Based upon where you are now, your price range and your East Coast sensibility I would throw Rural Del Mar (92014 zip but sandwiched between Solana Beach and Rancho Santa Fe just east of the 5), Solana Beach and Olivenhain (eastern portion of 92024) into your mix.
You might really like Olivenhain. It is a subcommunity within the City of Encinitas. I would definitely check it out when you arive. Most east coasters I have met consider Encinitas/So Carlsbad the Southern California they hoped to find. Its a funky beach town and has as strong a sense of community and identity as any place in SD that I have found. Its kinda like Mayberry at the Beach. The public schools are fabulous if you go that route, great private schools are nearby, the YMCA is amazing and its is generally a very friendly and welcoming area. Its where I call home.
I’m sure you have heard people call CA the land of fruits and nuts. You just heard from one of the nuttiest in BG.
Best of luck and I hope you enjoy life in SD. If you have any questions feel free to ask or send a PM.
