Big complex vs. smaller unit or single family home (San Diego: apartments, lease)

[jasperlinus]

Hi all. I'm a single, mid-twenties woman planning a move to San Diego in a couple of months. I already have a job lined up - I will be working in the UTC/La Jolla area. Now I'm just focused on finding an apartment. My budget is around $1500/month for a one bedroom. I'm a homebody - I don't really like the night life, and prefer to stay in - but I do want to meet new people when I move, preferably other single young professionals.

Right now I'm super conflicted and need help. I've realized that I can get a nice apartment in a big complex in La Jolla/UTC and be within a 5 minute drive of work. I love all the amenities that the big complexes offer - swimming pools, jacuzzis, fitness centers. And the apartments, although pretty generic, have really nice features too (updated fixtures is very important to me). However, I know the area well enough to know that UTC is pretty boring, and not very walkable. I feel like I wouldn't really have a neighborhood if I lived there, and that I'd be surrounded by college students.

The other option I'm considering is getting an apartment in a smaller unit, or renting a small 1 one bedroom cottage or something similar in Hillcrest/Mission Hills, North Park or South Park. I'd love to have a little place that is unique with more character, and in a walkable neighborhood. It's still a bit early to know what's going to be available in a couple of months, but so far I don't find a whole lot of desirable options on craigslist in my price range. A lot of the apartments actually don't seem nice enough - too old, and not updated. As far as neighborhoods go, South Park seems like it'd be the best fit for me, but housing options there seem to be limited. Also, I'd be giving up all the amenities of a big complex (most importantly, pool and fitness center). And, I'd have to commute to work.

I'm torn! This is all complicated by the fact that I may not be able to travel to San Diego before I move to look at places. If I pick an apartment out over the internet, it seems like a big complex is the way to go. Is there anything I'm not thinking of?? What have people found are the pros and cons of living in one of the big complexes vs. a smaller place? I'd really appreciate any advice. Thanks

[cruitr]

Your line of thinking seems solid to me. If you need to rent a place without seeing it, pick a newer big complex and get a short lease. Try to get a 6 month lease with an exit clause ie. "I want the right to end this lease at any time in exchange for 2 weeks rent" or some similar terms. Six months should give you plenty of time to look around for something that better fits your lifestyle.

Also, UTC to South Park may look close on a map but the 805 can be extremely busy. During normal commute times, you'd be looking at a commute of at least 30 minutes one way.