You didn’t say if you have kids or not but I am going to assume that you don’t but are planning to have them in the near future. Based on this assumption then Carmel Valley is a great place to set down roots and raise a family.
Spend a considerable amount of time on this blog and others that deal with San Diego and you will quickly rethink buying in one year. By being new to San Diego are you also new to the concept of Mello-Roos? This wonderful little non-deductible tax will have you running away from places like Del Sur. However, because of this special tax it makes the older homes in Carmel Valley more desirable because they don’t have Mello-Roos and have much larger lots.
I can empathize with your desire to buy because of the dogs but if you do find a good rental then just sign a 1 yr or 2 yr lease. This will give you even more time to scout out the areas and more time to watch the real estate market. Granted you have pay a hefty fine for breaking your lease should you decide to buy during your lease, but if you plan ahead for that contingency then it is manageable.
