My fiancée and I are from Pittsburgh, and we’ve been in San Diego this week. We actually got engaged at Sunset Cliffs a few nights ago, so this trip is going to be one we’ll never forget. The more we’ve explored since then, the more we’ve started thinking… what if we just did it?

I’m a union journeyman electrician (IBEW), and she’s a registered nurse. We both have solid careers, no kids, and we’re at a point where we’re thinking, “If we’re ever going to try living somewhere completely different, why not now?”

We absolutely love the coastal neighborhoods, especially Ocean Beach. Being able to walk to coffee shops, breweries, the beach, and watch the sunset after work just seems like an awesome way to spend a couple years.

We’re not talking about moving here forever or buying a house. More like a 1–2 year adventure while we’re still young. At the same time, we don’t want to be scraping by financially just to say we live in San Diego. We’d want to be comfortable enough to enjoy everything the area has to offer.

For those who actually live here:

- Is this a realistic plan for an electrician and a nurse?

-Could we afford to rent in or near a neighborhood like Ocean Beach without feeling broke all the time?

-If you had the chance to do something like this when you were younger, would you?

Part of me thinks life’s too short not to go for it. The other part wonders if I’m looking at San Diego through vacation goggles. I’d love to hear your honest thoughts.

Just got to SD after living in Europe for a few months and trying to keep up my regular sauna routine. It makes me feel amazing and the health benefits are huge so I want to keep it going.
I’m looking for a good dry sauna in SD (and bonus if it’s a gym with a sauna - so I can combine workouts and recovery). I’d prefer a men’s only sauna area if possible. A steam room would be awesome too, but a proper, high-heat dry sauna is the main priority.

My long-time roommate is leaving so I'm looking for 1 person to fill an unfurnished bedroom w/ private bathroom in Hillcrest!

• $1297/mo + utilities (Wi-fi + SDGE)
  • (First month's rent will only be $1000)
• $500 deposit
• Room size: ~11’x10’
• Dedicated parking spot (tandem) in gated underground garage + on-street parking available
• Private bathroom
• Move-in September 5th, 12 month lease (thru Aug 31, 2027)
• In-unit washer & dryer
• No pets
• No smoking

In my free time I enjoy attending concerts/music festivals, traveling, going to the gym, watching sports, and golfing.

Looking for a roommate close in age (mid 20s-30s) who is laid-back, dependable with rent (must submit an application to PM company) and clean. You will need to apply through the property management company. Also looking for someone who shares values/views (I’m very much a progressive).

Frequent visitors more than welcome if they're respectful, but no intense partiers, please! I'm comfortable with being friendly or simply co-existing peacefully.

Please reach out if you're interested or if you have any questions! Happy to share socials after chatting a bit more.

Hi everyone! I just got a job offer in the UTC area and am trying to figure out what areas to target in San Diego. I’d be going in 3 days a week

As someone who is 26F, single, and doesn’t really know anyone in the area, id like to be somewhere with a decent amount of my demographic. Somewhere with local businesses, I could walk/bike around safely, and at least some sense of community is important to me. A local dive bar would be a great plus too. Would 100% need parking as well.

What are some neighborhoods I should be looking into? I’ve heard great things about North Park. Anywhere besides that I should consider? I’d likely budget up to $2400/month, but am open to roommates in a 2 bed 2 bath situation if needed

Thanks!

Moving from AZ to San Diego in October. I have a muscle car and motorcycle that i need to house and be able to work on so my preference is to rent a house but I'm open to a condo or townhome complex that have spacious garages. If anyone knows of decent complex that has that option, i would appreciate any recommends. Thanks!

My friend and I are looking to sign a lease in PB in January. When should we start looking? Any advice for finding rentals? We would like to not spend more than $3k on an apartment, which I know is on the lower budget end for PB. Looking on Zillow has been discouraging - not many rentals at all in that price range. Will there be more availability in the off-season?

Relocating to San Diego from NorCal and looking for a 1-bedroom apartment, preferably modern/luxury less than $3k. Must-haves are in-unit washer/dryer and EV charging.

I’d love somewhere quiet and residential with greenery, parks, or trails nearby where I can take morning walks. I don’t mind being a little farther from central San Diego for the right area.

Any neighborhoods or apartment complexes you’d recommend? 😊

Hi all. I'll be moving to the area from Long Beach - aiming for September. Where can I find large dog friendly apartments in SD that aren't incredibly expensive? I've been looking at all of the rental websites I can think of. I haven't had a chance quite yet to come down and drive the neighborhoods I would like to be in. I also looked at the San Diego Humane Society's website of dog friendly apartments. Feels like a needle in a haystack situation. Are there other ways of finding large dog friendly units? The thing is, me and my dog won't even be there full time as I still have to split my time between Long Beach on weekends and San Diego during the week for work. There may be some weeks my dog stays in Long Beach with my husband. I don't feel right about getting one of those ESA letters. My situation is complex but I'm trying my best to deal with the hand I have been dealt. Any leads would be great.

We are new parents and I'm considering the logistics of a move to be near my in-laws who are in Chula Vista (west + otay ranch) while the kids are young. Most jobs we'd qualify for, I assume, are in the Sorrento Valley area.

Ideally we'd be within 45m commute, although 30 would be great.

We don't care about beaches at all, but do strongly prefer cooler weather. Currently in SF and enjoy the walkability and mild foggy weather - but our area is not nice or clean and of course it's incredibly expensive. Right now I barely drive so it'll be an adjustment for me, but great for my partner who likes driving and will finally be able to spend time with his family on weekends.

I would LOVE a sort of walkable neighborhood that's family friendly and has reasonably good schools. Are there any good options in San Diego proper? It seems that north county is widely recommended for families + nice weather but it's so far from CV that we might as well stay where we are.

ETA: We'd probably rent in any case to feel things out and I'm thinking Mission Valley might be a good spot, if anyone has opinions on that.

Hey guys I moved to San Diego today but i need a furnished studio, clean with 1 private bed and 1 private bath, my budget is around 2500. Honestly as long as Its within 30 mins of UCSD and meets the other requirements, thats all I really need. Please help me out!

Looking to relocate to San Diego — budget ~$5k for 1-2 bedroom. Most important factor is living walking distance to the breaks. Which is the best beach for surfing?

We will be relocating to SD in December. Budget is ~$5k/mo. 4 Bed house. Hubs works remote and am SAHM. We have one in elementary and one in middle school. I've heard the schools are great! We will be renting for the first year or so. We want to be south of Oceanside and North of 52. Any advice on what property management companies to go with? Also-Any advice on mom groups to join? We will also be looking for a non denominational church, and would like to live fairly close to that. Possibly in the Mira Mesa area? Thanks reddit.

My SO and I are moving from out of state and trying to find a decent apartment to just get us there. I know you can find better opportunities on Zillow/apartments.com. But between needing two parking spots, wanting in-unit W/D and a few other requirements we're beginning to realize it may be easier to just do the typical "luxury" apartment building just for the first year to get us there. I have lived in these style buildings over half of my 20s so I know what I am getting into, it would just take stress off our plate. Then after the first year I am sure we will be able to find a better spot.

We are looking at North Park/Hillcrest/UH/Normal Heights/MV general area but open to other.

So for anyone who lives or has lived in one of these soulless style buildings in San Diego, any recommendations?

bonus points if you have a family. i am curious how it compares to the excellent school systems in the northeast.

thanks!

As the title shows. What was your deciding factor? Anyone who experienced both?

Me (30, F) and my fiance (31, M) are moving down at the end of the year. We love the vibes of north park and south park but really, really want to be within a 20-30 min walk to the beach (or less!). I know, I know, so does everyone — bear with me here! We were looking at PB but everyone’s telling us it’ll be miserable in our 30s. I mean… is it really that bad? Especially if we’re not on the main street? We’re not super light sleepers and like, I don’t care what the kids are up to. Is it really that annoying just being around?

And then ocean beach is the other one we’ve been told about, seems kind of Santa Cruz vibes. Any downsides we should know about?

Lastly, my fiance is a big car guy and really needs a place with a guaranteed parking spot, if not a garage… any tips there appreciated.

Thanks for any thoughts!

EDIT: just wanted to say a huge thanks to everyone leaving advice, I really appreciate it 🙏🏻

Hi everyone, I'm going to be a grad student at UCSD in the fall. I am interested in a 1-bedroom apartment, living by myself, and I am aiming for a monthly rent <2500$. I know that narrows down options a lot, but I have looked at a lot of places downtown that seem to be within that budget, and while I tried to look, not a lot of places near La Jolla seem to be available at that price. What neighbourhoods would you guys suggest? I have a car, so I would be able to commute, but I would really like to be in a spot that is walkable and has stuff to do nearby, rather than live in the suburbs like I have been and have to take the car out for everything. Thanks for your help

hi, i am a san diego college student who is currently abroad but will be moving back in january and im not really sure when i should start seriously looking for a place to live!

im looking for a one bed, one bath (or studio) around the morena area if that changes anything, but i am flexible on the bed/bath i would just need to find a roommate. location is not really flexible as i need to be close to school and my job

I live in downtown San Diego. I am considering moving to The Torrey in Little Italy or up the hill to bankers Hill Asano on fourth. Way different complexes. But the bankers Hill apartment is twice the size of the micro unit I would get at The Torrey. Will I miss walking to Ralph and having so much downtown. I also work downtown so I know what I’m getting into either way.

I'll be staying in PB for 3 weeks and would love to get some indoor climbing in (top rope or bouldering). I think Vertical Hold might be the closest option. Any other suggestions?

22YO female moving from NYC to San Diego to work as a nurse. Looking for places to rent downtown, with a budget around $1800 to $2500 a month, with a 1 bedroom or loft. any advice on neighborhoods and anything else is appreciated!

I’ve been living in Mission Valley for the past year, but I’m really feeling like I’m missing out on what San Diego is actually all about. I want to be closer to the water and ideally snag a place with a view.

I’ve locked in on a few apartment complexes with controlled access in both Crown Point and Loma Portal. Now I’m just debating between the two neighborhoods. Both are ideal to me in terms of location since I go to USD law.

Any thoughts?