Back from our San Diego Trip. Ok, we toured 17 houses in Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Valencia, Santaluz, and Cielo. After 45 houses we have looked at (including other RSF and Del Mar areas) here is my take:
Cielo
-Cielo is indeed the most isolated. But, I did the commute in the middle of rush hour on Friday from my job to the Cielo gate. Total time: 15 minutes (my current commute is 1-1.5 hrs in rush hour!!)! That said, relative to all others, it is very isolated, particularly the homes on top of the hill.
– I actually prefer the homes with views near the club-house to those up higher.
– Regardless of the knocks on Cielo I have read on this board, the homes themselves are very well made, very plush, and better than what I can find up here for under $5 million. McMansions perhaps, but really well made essentially custom McMansions. I would have no problem owning one. The knock on Cielo is locaiton and relative remoteness, not anything else.
– Part of Cielo may end up as part of Escondido, that is the mystery.
Fairbanks Ranch
– Still my favorite. Great community, great homes, great location (8 min commute in traffic).
Santaluz
– Wow, I must say, I am impressed. After reading some harsh words on this web site about Santaluz I was not expecting much, and then boom, I was very impressed.
– The dessert landscape grew on me.
– The rumors I read about poorly maintained grounds, garbage everywhere, no more guards and patrols, etc were all false.
– The custom homes in my price range were of outstanding quality and styles and finishes.
– House pads on the small size (ie. small back yards), despite the lots being large. Pools are downsized.
