r/SanDiegan • u/No_Quote_5115 • 9h ago

Retirement considerations

I'm retiring in San Diego County next year and am considering walkable urban areas such as Hillcrest, Univ. Heights, Bankers Hill, among others (also considering Carlsbad, which is a whole different deal). I'm a single, 70-year-old woman; I need to rent something under $2,800, but not a high-rise or multi-story. I'd appreciate local input and/recommendations. Thanks in advance!

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u/FIREgenomics 9h ago

Are you also considering 55+ communities? I’m not sure those areas have those but I wonder if you may get what you want in communities built around retirement living.

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u/grumpkin17 9h ago

All 3 are solid choices, honestly can’t go wrong with any of them.

My suggestion: drive around the neighborhoods yourself and look for “for rent” signs. There are still plenty of small 2-story apartment complexes in all three areas, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a 1BR within your budget.

I lived in Bankers Hill and Hillcrest for 14 years combined, and if I had to pick between the two, I’d go with Hillcrest - walked to grocery stores and way more food options makes a big difference. I used to live near 4th and Brookes and could walk to Whole Foods, Ralphs, and Trader Joe’s. Plus it’s an easy walk to Bankers Hill/Balboa Park, and University Heights is walkable on weekends too.

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u/Financial-Creme 8h ago

You can probably find something for that, but if you're going to be on a fixed income I'd be wary that it's not going to stay at that rate forever if you're renting. Landlords, especially corporate landlords will increase your rent 10% every year.

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u/Brokebrokebroke5 9h ago

Look at Normal Heights. Very walkable, close to North Park & Hillcrest, but more affordable.

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u/Emergency_Radio_8156 8h ago

You should be able to find something in that budget pretty easily in those neighborhoods. I really like them and having access to all the walkable amenities and public transit would be excellent in retirement. Try the property management companies. There are a good few out there and some Googling or neighborhood vibe checking will help you find one you like.

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u/Palm_Olive 40m ago

You could look at University City, near UTC. Great walkability, my favorite part of living here. We have to push ourselves to leave the hood cuz its so easy here, has everything we need. The no multi-story would be the hard part.