[kpexpress]

Help me! I am moving to San Diego and am considering the following apartments:

Allegro Towers
Entrada
On Broadway Lofts
Broadway Lofts (different from above)
Atria
The Heritage
Market Street Square
Lofts on 677
Camden Tuscany

I am wondering if anyone has ever lived in any of the above listed or has known someone who has. If so, whats it like? Did you like it? etc.

Basically, I need to live downtown near the school (Newschool of Architecture and Design) or near a trolly station. How is living downtown? I have heard there is a big homeless problem in Downtown.

What areas should I try to avoid when choosing an apartment downtown?

I need your help, please give some much needed and appreciated advice and info.

[bmfarley]

The homeless are mostly in the southeast quadrant of downtown.... not near Camden Tuscany or Allegro Towers in Little Italy. Or for that matter.. in the Marina or El Cortez areas either.

Little Italy is a great place to live... that's where I chose when I relocated here 2 years ago. Specifically in Camden Tuscany. Personally, I think Allegro Twrs and Camden Tuscany are over-priced.

If you have the time... try searching Craigslist.... or driving around and looking for 'For Rent' signs in a couple neighborhoods that appeal to you. Last time.. I tried both and found a place with a sign out front... in Uptown area just north of downtown. I noticed that if you try Craigslist... call the person if they provide a number... don't email them as they don't make the time to respond. And call during regular business hours vs at night.

Now is a good time to look. It seems rents are coming down and if you get into negotiations with a landlord you can ask them... what's the best offer they can make you. Despite what people are saying about rents rising .. I think it's bull as units are sitting empty right now and landlords / unit owners are motivated to get people in to theirs.