[quote=lawoman]I still think you will be able to find a small SFH in central CV for around $600k. I would try to get at least a 3 bed, 2 bath home so you don’t outgrow it once you have kids. Here are 2 examples of homes that are close to what I am referring to: http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100042791-4061_San_Ardo_Cove_San_Diego_CA_92130
If you decide you want more house for the $, I would look at Rancho Penasquitos. There are dozens of homes for sale under $600k.
One VERY IMPORTANT fact to take into account when looking in Carmel Valley is school district. Part of CV belongs to the Solana Beach district, not Del Mar. IMO Del Mar schools are slightly higher ranked and homes in the DMUSD seem to hold their value better. Here is the map to the DMUSD boundaries: http://www.dmusd.org/district/files/openFile.aspx?fileID=2940%5B/quote%5D
That’s only true for up k-6.. After that, in junior high, it’s carmel valley middle school.