Where in SD Is the Best Place to Raise Pre-school/kindergarten Age Kids?

Hi M.,
I am also a military wife who's husband is currently on deployment for 6 months. If you are looking for a military housing, I would recommend the Lincoln Military Housing located on College Grove Way. It's centrally located, less than a mile from park, less than two miles from school and is probably about 10 minutes to Balboa Park. It's a great location, close to 94 freeway, shopping, banks and more. Since you have a 2 and 3 1/2 year old, the school in Rolando would be perfect for you for they provide headstart for kids 3 years of age and potty trained. We live in the Rolando area and I will be taking my almost three year old son for the headstart this coming September.

We used to live in the North Park (actually considered South Park) area for more than 14 years. My daugther went to McKinley from Kindergarten to 3rd grade. She will be going back to McKinley next year for she is on a GATE/Seminar program and Rolando school doesn't offer those programs.

I am a Real Agent and if you are looking to rent a condo or a house, rather than moving to a military housing, I would be more than happy to help you by sending you available rental properties in the area of your choice. Let me know if I can help you in any way. I will be out of town for two and a half weeks but you can reach me at ###-###-#### or ###-###-#### before June 25 and after July 13th. You can also email me at ____@____.com

Good luck and God Bless,
Lyn

I've lived in San Diego most of my whole life, raised by a Navy Father and a lab technician mother. I've also lived down in National City (7years) and also in Rancho Penasquitos (15 years); and I can tell you there is a big difference between north and south san diego. I hate to stereotype southern san diego, but I think it's a little too ghetto for my liking and not as safe. From my own opinion, northern san diego (Rancho Penasquitos, Scripps Ranch and up) is much more safer, more child friendly and has better school systems. I have a 15 month old daughter myself, and based on my own experience, I'd want her to go to any of the schools north of mira mesa. But thats my opinion, I hope you find a wonderful place in San Diego!

Hi M.,

Your best bet may be to find a realtor or property management firm. They don't charge for their services if you just go in and talk. Most reputable realtors know the child-friendly areas of the city. They also know the areas which would tend to have more young children living in them. That way your kids would have playmates within walking distance. You may want to consider moving to an area that's close to an elementary school if you're hoping to extend your tour another 5 years. Schlepping kids to school daily and to friends' houses can get really old quickly, especially if you have to beat your way through San Diego traffic and the traffic lights on every corner. Another factor to look at is that the neighborhood is quiet and doesn't have a lot of cars speeding through it. A place with a yard is also a plus with young kids.

You may also want to talk with your fellow Navy spouses with kids who have moved into civilian housing and get their opinions. They can tell you if their neighborhoods are kid-friendly or not. Talk with your civilian friends and see what they think of their neighborhoods. Also talk with the people in the base housing office. They should be fairly knowledgeable about child-friendly areas of the city.

From my experience of living in San Diego, I don't remember Hillcrest or the Balboa Park area being very kid-friendly. That area can also be noisy because it's in the Lindbergh Field landing path. As I recall, that area has a lot of traffic.

Good luck with your housing search.

Based on your post I would recommend North Park, South Park, University Heights or Normal Heights. We are also Navy and we love these areas. There are alot of great pedestrian areas in these neighborhoods and a great mix of people, restaurants, shops, cultural activities, farmer's markets, etc. If you are a freelance painter, you should check out the Ray Street art area in North Park. We like being around a mix of people, instead of all military all the time. My daughter just finished kindergarten at McKinley elementary, our neighborhood school, and we love it. My other daughter will start there next year. I think the most important thing to bear in mind about schools is that it is ultimately your involvement in your child's education that will be the key to their success. Especially if you are not sure how long you will remain I wouldn't sweat the schools too much right now. You can always try to choice them into something other than your neighborhood school.

Hi M.,
I grew up in North Park and my mom still lives there. She lives one block from Morley Field is on a cul de sac w/tons of kids under 12. However, it has gotten very expensive. But, it's kid and dog friendly and very walkable. I would stay as close to the park and not east of University. (Except in University Heights) I know a great preschool in North Park if you do end up there.
Not sure about the Elementary Schools but as previously mentioned you can always choice into another school.
I also like University Heights, and Hillcrest. Golden Hills also has pockets of areas that may work for you. Good luck!

Hi M.-

If I could move anywhere in San Diego it would be in South Park. We have several friend's who live there, the streets are wide, and there are always kid's playing outside, and it is near the park. I also have friend's that live in North Park, near Morley Field, and love it. But... it has gotten VERY expensive!! As far as school's go, you can always Choice in to other school's.

Mission Hills is a wonderful community ... not quite sure about the schools but it is a truly wonderful place to be. Close to Balboa (park AND hosp.) loads of great restaurants. And doesnt take long to get to the base from there either!