Want to take a long, long look at Jamul, California? Then check out The Finney Interpretive Overlook, which offers broad and spectacular views of Jamul and the Otay Valley Regional Park, and whose 78 acres are a part of the community. On a clear day you might even spot the Pacific Ocean.
A community of just over 16 square miles, Jamul is located in San Diego County just 23 minutes from San Diego itself and less than 10 minutes from the border with Mexico -- Ole! With a population of just over 6,100, Jamul is a growing bedroom community of San Diego.
Moving to Jamul
If you're looking for housing for rent in Jamul, CA, you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to search for apartments. There are more owned properties than rentals here in this decidedly rural community. You can find rental apts including three-bedroom apartments and a one-bedroom apartment, but you may need some time looking. The San Diego Union-Tribune is a good resource, as are online listings for the area. Drive through the community to get a feel for the place and look for individually placed rental signs on single family homes.
When to Look and What You Should Bring
Weather in Southern California is fairly warm year round, and you won't have any need for down parkas or winter boots here. Nights can be a bit chilly in fall and winter. Inland temperatures can soar in the summer, but the weather is dry -- it's not humid here at all. Expect spectacular sunsets and rolling hills, with most services and amenities 20 minutes away.
What should you bring? Hiking boots for all the wonderful trails you can explore in the neighboring Cleveland National Forest, fishing gear to enjoy Otay Lake and Upper Otay Lake, and of course the information most landlords will ask for, and are often stringent about in Southern California -- your ID, your credit report, information on work and rental history. If you're self-employed, having a copy of your tax return and recent bank statements are also helpful.
Neighborhoods in Jamul
Jamul is roughly divided into two main parts, though you should keep your options as open as possible while searching, as occasionally rentals can pop up unexpectedly aside from the main neighborhoods. Try and research as much as possible before locking down your next home sweet home.
Dulzura/Barrett Junction: Rural in density and feel, this Jamul community borders the vast and beautiful green space of the Cleveland National Forest. And the community contains the Otay County Open Space Preserve. You'll never want for outdoors recreation living in this neighborhood. Housing for rent here consists primarily of single family houses and mobile homes. Most properties are occupied by owner, so you'll need to look carefully for a rental here. Construction of homes was primarily between 1970 and 1999, although some older properties were built in the 1960s.
Campo Road/Proctor Valley Road: Also rural in population density and in the amount of green space between properties, this area consists of single family homes and townhouses primarily. There are more vacancies here than elsewhere in Jamul. Homes were built between 1940 and 1999, and are mostly medium to large in size. Upper Otay Lake is located at the southwestern tip of this community. To the north you'll find Steele Canyon Golf Club.
Living in Jamul
Life in Jamul is decidedly rural. There is a great deal of open space between houses, and there are several wilderness preserves and parks within the community. Outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, fishing or just bird or wildlife watching are never lacking. Photography enthusiasts love the wildlife in Cleveland National Forest, but they also enjoy taking pictures of sunsets and the views of hillsides and trees.
You'll need a car to live here, and most residents commute between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic patterns. Outside of work hours, it doesn't take long to drive into San Diego, a world class city with plenty of entertainment options like the San Diego Zoo, the Natural History Museum or the Museum of Man. And, of course, the beautiful Pacific Ocean is there to enjoy, along miles of white sand beaches and rocky coves.
Like a little excitement in your outdoor recreation? SkyDive San Diego is located off Otay Lakes Road, touting scenic ocean flights with every tandem jump offered.
Dining Out
Want to quaff a cold drink? The Jamul Brewing Company provides micro-brewed delights.
Like sandwiches on home-baked bread? Then you'll enjoy the local sandwich shop, Jamul Restaurant and Bakery. Or if you're looking for a tasty tortilla or two, try Habanero's Mexican and Seafood. Brody's, a local favorite, offers burgers of all stripes, to a crowd doubtlessly eager to eat after all the outdoor activities available at their doorstep -- which can be your doorstep, too.
