[quote=evolusd]ocrenter mentioned San Marcos. We purchased a SFR in the San Elijo Hills community of San Marcos (close to the Carlsbad border) in late 2011 and absolutely love it. Here’s a townhome down the hill from us in your parameters (albeit a bit smaller sf):
I work in UTC and find the 20 mile commute manageable. If you’re going downtown, might be a bit of a stretch. Nice proximity to the beach and all the shopping you’ll need in San Marcos, Encinitas and Carlsbad Outlets.
San Marcos is quite the success story of a well managed city that have really turned the school district around over the last 10 years. I think it even helped residents within MR districts to refi into lower rates to reduce the MR payment. The proximity to Carlsbad is quite nice. Think Carlsbad as a combo of Laguna Niguel and Dana Point (without the harbor).
