Moving to San Diego: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re moving, retiring, or just flat-out need a new scene, check out San Diego for its variety of neighborhoods, sandy beaches, pleasant climate, exciting nightlife, manicured golf courses, and abundance of parks and recreation. San Diego has something to offer everyone, although it’s particularly popular with one demographic: millennials. According to Brookings Institution, San Diego ranks in third place for the top 100 U.S. metro areas with a high percentage of millennials.
So if you’re planning on moving to this Pacific Coast city, here are some helpful hints, tips, and need-to-knows.
Cost of Living
As mentioned by NerdWallet, San Diego is eleventh place out of a database of 232 cities. The median price for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,248, while the median home price for a three-bedroom and two-bathroom is $789,429.
To give you an idea for food costs, basics like bread run about $2.99, a gallon of milk is roughly $1.96, while a dozen of eggs can be $2.36. Keep in mind: These prices aren’t on the organic side of the equation.
When it comes to entertainment, the average cost for a movie ticket is $12.84 for adults, and a bowling game can run roughly $5.06, but many of the beautiful views are free.
Transportation
The average cost of gas is $3.619, and let’s face it, the infamous Southern California congestion is real. Don’t just factor in how many miles to the gallon; also consider stop and go traffic during rush hour. What many may not be aware of, however, is the reliable public transport. Monthly passes for public transport start at $72, and one-way tickets are as low as $2.50. San Diego has a variety of public transportation options, including the Rapid bus that connects its suburbs, the Downtown trolleys, COASTERS, and Sprints and Amtraks.
Neighborhoods
As mentioned above, San Diego offers a variety of atmospheres, from historic locations and suburban streets to ritzy beach towns and urban oases.
Downtown is known for its nightlife, waterfront views, and eclectic neighborhoods such as the historic Gaslamp Quarter or the sports-friendly East Village, which is home to PETCO Park and many sports bars. Pacific Beach, Del Mar, and La Jolla are great for those who love the attractive beaches, resorts, luxury apartments, and maybe catching a glimpse of a celebrity or two. And San Marcos and Carlsbad can provide the quiet, suburban life.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO check out the parking situation for your residence. Do you own a car or plan to buy one? Is there permit street parking? Is there a parking garage available? If so, what are the fees? This should be thoroughly investigated, as parking can be pricey and a most unpleasant surprise, if not properly planned.
DON’T ignore California’s conservation laws. Be sure to recycle, and be thoughtful of water use.
DO move during winter. Prices and occupancy rates are more difficult when its warmer, especially in the summer with tourism. But in the winter? Real estate is typically cheaper, as it’s not a terribly popular time for people to make a move. This motivates sellers to be open to negotiation, or to flat-out reduce prices.
DON’T forget Comic-Con is coming. If you’re an attendee, you need to start preparing like, yesterday. If you’re not going, you needed to start preparing like, yesterday. Comic-Con doesn’t just affect the tourists—it will alter your travel, your commute, your recreation, and your down time. This year’s will be on July 19 to July 22, so mark your calendars.