I would much rather buy at Escala than up in La Costa. I like their 3-story detached houses. I just like the urban setting a lot more. Mission Valley is centrally located and is a better location for a young couple. If you buy small furniture, won’t feel that much space. http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060924/news_1hs24smsofa.html
Don’t move to the boring suburbs until you need a “safe” environment for school age kids (at least 7 years away? ).
I expect to see bargains at Escala when ALL the development buyers are under-water. $350k for a detached house?