ER–From what you’ve posted, it sounds like you are on the right track to finding your “Dream Home.” Renting in CV is a great way to really check out each and every location you’ve mentioned.
As a San Diego native who lives in Rancho Santa Fe, and as someone who owns a lot of rental property here and elsewhere, I’ve found you really need to get a feel for the area in which you are considering living. After completing all of your research on each location, as you are doing, there’s just no substitute for actually experiencing each of them with your family.
Have a great time finding your “Place in the Sun!”