Obviously, some people have it in for CA. Gangs around every corner, earthquakes every day, every politician driving a Bentley, and all the cops doing Gestapo imitations. Makes a frightening story but it isn't reality.
1. You can get a CCW. And, referring to "automatic slim's" post, I am not a psycho, nor are any of those I know who have CCWs. And, while the current system is legally vulnerable but still valid, it will likely not last much longer before "shall issue" is the standard. When the politicians fail to act, the courts - even in CA - can strike down unconstitutional and illegal laws.
2. The border is not controlled by CA or San Diego. That's a federal issue which residents of border states have very vocally "discussed."
3. From the basic description of the home the OP's wife is inheriting, you could bulldoze the structure and sell the ground for upwards of $1M. The house across the street from mine had exactly that done eight years ago, except only sold for $650K being a half mile from the surf. If my guess is correct, there are only a couple neighborhoods where your house could be located. Gangs do not either live or roam there. The worst crime is either vehicle-related, or disorderly conduct. But crime can happen anywhere. It's just not as likely there. My guess is that the home is in either La Jolla, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Mission Bay or Del Mar. The prices will vary, starting at $2M. One "large" home in La Jolla sold last month for a REDUCED price of $17M!
4. Remember the money aspect of this equation. While your cost of living will be higher (gasoline, food, etc.), your home expense is pennies on the dollar. If the OP decides to rent out the house, remember that one needs to occupy the home at least two of the previous five years for the income tax deduction. I expect that if the OP does occupy the house and get familiar with SD, he won't quickly move away. I KNOW his wife won't move!
5. The list of banned lowers cannot expand, by judicial order. That is my reference to the Kasler list of lowers. When the CA DoJ abused the law by banning by series, etc., the court (in a lawsuit brought by CA gun owners) ruled that was an abuse of the law and ordered the DoJ to list by NAME and MODEL the banned lowers. Once that list was done, it could not be changed. You can get Stag, CMMG, KD, S & W, etc. lowers in CA with no issue, totally legal. My only warning is to see if the OP's lowers are listed on the Kasler roster. If so, do not bring those lowers into CA. Uppers are typically fine as long as the whole gun is at least 30.125" long. A 14.5" barrel with a muzzle brake is typically fine. You do not have to register long arms including shotguns and rifles.
6. On the UP side is that you can bring in your pistols, even if not "approved" by CA. You cannot bring in ASSEMBLED magazines with capacity over 10 rounds, nor can you assemble them in CA. If, for example, you bring in an HK P30 which is not approved, you can sell that (without assembled 10+ round mags) in CA to anyone (like me...) through an FFL in a Person-to-Person Transfer. If you sell it on consignment or to an FFL, then it can only be sold to a LEO. Keep in mind that the CA "safe gun" roster is being challenged both in CA and in Wash DC. The exact revolver that the SCOTUS ordered DC to register for Dick Heller is not on CA's list, nor can it ever be since the mfg is out of business. Since Wash DC has specifically used CA's list for guns it will allow to be registered, the federal court in DC is looking at the situation. If they throw out the list there, it's toast in CA too. Like I said, things are changing regarding gun laws in CA, and for the better.
Just take a trip to check it out. If the OP needs or wants some tips on the area, just PM or email me. There are a lot of firearm enthusiasts in CA, far more than you might think. We don't advertise it so we don't attract the criminal element, but we're here and getting stronger every day.