Btw a good source for places is the
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/ and also craiglist san diego... a lot of listing.. you just need to specify the searches and areas, etc.
San Diego reader also has information on Neighborhoods. I live by Balboa Park in North park but I am moving to South Park/ Golden Hill soon. LOVE that area and that is close to everything but not at the beach. Anyway check out their neighnborhoods section and their real estate and rentals section.