From the choices you gave, I’d consider to La Mesa (91941), to get a bigger lot, a charming, very possibly “custom” home and avoid HOA dues AND a fwy commute. 91942 may be a little higher-priced with more larger tract homes.
With San Marcos, you will be getting into both HOA and possibly Mello Roos (MR), not to mention a ridiculous commute.
Several of the Elementary schools in LM are very good, with Lemon Ave being the best, I think.
I believe a couple of the Elementary schools (Gage?) and Lewis Middle/Henry High in San Carlos (SD) are good schools also. You would likely get less house and a smaller lot than LM for the same price there, however, if you can even find something you like in your price range. This area would also involve only a surface st commute to Tierrasanta.
Good luck! I don’t know what is out there on the market right now.
