San Diego Housing Market News and Analysis

Escondido, west of the 8 right around Lake Hodges has some very nice neighborhoods that meet your criteria. If I were retiring I would consider that area. A lot of sunshine, hiking biking trails, several nearby golf courses. And you can easily find a nice single story house for under 700K.

What is your reasoning for not considering South County, by the way?

If you have time to wait for up and coming....right on! If not NCC from SB to Cbadvis what you described, that's all my town. We welcome you.

Not a ton of private, single-story homes with no HOAs in this area.

Agree with deadzone regarding SW Escondido. VERY nice area, more likely to have fewer children, and beautiful single-story homes with larger lots.

One note: You might want to reconsider a retirement/age-restricted area if you don't like kids. While some areas have older residents, it's only a matter of time before they move or pass away, and this opens up the neighborhood to new families (which I think is a good thing). Don't be the person who moves into a family neighborhood (3/2, no HOA, not age-restricted) and then complains about kids playing outside. Not cool.

If you are looking at 1 hour to downtown, sky's the limit!

Escondido, Valley Center, Hidden Meadows. There should be plenty of homes built during the peak, so relatively new and most should be without MR with low HOA. Some of the communities, even with MR, the prices would be so low you can simply absorb the MR cost and pay it off.

Also consider Vista, milder climate but should have plenty of options that fit your requirement.

I thought about the areas age restricted communities. Problem is they tend to be much older homes that OP would like to avoid. Otherwise RB would be an excellent choice.

Bonsail. Maybe too rural..but hidden gems.

My in-laws once lived in an age-restricted community with new construction.

One of the "modern" features of the homes was a red light on the front of the house that you could switch on to help the ambulance/paramedics locate your house after making a call.

It was a nice reminder that all the residents chose their home as the place where they were planning to die.

Laguna Woods, aka former Leisure World, aka seizure world, aka geezer world, has a known practice where neighbors would raid a unit following an ambulance departure.

This property is in a nice area to retire:
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-120023784-49...

I think it's a 55+ community.

Laguna Woods, aka former Leisure World, aka seizure world, aka geezer world, has a known practice where neighbors would raid a unit following an ambulance departure.

Wonder if "built-in booby traps" (set on a time delay so paramedics don't get hurt) could be a selling point in new elder housing. Perhaps I should patent the idea...

But I don't know why anyone in their right mind would want to spend their final years surrounded by a bunch of f**kin' has-been geezers. I'd move to one of the beach cities and enjoy the "views." Or to Eastern Europe where it's relatively cheap to live, if I were truly broke.

No kidding. We have a lot of young kids on our street and an elderly woman across the street from us. She comes out all the time when the kids are playing and chats with them, gives them treats, etc. They are all very fond of her.

If I am fortunate enough to make it to that point, I want my last years to be surrounded by life, not a bunch of old folks passing time and waiting for death.

The hard part is the "newer construction" coupled with "no HOA MR Fees" as those tend to go hand-in-hand.

I think you can avoid young families by buying in nicer neighborhoods served by crappy schools. Any young family that can afford a $750K house is likely going to buy in the "School Belt" (I think I just coined a new term - copyright sdduuuude) which runs from Poway to CV and up the 5 a bit.

As you know, I'm a Clairemont guy, but since you have a $700K budget and you don't care about school districts, you can probably get into a better 'hood that CM.

Houses built in the 50's are very well built. Usually you need to do the cosmetic work, but the bones are good.

In Clairemont, follow the canyon edge above Hwy 52. On the way there, you will see some crappy houses, but as you get into the canyons, it improves. Also, follow Tecolote Canyon from I-5 all the way up to Genesee Ave. Anything on the canyon or its fingers is going to be nice.

I think you should look closely at Bay Park / Bay Ho or the part of Clairemont just above Bay Ho - there are some canyon gems around the streets of Courser, Monongahela, Wyandotte. Drive around all over the area above Costso on either side of Moraga.

This place looks keen.
http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/3969-...

Some of my favorite streets run parallel to Nute Way. Really cool 1-story 50's houses overlooking the bay. They are stacked on each other with driveways only on one side of the street so everyone has a view. There are likely bylaws restricting development to keep everyone's view in-tact. A good size to retire into and a neat view. Only thing keeping me from buying here is the school district.

Here's a recent sale. A cool place.
http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/3087-...

More from the "Nute Way" area:
http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/3075-...

http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/3015-...

UTC is definitely worth looking at, though lots on canyon homes there may push past your budget. I'd south of Governor well to the west of Genesee.

There are some cool houses on and around Erie Street in lower Bay Park that I love. They have garages in the back and are low enough that I-5 traffic noise is reduced a bit.

The neighborhood that stretches along Burgener south of Clairemont Drive is great. You won't get a big yard there - most houses are on a slope, but it's a neat neighborhood with lots of interesting houses and they can feel private with views. The houses on the east side of Cowley have an ocean view and a canyon view.

Mission Hills comes to mind, though it may be too expensive.

Also, check out the little neighborhood just east of I-5 near State Street, Upas, etc. Start at Laurel and State Street and head North on State. It turns into Reynard. Keep west as you drive north. I don't know the area well, but it's a fun place to get lost in the canyons.

Honestly? Leave San Diego. Unless you have family here or are here for the jobs, San Diego is a terrible city for retirees.

As a word of encouragement to the OP, all of my family and my wife's family retired here, with no problem. We're in our 50's and retired from the airlines. We have lots of investment properties and other consulting projects, plus family, etc., etc., that keep us busy, and we enjoy living in a place that has everything we want.

We're in RSF and love it, and it sounds like you have received some great suggestions for possible locations in the price range noted. I particularly think La Costa might be a great fit.

As mentioned, it might be a bit difficult to get newer construction without HOA or MELLO, but there are certainly many options out there. Be sure to check out all zip codes of interest at sdlookup.com

It's true that if you have to worry about money, whether you're retired, young, old, or in-between, San Diego can be a difficult place to live the life you want to live. We've known many people--especially younger people--who have had to leave the state for financial reasons--but I don't think that's a problem for the OP.

Enjoy!!

Did a search on Vista, came up with several single story, post 2000, no MR, and no HOA homes. Here's one example:

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-120022691-17...

Room fr an RV off to the side as well. The location is within a 3-5 min drive to a Sprinters station, OP can take the Sprinter line down to Oside and take the Coaster down to downtown and not have to worry about parking.

I am nauseated by the idea of living in a55 plus community. I would prefer to live in a 90 plus community though. I can't stand those noisy sex crazed hard partying 70 year olds.

Why not San Clemente in South Orange County?

More "upscale" than Escondido, or Vista, unless, for some reason, you really need to be 1hr from Downtown SD.

I know the OP stated he wasn't interested in South County but there are always several listings for the exact-type property he is looking for in "McMillin's Bonita Highlands" (91902). No MR and HOA is $340 annually per unit (to maintain the horse trails). There are 667 units all SFR. Avg lot size is about 15K and avg distance between houses is 35 ft. SF ranges from 1850 to 2750 (avg abt 2300). This development is well-built with copper plumbing, heavy int/ext doors and closet/patio doors and built-in appls with downdraft venting in the kitchens. One one-story model has two fireplaces and another one-story model has a 2-way FP. 85% of the models have interior laundry rooms and at least 65% have complete RV access (CC&R's prevent RV's from being parked in a driveway more than 72 hrs to load/unload and satellite dishes higher than fence height [6 ft]). Lots with trail access have max limit of two horses. 99% of the original cedar shake roofs have been replaced as have 85% of the "alum slider" windows. The distance to dtn SD is 16-18 mi and it is situated 4-5 miles east of the bay. This area is FULL of boomers and beyond as in the last 12 years or so, the vast majority of local families with young children have instead flocked to the newer (small-lot, MR-encumbered) areas to the south and southeast (91913/91914/91915), primarily to obtain new construction with developer-assisted financing. In any case, all three public schools serving this area are the very best in their districts. See:

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-120034297-37...
(On listing above, agent in error when stating HOA dues are $340 mo. That is the amt of annual dues)

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-120025394-54...
(above is short sale, horse lot)

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-120025394-54...
(above is horse lot)

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-110060326-42...

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-120010644-37...
(both listings above on busy st)

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-120014679-58...
(above is short-sale)

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-120033681-36...
(Above is a 2-story with obvious rear room addtn and view. This is a horse lot on the newest phase.)

cabal, if you don't want MR in SD County but want something built from 1987 fowards, you will have to find a custom area or infill area (or custom infill area) where homes were built on long-zoned land and/or perhaps on land which was purchased by the developer long, long ago and were engaged in the permitting process before approx May 1987. You can't have it both ways.

Bonita Highlands is 32-40 years old, with the newest phase closest to dtn SD (16 mi). All phases have approximately half one-story and half two-story models.

All the BS on this site spewed about South County merely stems from ignorance. There is PLENTY of (legitimate) money down here. You have to see for yourself what a great value some of the areas in South County have become in recent years!

Actually, ALL of 91902 is full of retirees but most of the lots there might be more work than you want (unless you want to have horses). Most of older (western) 91910 is also FULL of retirees and larger than avg lots and is VERY conveniently located to bus/trolley and extremely walkable. Keep in mind that just because an area is "old" doesn't mean most of the homeowners there haven't spent big bucks over the years to modernize their homes.

scaredy, I'm now considering following my "brethren" to the rockies (Telluride area, anyone?) and buy a season lift pass and annual membership to the nearest (suit-optional) hot springs. It's either there or Mt Shasta or Lake Tahoe. I REALLY LIKE "Bezerkely" (as spdrun referred to it :)) but probably won't be able to afford it, LOL ....

What's an adventure-seeking boomer to DO??

I will respond to as many posts as I can.

SW Escondido west of NC fair is an appealing option. Any downside to this area? @CAR – nice to see you are still here on Piggington fighting the good fight. Are you still CA Renter or now CA Owner?

@sdr –The options in ncc are overwhelming. What specific areas do you recommend down to the street level that generally meets the listed criteria? For clarification, I’m ok with kids but don’t want to be saturated with 30something couples, each with 3 kids running around all day in the streets. Been there and so done with that. So where is hedonism ncc?

Bonsall and outskirts of Escondido are a little too rural for me, plus we all know horse people are crazy. However, Temecula is an interesting possibility given the right property. Visited wine country recently and had a wonderful time. In particular, the newly renovated Miramonte with the expansive patio and live music was truly impressive. All you young single guys should go there for an afternoon, as every tasting room was literally filled with young drunken women.

@Sdude – Thanks for the lengthy post. I’ve casually looked in North Clairemont specifically between Genesee & Regents. However, it’s now at bottom of list after talking to several friends that bought there within last 5 years and they aren’t overly happy about the neighborhood. The older construction in Bay Ho / Bay Park doesn’t appeal to me.

@Poorgradstudent – Even if you don’t have family here, why is SD a bad place to retire assuming you can afford it? Please elaborate.

@Flyer – I can relate to providing the comforts of the whole McMansion lifestyle to raise a family assuming affordability is a non issue. However, are you seriously going to retire in RSF as empty nesters instead of downsizing? From my experience, a large house doesn’t feel right once kids start to leave, not to mention the waste of unused space and unnecessary carrying cost.

@ocr – That’s a nice house in Vista well worth consideration. Anything comparable closer to the city?

@bearishgurl - I’m sure south county has viable options. I like the newer parts of Eastlake, etc. However, I prefer north of downtown simply because of familiarity, ample options and proximity to friends and family. Clearly the options are plentiful making the down selection process difficult, but I will keep 91902 and 91910 on the radar if nothing else surfaces.

cabal, there are two developments in Eastlake Hills (91913) where the MR has now been retired but one-story homes are rare in there. In one of these areas, the lots are exceptional.

In addition, there are approx 3 subdivisions in closer-in Rancho Del Rey (91910), where the "street bonds" have now been retired. This area has a few more one-story homes than Eastlake Hills but the lots aren't as big. The subdivisions in there with RV access still have at least a decade of MR left.

You will find this scenario on newer homes anywhere you go in SD Co, unless it is spec-built (upon demo of almost all of old structure) custom and/or infill.

cabal, have you considered that O'side, East County and ESP Temecula would be further from your friends and family than South County?

cabal- no idea if you are active, what you like to do, but since you asked about Missions Hills and North Park, i'll list the perks and some downsides. its going to be tough to find newer construction unless you go with a townhome or condo, or happen to find that house that has been remodeled from the ground up or a rebuild for 700k. the privacy from neighbors bit is going to be tough too as lots tend to be smaller. also inventory is really constrained right now, and finding a 3 bedroom under 700k is going to be tough. but a townhome isn't such a bad option - no yard or lot to maintain, downside is privacy and HOA.

i know several people who've retired in south MH/ BH, my 2 neighbors included. from these 2 neighborhoods, you can within 1-2 miles or less, walk to BH, MH, Little Italy, Hillcrest. why they chose these neighborhoods- they don't care about schools, they want to be in an area with a lot of activities, they like the proximity to the airport where they frequently go on vacations, or to visit kids, grandkids, etc. they also like being able to walk to restaurants, bars, grocery stores, multiple farmers markets, the park and a lot of cultural activities. they love that they can walk down to little italy for artfest, kettner nights, etc. walk over to balboa park for a myriad of activities.

they don't spend much time driving unless its to head up to NC, rather they walk, bike, and take cabs downtown for dinner, theater, ball games, etc. biking downtown on a nice sunday, along harbour to the bike path that takes you into coronado, jump on the ferry back. on the slower side, join the lawn bowling club or bridge club both at balboa park. go sailing along the harbor.

there is proximity to a number of hospitals and doctors in hillcrest.

NP has the proximity to restaurants, bars, and morley field if you are closer to it, as well as the SP neighborhood, but i tend to prefer west side of the park for reasons listed above.

good luck!

given the price range we pretty much have to rule out anything coastal, Poway, and RSF.

given age of home we pretty much rule out anything south of the 52 (at least north county is concerned).

given avoidance of children, we pretty much rule out the entire 56 corridor from the ocean to route 67. SEH and most of east side of Carlsbad is out as well.

that leaves Vista and south Escondido. would definitely say Vista over south Escondido. Vista's distance to the ocean is similar to Scripps, so the summer heat is actually very mild.

cabal, your preferred age of home and "closer to the city" are not very compatible requirements.

given avoidance of children, we pretty much rule out the entire 56 corridor from the ocean to route 67.

Why would one want to actively avoid areas with kids? It's not like kids eat geezers for lunch.

Hi cabal.

Completely understand your thinking with regard to keeping the home in RSF, but it's just what we want, and we do have lots of extended family and friends--not to mention kids who have kids--so we still need the space.

Also, the price was right 20+ years ago--when we were in our 30's--and there's no way we could even come close to matching it today in any other location.

Looks like you've received some wonderful suggestions here, and I wish you all of the best--and definitely check out La Costa--especially the more estabished neighborhoods.

What's an adventure-seeking boomer to DO??

Sell everything, buy some cash-flowing condos, travel the world on the proceeds?

Sounds like that could be a great plan for an "adventure seeking boomer." Travel has always been one of our big things, but I would add that, as a boomer, keeping a homebase somewhere is probably also a good idea.

At some point, you'll want to have an established lifestyle in case health and/or other issues arise.

A friend, who is also an airline pilot, is currently living with his family and flying out of Macau, but they kept their home in San Diego and leased it out, so they can still retire here in a few years.

Boomer as a word makes me cringe. Checked wikipedia. Turns out I'm barely a boomer my wife is barely generation x two of my kids are millenial gen yand the last is generation z which I hadn't head of. They have names starting 100 years ago including hardtimers and warbabies. Funny.