I am moving in a month. I am going to SDSU. My question is do I need a car? Is San Diego one of those towns where you can walk everywhere? I am going to take the trolly to and from school, but other then that, Do I really need a car?
I am going to be living in the following areas( MY roomies and me are still thinking) PB, South Park, North Park, Point Loma, Hillcrest. How is the trolly and bus? Any other information would be awesome.
Thanks
2007-03-15 09:03:35 · 6 answers · asked by Jaym 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ San Diego
Do you NEED a car? No. But life would be a lot better with one. There is so much to see and do in San Diego County, and so many places that are damn near impossible to go without a car, well, it makes life much more fun.
But remember, San Diego consistently has the most expensive gas in the nation, insurance is high, parking can be a pain and the freeways are getting more and more crowded. Personally, I couldn't imagine living here without my Jeep. I can be out doing some serious 4-wheelin in less than 2 hours and never leave the county. No car would save you a lot of headaches and even more money, but I wouldn't want to do it.
Public transportation sucks in San Diego. Walking in some areas is easy, once you get there, but San Diego is pretty spread out, deceivingly so. Also, you can take a bike on the trolley at most times of the day depending on how crowded they may be, and they can be very crowded. That said, the trolley system for getting to SDSU is well worth it depending on where you're coming from.
The areas you want to live in are: nice, convenient, expensive, fun and can be done without a car (I live in downtown SD near Petco Park and walk to work and out to dinner, movies, the bay and such. But I still depend on my Jeep to go kayaking, the mountains, desert, shopping...
Maybe buy a vehicle together with the roomies? I did that in college, four of us shared a car and I had my bike. Worked out well.
Welcome to town...
2007-03-15 14:55:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a car. SD is not like most US cities. The city is very spread out. There are lots of open spaces because a lot of the land can't be built on. This town is all canyons and mesas. SDSU is about a 20 minute drive to PB. I make the drive every day. My work is near SDSU and I live in La Jolla, that is.
There really isn't any public transportion, and you don't want to rely on the bus. Keep in mind that SD is very chill. You don't need a pimpin ride as a status symbol. We are no LA! Shorts and flip flops are this towns official dress code. The shirt is optional. Bottom line, don't feel bad about driving around in a beater. I have an old jeep and I love it.
Whatever you do, just get a ride. This is a beautiful city with a lot to see. You need a car to get to all the wonderful places.
2007-03-15 18:13:31 · answer #2 · answered by AJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lived near SDSU for years and you definitely need a car (but going to school by trolley is a great idea - parking is the pits!). Getting around any place north of I-8 is almost impossible by public transit (or at least it takes way to long IMO).
Here's a link to the best map I know of that will give you an idea where things are in San Diego and what services are available. http://www.sdcommute.com/Rider_Information/Regional_Transit_Maps/PDFs/regional_northcentral_sep06.pdf
Keep in mind San Diego is 52 miles long and 26 miles wide. There are hills and canyons everywhere. It's about 15 miles from PB to SDSU. Some people do get around by bike and there are some really nice bike routes, so that is an option. But cars are far easier.
2007-03-15 10:31:42 · answer #3 · answered by An Oregon Nut 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Buy a car. Public transportation is pathetic in SD.
That said, I went to SDSU & didn't have a car. You can bike, I biked to Mesa College for some extra classes & I biked to Ocean Beach for work.
But, you'll be a lot better off if you have a car.
Beach area is the best for lifestyle (if you surf or just enjoy the ocean), but you may find it hard to get to class if the weather is nice!!
If you are going to live inland, you might as well live next to SDSU (or State as you will soon call it). It will be cheaper. North Park, South Park, Hillcrest - there are cool "pockets" to live in, but a lot of it is pretty ghetto.
Pt. Loma/Ocean Beach (OB) is cool, but more expensive.
You'll love living here. I moved here for college in 1990 - this is where I call home now.
2007-03-15 14:14:05 · answer #4 · answered by Sam Fisher 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really need a car, the city doesn't have a great public transit system and it's pretty spread out.
SDSU is a big party school, keep your head in the books.
2007-03-15 09:14:19 · answer #5 · answered by Just a friend. 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I hate to add to the SD congestion but San Diego public transportation is pathetic! I agrre that it is a good idea to ride into school but for everyday life you will want a car. Or at least one car for you and your roomies to use together
2007-03-16 11:46:38 · answer #6 · answered by St. Judy's comet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋