As you will see from reading the various threads on this board there are as many ideas about the best places to live in San Diego as there are people. In essence, it will come down to your preferences and, of course, your $$$’s.

Just about everyone, including myself, and most of our friends and family, live west of I-5, from Sunset Cliffs and Point Loma to Del Mar and Carlsbad. My family and I live in La Jolla, above LJ Country Club, and overlooking the ocean. It’s beautiful, but be prepared for sticker shock.

We purchased our home almost twenty years ago–when we were in our 20’s–and it’s gone to the moon, but prices are dropping in some areas of LJ, so if you are going to be working in LJ, you might want to check out the zip codes of 92037 and 92038 on realtor.com, to get a feel for the $$$’s and types of homes available. Also check out the Del Mar zip of 92014 and 92130 in Carmel Valley. All of these areas would be highly accessible to a La Jolla commute, and should give you some general price comparisons before you start working with a realtor.

Best of luck!!

As you will see from reading the various threads on this board there are as many ideas about the best places to live in San Diego as there are people. In essence, it will come down to your preferences and, of course, your $$$’s.

Just about everyone, including myself, and most of our friends and family, live west of I-5, from Sunset Cliffs and Point Loma to Del Mar and Carlsbad. My family and I live in La Jolla, above LJ Country Club, and overlooking the ocean. It’s beautiful, but be prepared for sticker shock.

We purchased our home almost twenty years ago–when we were in our 20’s–and it’s gone to the moon, but prices are dropping in some areas of LJ, so if you are going to be working in LJ, you might want to check out the zip codes of 92037 and 92038 on realtor.com, to get a feel for the $$$’s and types of homes available. Also check out the Del Mar zip of 92014 and 92130 in Carmel Valley. All of these areas would be highly accessible to a La Jolla commute, and should give you some general price comparisons before you start working with a realtor.

Best of luck!!

NewtoSD –

I would recommend to find somewhere to rent. Agreed with your analysis that over the next 2 years we will continue to drop. Actually it will last longer then that but that timeframe will help you get used to the area. Where you want to live will depend on alot of factors, school districts if that is important to you, commute, proximity to the coast, etc… You will have plenty of time to find something you like but if you rent you will really learn about the city. You cannot go wrong!

SD Realtor

NewtoSD –

I would recommend to find somewhere to rent. Agreed with your analysis that over the next 2 years we will continue to drop. Actually it will last longer then that but that timeframe will help you get used to the area. Where you want to live will depend on alot of factors, school districts if that is important to you, commute, proximity to the coast, etc… You will have plenty of time to find something you like but if you rent you will really learn about the city. You cannot go wrong!

SD Realtor

Thanks for the advice, waiting is probably the way to go.

I’m in town for a few days and took a drive yesterday around the area. GPS is awesome! The relocation company had sent in advance some info on areas to look. I did like Carmel valley areas, I hear that schools there are decent.

Even though I have already eliminated fire prone areas, the realtor suggested I also take a look at the 4S area anyway. It was disheartening. The 4S area has huge blackened area on hillsides next to it. The housing there is a bit too cookie cutter for me, lots are small, but hey I’m in California now. There seemed to be alot of for sale signs everywhere, just like home town DC. I’m gonna drive a bit more today and get my bearings, perhaps drive up the coast. Any advice on Del mar, Encinitas?

I’ll move into a corporate furnished apt in the UTC area, for 4 months early next year, and will have option to renew on my own nickel at termination of corp contract. From what I saw of UTC, looked like alot of condos.

Thanks again.

Thanks for the advice, waiting is probably the way to go.

I’m in town for a few days and took a drive yesterday around the area. GPS is awesome! The relocation company had sent in advance some info on areas to look. I did like Carmel valley areas, I hear that schools there are decent.

Even though I have already eliminated fire prone areas, the realtor suggested I also take a look at the 4S area anyway. It was disheartening. The 4S area has huge blackened area on hillsides next to it. The housing there is a bit too cookie cutter for me, lots are small, but hey I’m in California now. There seemed to be alot of for sale signs everywhere, just like home town DC. I’m gonna drive a bit more today and get my bearings, perhaps drive up the coast. Any advice on Del mar, Encinitas?

I’ll move into a corporate furnished apt in the UTC area, for 4 months early next year, and will have option to renew on my own nickel at termination of corp contract. From what I saw of UTC, looked like alot of condos.

Thanks again.

NewtoSD Carmel Valley is not far from LJ and has alot to offer. There are so many communities within San Diego for you to explore. The two communities that your Realtor mentioned, 4S and Carmel Valley are indeed nice with great schools. However there are also other communities that are established and have much more charm and character. Among them Encinitas, Cardiff, Solana Beach and others. Even Scripps, where I am currently renting has a mix of newer homes and older homes on larger lots. UTC is condo land for sure but it is central and will serve as a good hub for you to explore for the first few months. From there you can find a better place to rent for the next year or so and then find an ideal home as the market churns downward and you become a local.

SD Realtor