Park Issues

San Diego?

I am planning on attending UC San Diego next year, and I was just wondering what it's like. Anyone from San Diego here? I have a few questions! Is the city a good place to raise a family? Crime rate, bad or good? What's the most affordable housing in or around San Diego? I heard that living in Escondido can be cheaper than in the city. Is this true? What is there to do recreationally? (besides the beach,:)) Thanks ahead of time!

Public Comments

1. I live near Escondido, and have attended school in Escondido. Yes, it can be cheaper to live there, however many parts of the city are gang-infested and not safe to be out walking day or night (yes, parts of all of San Diego are like this, but Escondido, Vista, and most of Oceanside are the worse in regards to cities by Escondido). I recommend parts of San Marcos (not too expensive), some parts of Oceanside, or another part of San Diego entirely. Besides, isn't Escondido a bit of a commute to get to UCSD with all that traffic?
2. If you are going to UCSD do not live anywhere in North County b/c the traffic on the 5 and 15 is killer. Crime is low, SD is one of the safest big cities in America and it's a good place to raise a family but the schools depend on what part of SD you live in. East County would probably be the most affordable housing. As for recreation you can do pretty much anything anytime of the year except winter sports like ice hocket. Running, biking, hiking, boating, golfing, baseball, ect.. all can be done year round.
3. San Diego is a great city. I am a fourth year at UCSD, but have lived in San Diego my whole life. The most afforable place to live AND be near campus would probably be either in the Mira Mesa or Clairemont area. Those areas have very little traffic when coming/going to campus. Escondido is probably slightly more affordable, however there is a lot of traffic coming/going. I have found San Diego to be a good place for families because it has a lot of activities and places to go. Of course everyone loves the beaches, but there is also a lot of other things to do. I love going to Petco Park during baseball season. You don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy it. There is also Seaport Village and Gaslamp Quarter that are great places to take a stroll. Torrey Pines State Park is also a good place to go hiking. The mountains are just an hour drive away. It's always nice to drive up to Julian and buy some apple pies! Not to mention, the desert is also just an hour or two away! I'm sure you'll have a great first year!
4. La Mesa/ El Cajon is a great place to live. It has nice schools, dining places, grocery stores, malls, and believe me, it's great being raised here! SeaWorld is only about 15 minutes away La Jolla is about 30 mins away.