Tell me about living in the San Diego area, please!

[Zoemakes5]

I will be cross-posting for traffic....
My DH may have a job opportunity in the San Diego area! Being from So. Cal area (Redondo beach and Torrance), I'm all for the idea, but wanted to get the scoop from people who live there.

What's a good neighborhood/community for families with kids?
What's a good school district?
Job market okay? Is it possible/probable to get a job that can pay the cost of living there?
What do you love, like and hate?

And, this may be way out there, but anyone know of Autism/Asperger's support in the area?

Any input is greatly appreciated! I have a brother who lives in Carlsbad and parents who live in Vista, and they both love it, but all they seem to know is those areas. I don't think it would be reasonable (financially or commute-wise) to live in their areas, it's just too dang expensive and too far away from the downtown area!

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

If you're looking for a reasonable commute downtown, you have a couple of choices. Two reputable areas are Rancho Bernardo/Poway and Eastlake/Chula Vista.

Both have excellent school districts. Poway is just to the north and east, and Eastlake is to the south. Both are 30-45 minutes (17-22 miles) commute in rush hour traffic. Both are relatively new, Eastlake is newer, closer to the ocean and doesn't require AC in the summer. Poway can get warm. Poway has more retail. Eastlake is getting a new retail shops and a freeway to shorten commutes. Expect to pay $700k and up for a 2200sf home in either area, though prices are a bit higher in Poway.

There are areas closer to downtown. The neighborhoods are older and the homes are smaller. Fewer families with kids... definitely more transient in nature.

Good luck!

 

[Itinkso]

My DD attends UCSD and lives in La Jolla in the Golden Triangle area. The thing that I find most upsetting is the traffic...very busy on all of the freeways. Other than the traffic, the weather is wonderful and the people are friendly!! Don't know too much about schools here other than the UC and it is amazing!

 

[brergnat]

Used to live in Oceanside, which is pretty far from downtown. However, it is VERY expensive to live close to Downtown.

I can't offer too much on the living situation down there, but I CAN tell you that support for Autism is WONDERFUL in San Diego county (as well as Orange County). It is one of the best areas to live if you require services for Autism, as it's on the cutting edge of new therapies and state funded research.

My DS (almost 3) is autistic and we have been told many times how lucky we are to be where we are, as this is the best place in the country to have an autistic child. Hope that helps.