really clicks. Hope that helps!
32 upvotes
Emilia Thompson
Adding this to my list.
31 upvotes
true_landon21
Homeowner in Point Loma since 2021. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Property values have been flat which is great for equity.
30 upvotes
Josiah C.
Word.
30 upvotes
Julia G.
TIL.
28 upvotes
Lillian Kelly
Haven't experienced that personally.
28 upvotes
Logan Flores
Renter's perspective: I could find cheaper but love the neighborhood. I'm in La Jolla and it's decent. Definitely shop around though.
28 upvotes
Emilia Ortiz
I'd highly recommend checking out University Heights. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. Plus the food options around there are excellent.
25 upvotes
Katherine W.
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a freelancer in Ocean Beach. Been here since 2022. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night..
Neighborhood-wise, Ocean Beach has really grown in the past few years. Mira Mesa is the up-and-coming spot right now. Pacific Beach is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for education: decent. For healthcare: up-and-coming.
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.
20 upvotes
Elena Gonzalez
Facts.
17 upvotes
Sebastian Collins
We pay /mo in Mira Mesa for a 3-bed and honestly it's worth it. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.
16 upvotes
Olivia Wright
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive San Diego guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Mission Hills: safest area, good schools
- Hillcrest: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Point Loma: underrated and affordable
- Kensington: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. San Diego is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value community over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider San Francisco.
Happy to answer questions.
12 upvotes
Nevaeh Clark
Appreciate the honesty.
12 upvotes
Hudson Wood
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a family with kids in South Park. Been here since 2017. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night..
Neighborhood-wise, South Park has really transformed in the past few years. Encinitas is the up-and-coming spot right now. Normal Heights is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for healthcare: solid. For marketing: growing.
Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.
10 upvotes
Vivian D.
My neighbor would disagree lol.
9 upvotes
Ruby Lopez
Worked in healthcare here for 10 years. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. The market is solid right now if you're in that field.
9 upvotes
Ava B.
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching San Diego.
Background: 42, family with kids, moved from Cleveland 7 years ago for cost of living. Currently in Mira Mesa.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Mira Mesa because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Kensington - it's pricey and the value is better.
**Work:**
engineering jobs are tough here. I was worried coming from Cleveland but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect about 10-15% less than coastal cities.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 13 months were tough. Then I found my people through a church group. Now I have a solid group. San Diego people are reserved at first once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: honestly terrible
- Dining out: surprisingly excellent
- Entertainment: solid local scene
**Would I move here again?**
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. For students, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
8 upvotes
Nathan Evans
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive San Diego guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Mira Mesa: safest area, good schools
- Pacific Beach: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- North Park: best value in the city
- Hillcrest: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: improving compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. San Diego is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value community over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Atlanta.
Good luck!
5 upvotes
Amelia Wilson
Nah.
4 upvotes
orlandolife2022
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching San Diego.
Background: 52, empty nester, moved from Tampa 6 years ago for a fresh start. Currently in Encinitas.
**Housing:**
The market is pretty good right now. We went with Encinitas because friends recommended it. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Clairemont - it's up-and-coming and the value is better.
**Work:**
engineering jobs are stable here. I was worried coming from Tampa but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect competitive for the cost of living.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 7 months were tough. Then I found my people through a co-working space. Now I have a solid group. San Diego people are friendly once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: manageable if you avoid rush hour
- Dining out: amazing variety
- Entertainment: you make your own fun here
**Would I move here again?**
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. For families, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
4 upvotes
Claire Castillo
That tracks.
3 upvotes
Zoey
Appreciate the honesty.
3 upvotes
Kai Lopez
Haven't experienced that personally.
2 upvotes
Chloe Martinez
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Hillcrest, University Heights, and currently in Kensington. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Hillcrest: /mo for a 1-bed
- University Heights: about /mo
- Kensington: /mo but pretty good
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, San Diego really clicks.
All Countries
