How to Survive Living in Downtown San Diego

As a long-time resident of San Diego, I wanted to experience the "downtown urban" lifestyle, so I found a studio in the Cortez Hill area of downtown and lived there from 2000-2004. Back in 2000, downtown San Diego was nowhere near what it looks like today. Life downtown was actually fairly quiet and easy-going until about 2001 when the real estate market started to really bloom. However, it still is a pretty easy-going lifestyle. Living in downtown San Diego can be very convenient and safe if you're prepared.

One of the best parts of living downtown is that you have easy access to supermarkets, fine restaurants, bookstores, the mall, boutiques, museums, and more. Also, all the major bus routes go through downtown, so you could practically go without a car if you wanted to. I did have a car while I lived there and parking could be a hassle at times. A great investment would be a bike that has a basket. There are plenty of poles and bike racks downtown to lock up a bike. Parking spaces, however, are rare - especially during the weekends or the summertime when tourists come to visit.

The only thing that irked me about living in downtown San Diego was the airplanes flying by every five minutes. Lindbergh International Airport is located downtown and the apartment building I lived in was right in the flight path of all the airlines that were landing. Then came the bulldozers and the sounds of construction that woke me up every single day at 6 a.m. That's when the condominium craze started. It's not as bad as it used to be because of the current decline real estate values, but there are still many buildings in construction until this day.

Living in downtown San Diego is a little pricey compared to other parts of San Diego, but you can save a great deal on gas if you work downtown as well. You can still find apartments that are reasonably priced in areas right outside the main areas of downtown. Areas like Cortez Hill, Bankers Hill, and Hillcrest are just minutes from the heart of downtown (aka "The Gaslamp Quarter). Many of the condominium buildings have parking garages which is good. However, if you plan on living in a smaller apartment building and own a car, be prepared to spend time looking for parking spaces on a daily basis.

Contrary to many urban cities in the U.S., downtown San Diego is a pretty safe area to live in. I've walked to the grocery store late at night and was never hassled. Once in awhile you'll run into a homeless person, but if you give them food or spare change, they'll pretty much leave you alone. There are parts of downtown that could be a little sketchy, like some of the areas east of Petco Park which have yet to be redeveloped.

Downtown San Diego is a great area to live in for single people and couples. However, it can also be good for families with children as well as there are a couple elementary schools and a high school in the area. Residents with dogs can take them to Balboa Park for exercise which is located in downtown as well.

Living in downtown San Diego was one of the best experiences in my life and it could be yours too!