I agree with scripps ranch, but you will still have trouble with the 550k budget. I think the best house price to school quality ratio in a central area is in San Carlos/Del Cerro. Some of the better SD City schools (Hearst, Benchley Weinberger, Greene) and you can even find OK places for 550k.
Still, like everyone says, you’ll do better with your 550k the longer you wait. I would say don’t be afraid to rent in the neighboorhood that slightly above your current budget, and hope you income increase or price drops allow you to get in as buyer in a few years.
