If I told my realtor I was looking for a family-oriented, family-friendly area and they took me to OB, I would fire them immediately.
In rired’s price range, for a family of 6 looking for property in a family-friendly area in a great public school district, I would be looking into the following areas (in no particular order):
So. Carlsbad/La Costa area – you can get into a beautiful gigantic later-model house in your price range. The schools are fantastic, tremendous shopping options on the El Camino corridor, easy beach access. Lots to like about this area, especially if the husband’s office isn’t too far south.
Encinitas – worth a look but it’s a little slim on truly great family neighborhoods with large houses in my opinion. My take on Encinitas is that if you are going to live that far north you may as well inch a little further into the La Costa area.
Solana Beach – pretty small area with alot of one-offs west of 5 and older tracts east of 5. On the low to mid portion of your budget you can get into a 5 bed 3000 sq ft tract along the golf course or maybe a view lot. SB has great elementary and middle schools and the high school district is also great. Good shopping options at the 5/LSF intersection, easy access over to the beach.
Del Mar – you may be able to find something that would work off of DM Heights Rd/Mango area west of 5. It’s kind of hit or miss in there, lots of homes that would probably be too small. Worth a drive through. Great schools and easy beach access and access to ‘downtown’ Del Mar on PCH. Local shopping center west of 5 is okay, or go across the freeway to the Carmel Valley Ralph’s center monstrosity…
Carmel Valley – this area gets talked about alot as ‘the’ family area in San Diego. Tract housing built from about the mid-80’s through present, highly rated schools and lots of families. In your price range you will get a great house. Demographically there has been an ongoing influx of Asians to this area with a number of the schools pushing 40% Asian population and trending upward. Because there is ongoing new development in the area there are still some growing pains – crowded (sometimes obscenely) shopping center, school crowding, etc.
These areas are primo San Diego coastal areas that are within your price range. I would come out and spend a few days driving around these areas and you will get a pretty quick feel. Best of luck to you, you are looking at moving to one of the best areas in the country to live.
