I’m partial towards Carlsbad. In North County it has the reputation as being a well-put-together City. They have a long coastline and some of the finest beaches around. There is a more family-oriented feel there and the beaches aren’t crowded with transients, young drunks, homeless, etc. They have a bit of an artsty feel in the Village area, but not quite as much as Encinitas. Then again, the “artsiness” of a town is not a huge selling point with me. Some of the eastern parts of Carlbad, like east La Costa or Calavera Hills would be a good option for me. Great schools, less overcast, mild temperature, nice infrastructure (roads, buried utility lines, etc), secluded feel.

As for Poway, too hot for me. I used to go there a number of years ago to get my hair cut at Sal’s, who was Vietnamese and not Italian. I also worked with the City government there at my old company. We used to call them PO-way as in they’re too poor to pay their contracts on time. No offense Powayseller! Other than that I’m sure it’s a fine town.