SDEaves, the Piggs would need to know your price range to help you better. If you COULD qualify to purchase near Cowles Mtn (92119), LM/Grossmont (91942) or Fletcher Hills (92020) to get a (larger) 2000+ sf two-story on a bit larger lot, these tract homes are better for families and are very accessible to SR-52 which would make your “commute” very short.

You need to figure out how much more house $200-$300 month in HOA dues will buy and add it to the mtg amt that you already qualify for. If handled and presented to your underwriter correctly by your loan officer, you might be able to get more living space WITHOUT a long commute.

The schools in San Carlos, LM and FH are far preferable to those in Tierrasanta, IMHO, and all of those communities have several well-known parks and trails that YOU, as a homeowner, won’t have to pay for every year in the form of MR.