La Mesa Pros and Cons?

[rebaroo]

We’ve been living in San Diego for about 8 years and own a condo in 92107. Our family is expanding and the desire to move to a SFH is picking up. We’re hoping to stay under $800k, have decent public schools, not have a terrible commute to Mid-Mission Valley, and have some sense of community.

La Mesa (near the village) seems to tick most boxes at the moment. What do you think about that? I don’t really know of any big concerns when thinking about moving from SD proper to another city, like La Mesa (regarding local government issues, dealing with the city, property tax issues etc). Can you think of any “unknown unknowns” I should be considering, or have any other advice? Thanks!

[temeculaguy]

Pros- Great little city close to everything, never met a resident who disliked it. Have known people who grew up there and those who live there now, all fans of it.

Cons-close proximity to high crime areas.

Latest Sandag stats are here

https://www.sandag.org/uploads/publicationid/publicationid_4620_26491.pdf

Shows it is trending in the right direction on page 7, 8 and 9. It is also one of the best options for the parameters you seek. South of the 8 is significantly worse than North of the 8, but La Mesa is a bright spot. Poway might be almost as close with much lower crime and better schools but La Mesa is no slouch, and they seem to be one of the most improved since 2015. I’d rate it as a “buy.” I say this despite my friend in La Mesa was recently burglarized but that is anectdotal, sandag figures are not.

[zk]

Limited data points:

I had a friend who lived there with her husband. They loved it.

They have a classic car show every Thursday in the summer. I’ve been to that a few times and loved the show and the vibe of the downtown area. That was a few years ago, though.

[rebaroo]

thanks for the input! that helps a lot 🙂

[rent4now]

Ive been a resident of La Mesa for the last 8 years and love it. Great community, good public school options and it has a small community feel in the midst of a large city.
I grew up in 92107/92106 as well and loved the ocean and culture but once we had kids we were priced out.

My only cons are the traffic and the heat. I grew up b the coast so I was spoiled by the low to mid 70’s weather all year. Out here it gets pretty darn hot July-Oct. Get solar and fake grass and you’ll be good to go. Also consider the orientation of the house and the topography. We live on a nice hill and we get a great breeze that definitely helps on the hot days.

Good luck with your search!

[gzz]

Hi neighbor. My advice is to see if you can up your budget to 900-1.0 and get a SFH in 92107/06 At that point there are some really nice places.

But even at 800, here’s a 4/2 for 795.

https://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-190059739-4224-Coronado-Ave-San-Diego-CA-92107

I think 92107 will appreciate more over time because of its location. And 1950s/60s suburbs still have elderly original owners gradually dying off or going to nursing care and negatively impacting the market. You also have the issue of most buyers who want to move to the suburbs wanting newer houses further north.

On the other hand, I grew up in a low density suburb I could safely wander around unsupervised at age 6. That wouldn’t be the case here.

[lindismith]

If you purchase in a walk-able neighborhood, you cannot go wrong. Walkability is the future. La Mesa offers that. So, my advice is to purchase as close to their downtown area as you are comfortable.

[svelte]

I am not all that familiar with La Mesa, so I can just give you an outside opinion from the anecdotal data points I have gathered.

Everyone I’ve met who lives in La Mesa loves it (maybe 10 ppl I know).

I’ve never heard anyone who doesn’t live there diss it at all.

North of 8 seems to be typical tract homes, some very nice.

South of 8 seems hilly with larger single stories with nice views, more custom built. I’ve been to a few house parties south of 8 and there are some amazing views, I tell ya.

If it ticks all of your boxes, I say go for it.

[DataAgent]

La Mesa’s Thursday evening car shows have become very popular. Last time I went, I didn’t bring a car but there were some nice cars on display. Nice restaurants too.

[Author]

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