Apartment Hunting

This weekend Chuck and I focused on finding an apartment in several urban neighborhoods of San Diego. We are looking for a neighborhood similar to our much beloved Phinney Ridge in Seattle with its cute shops, cafes, and restaurants. The top contenders are La Jolla, Hillcrest, University Heights, and Ocean Beach.

La Jolla is the "Kirkland" of San Diego.  It is a wealthy seaside resort community on the coast north of San Diego.  La Jolla definitely has a small-town atmosphere, albeit the upscale boutiques and gourmet restaurants.  The weather is beautiful with average daily temperatures of 71 degrees.  

We found several apartments near the beach in our price range and will be continuing to search for one in this area.  It is a further drive for Chuck as it is located 12 miles north of San Diego.  As for me, there are job openings at the Scripps La Jolla Hospital.  

Seattle has its Pigs on Parade and La Jolla exhibits Cows on Parade.  CowParade La Jolla celebrates La Jolla's artistic talent with contributions from all segments of their arts community.  Forty cow sculptures are on display until June 15th and the post-exhibition auctions will generate money for La Jolla charities Rady Children's Hospital and the Zoological Society of San Diego.  

CowParade is the world's largest and foremost public art event.  It has been held in more than 50 cities on six continents.  

Hillcrest reminds me of a mix between Capitol Hill and University District.  It is considered to be San Diego's most diverse, lively, hip and colorful neighborhood.  Hillcrest is a bustling neighborhood of ethnic restaurants and coffeehouses, stylish thrift stores and nightlife, and independent specialty stores.  It is a gay-friendly neighborhood.  Whole Foods and Trader Joes are located here.  Hillcrest is located north of Balboa Park.  

University Heights has the same feel as Phinney Ridge or Greenwood. It is located between Hillcrest and North Park. Park Boulevard which turns into Adams Avenue is filled with cute coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, and artist's studios. Trolley Barn Park is popular with young families and hosts free concerts on Friday evenings in the summer.

The last part of San Diego were looking at is Ocean Beach. It is considered more like a town within the city. O.B. has resisted gentrification, thus retaining its funky charm.

Stay tuned and we'll post pictures of our new place when we finally find one.