I don't know a lot about Oceanside, but it's not "the 'hood". It's expensive, as is any beach town. The only thing that would be a constant problem, for San Diego County, is that you get new illegal aliens running in & out of traffic across Hwy 5, and also trespassing on private property. There are even signs to warn about freeway jaywalkers. Other than that, it's as nice a place as any, I'd say. Manhattan Beach is nice if you want to spend $5mil on a 500-sq ft house built in 1910 and retrofitted with electricity and indoor plumbing later into the 20s, and has no yard, and if you're retired and don't need to drive in or out during the daytime traffic. The great thing about Manhattan Beach is that you can lean out the bedroom window and borrow a condom from the neighbor; houses are nearly touching. Huntington Beach (central Orange County coast) is very nice too, and maybe a little less expensive and with more employment and industry than San Diego or the yuppie Los Angeles beaches such as Manhattan. Long Beach IS the 'hood in the opinions of many people, except for a few small exclusive areas like Belmont Shore.
In general, Mr Plunkey is right; I'd think twice about CA at all, if I wanted a good job.
Charles