“The difference between now and “before” is that CV has become a more viable community with services within walking distance of most homes.”

They’ve built one new shopping center in the last 10 years. I don’t think that’s going to suddenly change the premium you pay to live in Carmel Valley. And, unless you’ve got a different definition of “walking distance” from most people, there aren’t services within walking distance of most homes.

Sure, the important difference in commute is time, not gas. But that’s no different than it was before. Nothing is different than it was before. And when it all shakes out, the price difference won’t be either.