Moving to CA for 1 year - Where?

[BeachJustice]

Hi Everyone,

I'm going to move to California for a year to explore surfing.
I've been once in Pacific Beach, and from what I understand, the wave there is OK.
Here's what I'm looking for:

I intend to surf most every day 1-2 hours.
So I'd like to find a place that will be challenging and fun for me as I progress through the year.
I expect to have to sign a 1 year lease, so I don't want to outgrow the spot in 3 months and have to drive an hour to get my fix
I'd like to live < 5 miles from the beach in a quiet residential area for < $1500/mo for a 2BR place, apt condo or house rental.

Oh and one other thing I'm kind of a wuss about cold water so the further south the better.

So, where would you start looking?
Thanks in advance for any help, very much appreciated.

Peace.

[Neil_G]

1500 for a 2 bedroom 5 miles from the beach is gonna be a challenge. More like 1800-2500 for a decent place/neighborhood. Other than that you cant really go wrong where in Cali you go.

You think southern or northern?

[BeachJustice]

I'd like to be southern, near San Diego if it works out.

[edp5361]

1500 for a 2 bedroom 5 miles from the beach is gonna be a challenge. More like 1800-2500 for a decent place/neighborhood. Other than that you cant really go wrong where in Cali you go.

You think southern or northern?

Very true, doesn't come cheap! If I were you, I'd get a place anywhere near the 5 freeway so you'll have access to any beach of your choosing. I would suggest staying close to Encinitas or Oceanside. Encinitas will be a bit pricier as it is a higher end beach town. Oceanside has quite a few ghetto areas, but don't let that steer you away from the surf. I'm an SD local, PB tends to get crowded(and no etiquette...people dropping in on each other left and right!), La Jolla Shores is fun and easy(beginner beach). I live closer to Oceanside but prefer surfing at Encinitas.

Also, the people in SD are very chill wherever you go. Locals are VERY welcoming, both in the parking lot and in the water.

[billie_morini]

BeachJustice,
If it were me, I'd go straight to Santa Cruz, CA. There is very consistent surf, many breaks, good vibe among surfers in the water, a strong surf community, and small town. Try using the Craigslist Santa Cruz website for looking for housing. This is the primary web address:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/

Here is an advertisement for a bungalow rental that fits your price, rooms, and location requirements:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/apa/3928978623.html

I surfed in Santa Cruz a lot when I lived in northern California. I miss it very much. The surf is very consistent and there are many good breaks.

San Diego has more breaks than Santa Cruz, but it is a full on city and you could find yourself driving a lot. The traffic is terribly congested in some areas and at some times of day. It's a nice place and you can walk to Mexico from there, but I like smaller towns like Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara (where I live now), Cayucos, Pismo Beach/San Luis Obispo...

[billie_morini]

A related thought: You could go way far north to Humboldt County (Ferndale, Eureka, Arcata, Trinadad). There you'd find consistent surf and low housing costs. But, you may find two things you don't want: 1) really cold water, and 2) frequent big, angry surf

[BeachJustice]

Hey thank you for the information; great food for thought!!

[billie_morini]

Good luck to you, BeachJustice. Wish I could have the gig you are imparting on.

[pandarturo]

Hey don't mean to hijack your thread, but I was wondering if you guys wear a wetsuit and if you do how thick and when di you wear it?

[IMinCA]

Depending on up north or south, but I wear 3:2 year round bc I'm a chicken to cold .

[pandarturo]

Okeedokee, anyone got a place that fits custom suits?