We lived in O’side for over six years in a barrio-adjacent n’hood (some would call our area a barrio as well). My mother lived there for almost 15 years (until she passed away) and absolutely loved O’side.
Like everything in life, it’s all relative. We had some really wonderful neighbors and some pretty bad ones. There were local shootings; and around the time we left, there were almost daily car break-ins just on our street (this went on for about a month or so).
Like the others said, there are some good areas and some bad areas. I like the Fire Mountain area as well, and they have some fantastic, older homes on nice lots. Many of them have ocean views.
The harbor is one of San Diego County’s jewels, and there is plenty of convenient shopping.
The downside is it takes a long time to get anywhere.
It is a good option if one works in south Orange County, but cannot afford OC prices.
