Got it. Yup, you guys will have no problems in Poway.
There’s a huge selection of 3000-5000 sqft homes with decent sized lots throughout Poway at that price point. Most probably around 20 years old. If you guys would like a pool and enjoy 6 month of swimming season, Poway is the place for you. May not have as many young families since the housing stock is older.
Samething with the Trails, except you are looking at even older homes on hilly lots. A lot of them were destroyed during the last fire, therefore there may be some newer customs there for sale. A lot of older physicians that work in Escondido own there.
There is a small gated community adjacent to the Trails, much newer, maybe circa 2003? The homes are 4000-5000, should have some young families.
You re not going to like most of 4S or Del Sur. too small with small lots. But maybe consider Ivy Gates in south 4S. These are larger homes around 5000 sqft, built during the peak, complete with large 1/2 acre lots. Definitely will have plenty of young families.
Just west of 4S is three gated communities known as Santa Fe Valley. These are also estate sized, large 1/2 acre lots, built circa 2000, so vegetations are mature as well. Most of these resales will likely have pools as well. There is also a new development in this area, Mission Ranch within your price range on average of 1/2 acre lots. Both of these will have plenty of young families.
Santaluz and Crosby lots are actually not as big, the true estates on 1 acre lots are going to be over your price range.
Stonebridge is Scripps Ranch zip but goes to Poway schools. New homes are still being built by Toll Bros and Standard Pacific, within your price range. There are also a good number of distressed homes. Most homes are on 1/3 to 1/2 acre lots. there are plenty of young families.