can get a quality 2500 sq ft

[Nor-LA-SD-guy]

can get a quality 2500 sq ft home in desirable area for under $100 per sq ft

Yes

– utility costs will be relatively cheap due to mild weather, excepting electric bills in summer

Yes

can get by without owning a car (can rent car when needed)

No

2012 — No one can say for sure but I think if you want these deals (less than 100 sqf) you better step on it IMO.

SD Beaches about 55 minutes to the nice ones (on the weekends, traffic during the week).
Good luck,