I live within driving distance or even more accurately driver distance of Encinitas Ranch and have followed it closely since it opened for sales. While it is not my personal cup of tea, I definitely see the appeal of an immaculate community with golf course and ocean view opportunities close to the beach/freeway.
While most of the lots are small, there are about 10% with larger lots. I’d try to snag one of those. Without question, Lynwood is the street to live on if you can. The elementary school is an issue for some as Capri has perhaps the highest percentage of English learners in the district and lowest API scores as a result. However, they also have a dual language immersion program that friends of mine with access to top rated schools have sent their children to in order to become bi-lingual by the time they reach Jr High. Mello Roos and HOA fees are among the highest in the area.
One other issue to consider is that leverage is very high among many homeowners there. Driving around it is obvious that pretty much everyone there loaded up on landscaping. Currently there are a handful of NOD’s filed and it would not surprise me if it got fairly hard hit in a down turn.
If you have any specific questions, please feel free to post and I’ll do my best to answer promptly.