Cool, ecclectic area to live in San Diego - but not Hillcrest or Pac Beach - any suggestions?

Hello!

I am applying to UCSD for grad. school - and until I can actually get in, I've been wondering what are the more younger and fun places to live in? (not too far away, preferably) I do like Hillcrest very much, but I think it may be a bit too expensive - and forget Pacific Beach, I hate those beach, drinking crowds. Ocean Beach didn't do it for me either... parts of Clairemont was ok.

What do people think about North Park, Normal Heights or more north like Solana Beach/Encintas? Is there anything closer to Balboa Park or somewhere I can go bike riding? The beaches may be too expensive, granted.. I tend to love small indie places, cafes, CDs/music, that type of thing.

Thanks!

You may want to look into the Little Italy or Banker's Hill areas.

Here is a link to the neighborhood section of the Reader magazine. You can get great information about any neighborhood in San Diego county. The Reader is a free weekly mag with all the dining, entertainment, concert, events info that will be helpful for you while going to school.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/neigh...

And God bless all of you UCSD students. The doctors and student doctors at UCSD Hillcrest saved my life and got me walking again after a auto accident.

You are going to a great school and I hope you have a wonderful career with your education. Good luck

Sounds like you are describing University Heights.
It is east of Hillcrest and north of Balboa Park at Park Blvd and Madison. Bordered by Hwy 163 to the west I-8 to the north, Washington to the south and Texas street to the west. give or take... It reminds me alot of a little Seattle, you know people sitting around in cafes looking cool.

You should check out Leucadia. It is a community of Encinitas, and very interesting place. Don't know if you are able to live by yourself or will need a roomie, lots of people in Leucadia share places.

Downtown San Diego is also a fun place. Lots to do there, lots of condos, don't know if they are all for sale or rent!

If Hillcrest is too expensive then Encinitas/Solana Beach are way out of your range. There are some nice small and old apartments in Bankers Hill that you might like and can afford.
Also, University Heights has been doing some redeveloping lately and is becoming a very nice place to live. You'll like it. Lots of cool stores and coffee shops going in. Good luck.

Solan Beach and Encinitas are both kind of far. Sounds like you may enjoy bankers hill, but its kind of expensive.

you definately need to check out SOUTH PARK it's super close to downtown and a really up and coming area .. lots of coffee shops.. chill restaurants bars that won't break the bank and fun!

Have you considered La Jolla??