earlyretirement, I think it all comes down to the fact that those two areas attack different price points and buyers. So you can’t really compare to the two, since they’re like comparing apple to oranges. The $880k in Santaluz you posted would have similar monthly payment as a $980k house in 4S, due to ~$500 more in HOA&MR. I don’t think most houses in 4S are in that price range. Most of the houses in 4S are in the $650-750k range. That would yield similar payment as a house in Santaluz in $550-650k range (assuming there is such a house), due to the HOA&MR differences.

This is what’s available in 4S for similar payment as your $880k example:
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-110061379-92127
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-110057354-16022_Palomino_Valley_Rd_San_Diego_CA_92127

Sold comps:
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-110043359-16138_Palomino_Valley_Rd_San_Diego_CA_92127 (This house is over 1000 sq-ft larger and seem to be sitting on a larger log too). Also, this one has a view while the Caminito Lazanja doesn’t.