Let’s talk about exactly what it’s it like to live in the Downtown San Diego, more specifically the 5 negatives to living in downtown San Diego. Personally, I love it down here. I think it’s an amazing walkable lifestyle, people are friendly for the most part, incredible entertainment options, you have all the restaurants, bars, shops, cafes, all that good stuff but just like anywhere else, there are some cons to living here as well.

The Homeless

This is probably one of the most talked about issues to living in Downtown San Diego There are a couple primary issues that are the most concerning to people. It’s difficult to see and watch people down on their luck on a daily basis. There are many reasons people and families are homeless. It’s difficult to experience this on a daily basis, let alone to be homeless, I can’t imagine.

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The other issues that go along with this are cleanliness and safety. There are certain areas in Downtown San Diego that have a much more prevalent population of homeless than others. By far, you will see more homeless encampments and communities in the east side of East Village around 15^th, 16^th, and especially 17^th avenue. This is where a lot of the facilities, shelters, and help is located so it makes sense you get more of a congregation in these areas. You will get homeless throughout the entire Downtown San Diego though, it’s just part of living in the city. I live with it, I don’t think it’s a huge deal to live around or with. Statistically, the numbers of homeless have grown in San Diego but I don’t think I feel much of a difference than say 7 or 8 years ago when I first moved to the city. It feels about the same to me.

Minimal Private Outdoor Living Space

The next negative to living in Downtown San Diego is probably a little obvious but you are going to be giving up at the very least private outdoor living space. It makes sense right, most residents in the city are going to be living in either condos, townhomes, or apartments. Sometimes you get a balcony or patio, sometimes you don’t. This is where it’s important to consider exactly where you live. You may not have much or any private outdoor space but your building might. Many buildings have fantastic community outdoor spaces and amenities. Amenities can include pools, Jacuzzi’s, barbecues, a kegerators, outdoor TVs, dog parks, fire pits, fitness centers, and so on. A lot of buildings have this set up, some are even much better and luxurious. Bottom line, don’t expect that big backyard you might be used to in your house in the suburbs, it’s not happening down in the city.

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The City is Noisy

For my third negative, another fairly obvious one but you are going to have noise to contend with. If you are a light sleeper, this is not the place for you. The source of city noise is endless. Everything from emergency vehicles, to the homeless yelling or screaming at times, to the buskers (do you know what a busker is? Think street musicians), you get the people out that might be a little over served, garbage trucks. This is a big one. If you live down here, pay attention to were your windows will be facing and if there are trash facilities anywhere close. If so, expect garbage trucks to rumble in early in the morning almost every day. It can get insanely loud.

Traffic and Crowds

Go Padres, definitely one of the best highlights in living downtown is the easy walk ability to the San Diego Padres games. No doubt about it. There are some cons that go along with the games and any other major events like Comic Con, concerts, special events, and actually the weekends. Roads shut down and you can be redirected in the complete wrong direction of your destination. You have to plan ahead if you need to drive anywhere. Otherwise you can get caught in serious traffic jams.

Also, things are trending towards shutting down some of the busiest streets entirely. I think it’s only a short matter of time before they close down fifth avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter to vehicles. It’s already closed on Thursday through the entire weekend.

The Cost of Living

For my fifth and final con to living in the Downtown San Diego, let’s talk cost of living. Just about everything is going to be more expensive down here. I’m talking everything from gas for your car to the price you pay at the bar for a beer to the price you pay to buy a condo or pay for monthly rent on your apartment. The cost of living is already high in San Diego (not as high as LA or San Francisco) and it’s even higher here in the city.

So those are 5 cons or negatives I think you need to consider if you are considering a move to and living I Downtown San Diego. That being said, I think living in the city is fantastic. The pros by far outweigh the cons.

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