Neighborhoods...Maybe, Maybe Not!

As a fairly new resident in these parts (well, now 2 years, but still feeling like I am learning my way around), it has been fun discovering new neighborhoods and communities.

Some of that comes about simply by accident, or by driving to a destination downtown, along the beach, or simply exploring. Some results from my business as a REALTOR covering North County, primarily along the coast, when I am out showing homes.

There are some areas that have names that are not, in the strict sense, neighborhoods. Just as in any major city, San Diego has these as well. The names are pretty indicative of what's there, or the history. They have a different feel to those I am accustomed to in Boston, but there are distinct nonetheless.

Here are some "neighborhoods" I've found and explored:

• Oldtown


• Marina


• The Gaslamp District - everyone knows about this, and it really IS a neighborhood, with more to do (shopping, eating, drinking) than there is time to do it.


• Restaurant Row - there is one in Cardiff, along the beach between Cardiff and Solana Beach, and another one in San Marcos (with more than 20 restaurants) - there may be others I have yet to find


• Furniture Row - also in San Marcos - a myriad of various sorts of stores for, you guessed, furniture - indoor, outdoor, office, formal, casual, teak, contemporary, designer, and so on.


• Car Country - in Carlsbad, adjacent to the 5 and off Palomar Airport Road


• The Barrio - near old Carlsbad


• The Walking District in Cardiff


• The Composer District in Cardiff


• Del Mar Beach Colony


• Little Italy - downtown near the airport, with lots of newish condos, restaurants, and shopping


• Windansea - in La Jolla


• Banker's Bill - downtown just east of the 5


• Balboa Park


• Birdrock - also in La Jolla


• Oceanside Redevelopment District


• Leucadia - not just a neighborhood in Encintas but a pretty cool, funky area to visit.

The list could go on, but is pretty striking how different these areas all are. Some are commercial, others are residential. It will be fun to continue to learn about new areas.

Any favorite neighborhoods you would like to share, or places folks should explore?