[quote=SD Realtor]One last thing Scarlett… I know there are alot of well intentioned posts about living here and living there. I would strongly advise you to get to know the neighborhood first. While places in San Carlos may seem like a screaming deal I know first hand that those neighborhoods vary. San Carlos neighborhoods are NOT the same as Scripps and those are NOT the same as UC. The variance in price is there for good reasons.[/quote]

Totally agree, SDR. I agreed that Rustico found a good (approx 1700 sf) cosmetic fixer for Scarlett (if no structural problems) for a price which would allow her family to live on one income if the worst should happen. This thread morphed into more discussion about San Carlos because I knew the elem schools to be very good in SC and Scarlett is somewhat API-score sensitive.

Not only are there several “section 8” complexes in SC, there are MANY “tidy” senior complexes which are also low income.

Based upon what I remember of Scarlett’s previous posts, it seems they have recently decided on attempting to buy an over 2000 sf SFR when in months past, they seemed willing to consider 1600-1800 sf SFR OR condo. Obtaining a =>2000 sf SFR is and will be MUCH more challenging for them to obtain in 92122 and 92131 in their price range which tops out at about $500K, IMO.

Scarlett, do I have your top price-range correct??

If they continue to insist on 2000 sf, they may end up having to consider SC or set at least $20K aside to immediately FIX an SFR in 92122.

Herein lies a discussion about location trade offs to obtain a more spacious SFR. I am intimately familiar with metro SD and South County and highly familiar with most of East County.