The canyon homes in Clairemont are a great value. The parts of Clairemont most poeople see are pretty low-end, but if you have someone who knows the ins and outs looking for you, you can find some great homes, especially with your budget.
I would always prefer those homes built in the 50s to any built in the 70s or later. The quality is excellent. You just have to find those areas with larger lot sizes, back in the canyons, away from the well-travelled streets.
Not sure what lindismith means by “getting in and out is for the birds.” Getting in and out of Point Loma is TERRIBLE compared to Clairemont. In PL, Your only choices are Nimitz and Rosecrans. You are stuck on a peninsula. Clairemont is surrounded by freeways. You have your choice of freeway access in any direction at any time and no freeway meters on Hwy 52.
If Clairemont is too cheap for you, consider UTC. You’ll get less home for the money, but it is a much nicer area and shares the central location of Clairemont.
Also, Bay Park and Bay Ho are nice. Lots of canyons and views of the bay. Sloped lots can lead to small yards, though, and the views will cost plenty.
The advantage of Bay Park, Clairemont and UTC over Point Loma = no airport noise, fewer overcast, foggy and misty days, less compact.
