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I am starting to plan my move back to the San Diego area in 2009! I lived out in SD temporarily for about 8 months in 05-06 and I want to go back. Right now I'm living in Arlington, VA, a suburb of DC. There are a lot of things I like about the area especially its location. I live right on one of the main corridors of the area and can walk to many, many places. The area is very young, affluent, and since I am 25 and a college grad, this is great for me. There are a lot of bars here although I am not a big drinker (so don't just automatically recommend PB to me please!). The reason I am leaving is because I have lived in the DC area most of my life and I'm tired of it, lack of beaches and too much of a workaholic atmosphere, and the terrible weather.

I am looking for a similar area in Southern California (I will consider LA too, but SD seems more laid back). I want an urban, upscale, young area where a lot of young college grads live. I'd also like to live within about 5 miles of the beach.

Again, I say downtown. Its a bit expensive though, but there lots of brand new condos. Even some really cool lofts. Theyre setting up a nice urban village in that area.
You got the baseball stadium, lots of access to the trolley, clubs, bars, restaurants, stores.

I am starting to plan my move back to the San Diego area in 2009! I lived out in SD temporarily for about 8 months in 05-06 and I want to go back. Right now I'm living in Arlington, VA, a suburb of DC. There are a lot of things I like about the area especially its location. I live right on one of the main corridors of the area and can walk to many, many places. The area is very young, affluent, and since I am 25 and a college grad, this is great for me. There are a lot of bars here although I am not a big drinker (so don't just automatically recommend PB to me please!). The reason I am leaving is because I have lived in the DC area most of my life and I'm tired of it, lack of beaches and too much of a workaholic atmosphere, and the terrible weather.

I am looking for a similar area in Southern California (I will consider LA too, but SD seems more laid back). I want an urban, upscale, young area where a lot of young college grads live. I'd also like to live within about 5 miles of the beach.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

The UTC/La Jolla area is pretty upscale and close to the beach but there is no bars or nightlife in UTC unless you count the bar at TGI Fridays or some other chain restaurant. More bars/nightlife so in downtown La Jolla but even then it's not that great and while there are young people, it's not close to a majority or even half. UTC is pretty bland and lifeless but nice, clean, and filled with young college students, nerdy anti-social ones though.

Downtown has nice condos but also some grit, it's a mixed bag but definitely a good place to live for what you are looking for. Not too far from the beach but at least a 15 minute drive to it.

North Park is gentrifying but by no means "upscale". LIttle Italy is a decent place to look too, small and compact and right next to downtown.

The upscale parts of SD aren't going to be filled with young college grads b/c most college grads aren't making huge $$ yet. SD is less pretentious and concerned about wealth than the east coast and places like DC. People don't make as much money here as they do in DC.

Pacific Beach has the most young people, is somewhat urban b/c most things are close, but is not upscale of course. You can try north PB around Turquoise St by the border of La Jolla, a little more upscale.

UTC is urban, upscale, and young but also bland and boring to me b/c of all the national chain stores and restaurants.

Mission Valley is another place to consider. It's upscale, young, and somewhat urban. It's like UTC except with more retail and restaurants. It's kind of suburban looking but it so dense and crammed with development that it can be considered urban too.

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