San Diego, CA?

I've pretty much made up my mind: I'm relocating from New Jersey to San Diego this year.

I've always felt out of place on the east coast (alienation for years and years) and I'm thinking that San Diego at least offers nice weather and good environs for hiking, biking, and other outdoors stuff I like. The SD climate is a big draw for me. I was born near there too, but I don't have any family in place and I haven't been back since leaving as a kid.

I'm in my 30s and I've saved enough $$ to live frugally for about a year, if all goes smoothly. I plan to get a job, but with a marketing degree I don't think I'll be making a whole lot of money to start.

Is there anyone here who lives in San Diego or who knows San Diego well? I have a few questions.

Of course, I'll also post my questions on places like Yahoo and maybe City-Data. ...But here I can reveal my dirty little secret -- I'm a black guy :smt003 -- and maybe get information that addresses the special considerations of relocating as a single black man (minus the animous you sometimes encounter on other boards).

...So, is there anyone out there who's in-the-know about San Diego?

 

I take the train to San Diego at least once a month... during my vacation a.k.a unemployment days i was down there for weeks at a time over the course of 6 months or so. I know the area pretty well... ask away.

 

Boot camped there navy 1989, thadds still in business

 

I lived there most of my life. I just left last year. Great place to live imho.

 

I live in SD and have for most my life! Any questions, just ask...

 

hey! Sorry for the late reply... I honestly didn't think there'd be so many people here who knew much about SD...

Anyway, I guess the main thing I'd like to know is what neighborhoods are mixed, mixed, mixed -but- aren't packed with youngsters like some perpetual spring break.

I hope to find a place where a 30ish black guy can quietly get to know the town - hopefully close to public transportation too, since I won't have a car at first...

Any SD neighborhoods sound like they might fit the bill?

 

depends on your budget...

 

I've lived many different places in SD over the past 14 years...Mission Valley is pretty mixed (but can be costly). I have a few friends in Escondido...pretty inexpensive (population is largely Hispanic). Chula Vista, National City, El Cajon...all very inexpensive (but you get what you pay for!). I think we have good public transportation throughout the city, so you should be set with regard to that.

 

I don't mind places that are "working class" at all... Just don't want to be out of place, or surrounded by small minds or gangs...

 

If it were me, I'd get a high rise condo or loft downtown or Coronado. If a house is more your style clairmont is my area of choice.

 

I was just gonna say that. Down town is a crazy mix of people and fun. Coronado is very cute.

 

I'll probably be renting until I'm more secure financially... But thanks for the insights! San Diego is sounding better each day...

Any tips for making such a long-distance move?

Anyone here ever done such a thing?

 

only suggestion is to rent a hotel for a month or so before you just move... that way for that month you can drive around the areas to actually hunt for a place to stay.

 

Staying at a hotel is a good idea. We've got Hotel Circle in the center of SD so you'd be centrally located while your searching. Good luck!

 

Thanks Raider. I'm gonna look that up.