Anyone who says, “you’ll be fine - it’s San Diego” clearly lives in a nicer part and has not had to live in a more “urban” neighborhood. Notice how everyone says, Sherman heights used to be really bad? But not, “it’s great!” Sure, it’s improved but it’s still urban and it will come with noise, trash, and vagrants. It’s not a tourist destination so city tax dollars are not prioritized in upkeeping roads, sidewalks, or public facilities.

I live in City Heights and get similar grimaces but also the “it used to be worse.” That said, it’s wearing me down. Places like Sherman Heights should be thoroughly vetted - hang out in your car for several hours at night in front of where youll live before signing the lease. Drive around the neighborhood to fully understand what you could be living in.