Car problems-wise for me wasn't the drunks as car theives. Because it's so close to the border, the SD area has a big problem with people rippin' rides and taking them to chop shops in TJ. My truck was broken into twice, and then almost stolen. So if you can find a place with secure parking, garage or whatever, I'd recc that.
I should add, you're going to have a lot of fun living in San Dog. If you don't, you're doing it wrong.
Beautiful weather, gorgeous women, fun town, so much to do and see. All the benefits of big-city living without the usual hassles. Sports and entertainment venues, great food, big parks, awesome downtown, yet crime and traffic are surprisingly not that big a deal. Costs of living are high (it's California) but not absurd. Do a lot of research on exactly where you want live, because it makes a big difference in your SD experience.
Even as a very junior SWO on a miserable ship (Captain from Hell), I loved SD. Drive home at the end of a typical day of blackshoe nut-crunching, and it's sunny and 72 and there are sculpted goddesses Rollerblading in bikinis through Mission Bay Park...how do you not enjoy life?