Hi all, partly venting, partly looking for advice or recommendations.
I was laid off last month. Fortunately, the job market has been very kind to me, and I scored a bunch of interviews within a couple of weeks. And I now have two offers. One local, one in Carlsbad (Bressi Ranch). Money and benefits are essentially equal so not a major factor. The job in Carlsbad is something I think I'm more interested in and would enjoy more, but the other one has some benefits as well.
When I got laid off, I told my landlord I wouldn't be able to sign another 6-month lease, because I didn't know how soon I'd find a job. With that said, I gave a 30-day notice on 9/15 and would need to be out 10/15. My landlords have been quite gracious; I explained my situation yesterday and they even agreed that if I decide to take the local job, they'd be happy to sign another 6-month lease as they haven't shown the apartment and don't have anything lined up (I'm pretty sure it was empty for a long time before I moved in). I wouldn't start until November 16, so this gives me time to find a place.
I (35M) currently living in an apartment on Mission Bay in Pacific Beach. I don't drink, but like living near the beach and am a big fan of walkability. I'm currently paying $2,500 for a furnished apartment, which I think is relatively solid. I've looked at FurnishedFinder, Zillow, AirBnb, and Craigslist in places like Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, etc. and it's just hot garbage. Everything is stupidly expensive and/or some stupid RV or a place with a "kitchenette" that's a microwave, a Keurig, a hot plate if you're lucky, and a bucket of water to act as a sink. And those are still pushing $2,500. I'll be making a little more than I was before regardless but hoping to bank that extra income. So, with all this said, my question is: Can I actually find something decent on this budget, or should I just stay where I'm at?
I'm not fully opposed to an unfurnished apartment but I'm not necessarily looking to stay forever so buying furniture is not something I'm super interested in doing.
TL;DR:
Considering taking job in Carlsbad, need to move out Thursday 10/15 but have until November 16 to find an apartment. Currently in PB in furnished apartment paying $2,500... Can I find a decently priced furnished apartment near Carlsbad / Bressi Ranch for this price?
UPDATE:
Really appreciate everyone's advice and feedback. I've accepted the position in Carlsbad (Bressi Ranch). Think I'll probably look to live somewhere a little inland (Carlsbad/Encinitas/Vista) to save money while also being a short drive from the beach and fun things. While the talk of isolation is a little worrisome, every time I drive down Garnet in PB, I complain about the people and parking (and then yell at the clouds for a while lol). So yeah, I think I need a change of scenery. Something quieter that gets me to go hiking instead of my ADD always making me go to the exciting dopamine-rewarding thing even if it's not what will actually make me happy