I would move here, rent, and apply to the charter schools and see where you get in. Einstein (Golden Hill), Co-op (Linda Vista), Museum School (Banker’s Hill) provide what the OP’s looking for. Then you might be able to live in an “urban” neighborhood in North Park/Normal + University Heights/South Park. These are good places for people who want the aesthetics of city life. Those neighborhood’s home prices are no where near rents, though. I think they’re really inflated.
That being said, I was very skeptical when we moved to La Mesa last year. And I’m surprised how much I like it – walkable downtown, custom houses, progressive community, Trolley, 10min. to downtown/airport, pretty much connected to the diverse urban core, but separate and quiet when you need it. Schools are excellent. I also like Allied Gardens, Rolando, and San Carlos in terms of value – but there’s little walk-ability there. Still great neighborhoods.
