I’m in an old, old building, on a block with a check cashing place and a 99 cent store — it couldn’t be more different from the glossy highrises with the gyms and swimming pools. But I can walk to work, walk to the waterfront, walk to the grocery store, etc etc. I move my car so infrequently that I forget where it is in my parking garage, and gritting my teeth during the commute home is a distant memory. I’ve got 1300 square feet for $1400/mo (!!!) and nice, professional, quiet neighbors.
That said, if property values slide and all the new buildings stay vacant, I worry about what might happen. How long can the slick new restaurants with ten dollar cocktails last if everyone’s money dries up?
My lease is up next March (sold my gated-community monstrosity in Chula Vista April 05). I’m not sure what I’ll do then, but for the moment renting downtown is great.
