SImply RENT. Do not buy. Get a feel for SD. IT’s a big city, with a small town feel. There are so many different communities. RENT RENT RENT RENT…
Take this advice. Even ignoring all economics, you need to rent to figure out the place. I have lived in three major and two medium cities (3 of which, with kids). You cannot tell from anyone else or even short visits, what different areas are like. Take at least six months, better yet, a year. Go for strolls, ice cream, dinner, whatever, in a different neighborhood every weekend. You will soon figure out the flavor of the areas.
As long as housing isn’t appreciating wildly (it’s not), you will be so much better off making an informed decision in a year or so. Plus, if the job sucks or you hate that lovely burned avocado smell, you can easily leave.
