Thoughts on La Mesa

[afx114]

I’m posting this to get fellow Pigg opinion on La Mesa.

To preface, my wife and I are still on the fence, but we have been looking for a couple years. We have a decent down payment and are just waiting for the right property at the right price. The primary areas that we have been looking (or rather holding out for) are the uptown areas like North Park, Hillcrest, University Heights, etc. We love the areas (have lived in them for 8+ years), and want someplace that is walkable with nearby entertainment, food, bar, and shopping. Unfortunately, the prices in those areas remain stickier than syrup. We just can’t justify paying $500k for a tiny 2/1 on a small lot. We want a 3/2 and that pushes prices way up into the $600k range for a decent place. Its as if the bubble hasn’t even popped in these areas.

Meanwhile, 10 minutes east in La Mesa we can get a massive house on a decent sized lot for that price. I’m also feeling some sort of change happening out there. Or a migration, rather. A few of my acquaintances are some of the most successful business owners in the uptown area, and they are beginning to move both their businesses and their families to La Mesa. 5 years ago I would have never considered La Mesa, but now it seems to keep popping up on my radar. You get way more house/land for your buck, and we’re actually fans of the architecture and styles of the era (50s/60s).

Unfortunately, I don’t know much about La Mesa. I’ve only recently been out there to patronize the aforementioned businesses. Talking with the owners there, they think that La Mesa is “the next hip spot.” Maybe they are just saying that, but these guys have had their pulse on what is “hip” in San Diego for decades and I trust their assessment. We’ve driven around a few neighborhoods there and were surprised that the area seemed a lot nicer than we had stereotyped. I grew up in Vista, and it reminded me a bit of Vista, but with a bit more “cowboy” mixed in. It also reminds me of Temecula 20 years ago. Is this an accurate description?

So what do the Piggs think of La Mesa? Not just in terms of housing, but in terms of the future of the area in general. Where is La Mesa headed? Are any areas in La Mesa walkable besides the main drag in town? Regarding the uptown area, do you see prices remaining sticky there?

[sdduuuude]

I have visited a friend’s house near Lake Murray. I think that is still La Mesa, though I’m not sure. It seemed pretty nice – like something between Clairemont and University City. South of the 8, La Mesa doesn’t seem very nice, though.

[sdduuuude]

I have visited a friend’s house near Lake Murray. I think that is still La Mesa, though I’m not sure. It seemed pretty nice – like something between Clairemont and University City. South of the 8, La Mesa doesn’t seem very nice, though.

[sdduuuude]

I have visited a friend’s house near Lake Murray. I think that is still La Mesa, though I’m not sure. It seemed pretty nice – like something between Clairemont and University City. South of the 8, La Mesa doesn’t seem very nice, though.

[sdduuuude]

I have visited a friend’s house near Lake Murray. I think that is still La Mesa, though I’m not sure. It seemed pretty nice – like something between Clairemont and University City. South of the 8, La Mesa doesn’t seem very nice, though.

[sdduuuude]

I have visited a friend’s house near Lake Murray. I think that is still La Mesa, though I’m not sure. It seemed pretty nice – like something between Clairemont and University City. South of the 8, La Mesa doesn’t seem very nice, though.

[DataAgent]

La Mesa has great car shows on Thursday nites:
http://www.lmvma.com/lmv_car_show.html

[DataAgent]

La Mesa has great car shows on Thursday nites:
http://www.lmvma.com/lmv_car_show.html

[DataAgent]

La Mesa has great car shows on Thursday nites:
http://www.lmvma.com/lmv_car_show.html

[DataAgent]

La Mesa has great car shows on Thursday nites:
http://www.lmvma.com/lmv_car_show.html

[DataAgent]

La Mesa has great car shows on Thursday nites:
http://www.lmvma.com/lmv_car_show.html

[NotCranky]

AFX,

“hip” seems like a stretch to me, but comfortable and fairly interesting it is. Great location if you choose the address somewhat carefully. I think it is plenty walkable… but also generally think walking around late at night in most of the megalopolis is a bad idea.

From your post above and your participation on this blog compared to what I know about La Mesa and the people I know who live there, I think it would be great for you and your wife if you wanted a step down in intensity from the other three areas you mentioned.(Hillcrest, North Park and University heights). The larger lot, larger house for the money and somewhat slower pace seem like big pluses. I think the amenities/environment are pretty family friendly… if that matters. Lots less shock value opportunities. I sold a house on Mt. Helix recently to some friends. They are very happy with the reception to the neighborhood.I am sure you would be as well.

I have no strong opinion as to whether it will hold value or sprint up relative to other areas in the future. I think some properties in Clairemont might be better for that.That said, worst case scenario is probably relatively neutral.

[NotCranky]

AFX,

“hip” seems like a stretch to me, but comfortable and fairly interesting it is. Great location if you choose the address somewhat carefully. I think it is plenty walkable… but also generally think walking around late at night in most of the megalopolis is a bad idea.

From your post above and your participation on this blog compared to what I know about La Mesa and the people I know who live there, I think it would be great for you and your wife if you wanted a step down in intensity from the other three areas you mentioned.(Hillcrest, North Park and University heights). The larger lot, larger house for the money and somewhat slower pace seem like big pluses. I think the amenities/environment are pretty family friendly… if that matters. Lots less shock value opportunities. I sold a house on Mt. Helix recently to some friends. They are very happy with the reception to the neighborhood.I am sure you would be as well.

I have no strong opinion as to whether it will hold value or sprint up relative to other areas in the future. I think some properties in Clairemont might be better for that.That said, worst case scenario is probably relatively neutral.

[NotCranky]

AFX,

“hip” seems like a stretch to me, but comfortable and fairly interesting it is. Great location if you choose the address somewhat carefully. I think it is plenty walkable… but also generally think walking around late at night in most of the megalopolis is a bad idea.

From your post above and your participation on this blog compared to what I know about La Mesa and the people I know who live there, I think it would be great for you and your wife if you wanted a step down in intensity from the other three areas you mentioned.(Hillcrest, North Park and University heights). The larger lot, larger house for the money and somewhat slower pace seem like big pluses. I think the amenities/environment are pretty family friendly… if that matters. Lots less shock value opportunities. I sold a house on Mt. Helix recently to some friends. They are very happy with the reception to the neighborhood.I am sure you would be as well.

I have no strong opinion as to whether it will hold value or sprint up relative to other areas in the future. I think some properties in Clairemont might be better for that.That said, worst case scenario is probably relatively neutral.

[NotCranky]

AFX,

“hip” seems like a stretch to me, but comfortable and fairly interesting it is. Great location if you choose the address somewhat carefully. I think it is plenty walkable… but also generally think walking around late at night in most of the megalopolis is a bad idea.

From your post above and your participation on this blog compared to what I know about La Mesa and the people I know who live there, I think it would be great for you and your wife if you wanted a step down in intensity from the other three areas you mentioned.(Hillcrest, North Park and University heights). The larger lot, larger house for the money and somewhat slower pace seem like big pluses. I think the amenities/environment are pretty family friendly… if that matters. Lots less shock value opportunities. I sold a house on Mt. Helix recently to some friends. They are very happy with the reception to the neighborhood.I am sure you would be as well.

I have no strong opinion as to whether it will hold value or sprint up relative to other areas in the future. I think some properties in Clairemont might be better for that.That said, worst case scenario is probably relatively neutral.

[Author]

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