First, the homes in Sky Ranch Crestview are in the $499k to mid $500k range. They aren’t $600k+ currently. This is a big difference, because that’s approximately a 10% discount from where you are talking which will effect your mortgage, down payment, and property taxes. Plus, with a lower purchase price, you will be less likely to take a hit on the purchase price of the home, if the housing market still tumbles.
Northstar is selling out quickly on their recent phase and are selling like hotcakes. Northstar is the condo development and these places include garages and a community pool with jacuzzi and clubhouse. They are in the $300k range.
As far as places to walk, Lennar has finished paving all the roads up here, and I see people/families walking around all the time. With the roads all paved, you can walk/run long distances while enjoying a beautiful view. There are many streets that are very level and easy to walk/run, so you don’t have to trek up a big hill if you don’t want to. Yes, there isn’t a Starbucks to easily walk to, but there are 2 in driving distance. One is close at the Bradley/Magnolia intersection, and there is one off of Mission Gorge road. (For you Starbucks addicts.)
In addition, there is only one way in and one way out of Sky Ranch, and that is up and down the main hill on the West side. There are fire exit roads in case of a fire on the other sides of the mountain, so everyone feels OK with that. Also, it reduces drive thru traffic, which makes the community quiet and reduces chances of outside crime. Speaking of crime, the crime rate in Santee is one of the lowest in San Diego County.
We also have a great community park with a great view looking West. You can watch the sunsets there at the end of the day, and it has a nice kids place area.
To address the issue of property tax rate, I’m not sure why people are saying it’s 1.6%. It’s only 1.1% in Santee, and Sky Ranch is in Santee, zip code 92071. If you have a tax rate of 1.6%, most likely there is mello roos included in that. There is NO mello roos in Sky Ranch. Lennar paid it. Also, most people have been writing off mello roos in their taxes because it is included in the property tax statement. With all the fiscal issues with California, I would be cautious on that, since this could become a great source of extra income for the State.
As far as housing insurance, our insurance is less than $100/month.
As far as schooling, save the money on your house and send your kids to a private school, if this is your concern. There are numerous good ones around Sky Ranch that are very affordable.
When the 52 opens, it will be a quick drive to Sorrento Valley. Much quicker than commuting from San Marcos, Chula Vista, or Carlsbad. I looked at newer homes in Chula Vista, but the distance was a long drive to Sorrento Valley. Plus, you had to pay the toll fee (approx. $5 each way) on the new 125. There will be no toll on the 52. Traffic isn’t that bad at all on the 52, now that they opened up all 3 lanes going East and West on the 52 over the hill. Plus, they plan to put in a few Fast Track lanes in the middle in the future, like what you find on th 15. The onramp for the 52 West will be near the bottom of the hill near the Prospect/Magnolia intersection. It will be a quick jump from the house to the 52 West.
Santee has grown over the years because of the 52. Santee will continue to grow, and tax money from new developments will help grow the community and the schools. Santee used to be an old town, but with all the new development over the last decade and more recently, it is an up and coming new city. That’s another reason we gave Santee a chance.
As far as the Las Colinas Women’s Dentention Center/Jail. That was a concern of ours too, yet it is a women’s only facility. Plus, there are current lawsuits filed by the City of Santee and the Developers of Riverwalk to have the jail relocated. There has been recent talk of the proposal to expand and update the facility, yet the Santee community is pushing to have it relocated. This is a facility that is left over from the 60’s. Here is a link for more info: http://nojailexpansion.com/
The issue of buying a new home is big to me because all the plumbing, electrical, framing, etc. is brand new. There are no issues with having to remodel, fix plumbing or electrical problems, etc. I walk in, paint, plant my furniture, and have time to do other things.
We figured out of all the areas, the pricing here seems the most reasonable without having to have a major commute like living in San Marcos or Chula Vista. Lennar has discounting the prices to match the current market, so you are less likely to have much depreciation. Check trulia’s real estate statistics on your own. Also, Sky Ranch is a unique community. Once it builds and sells out, it will be hard to find a house for sale. http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/Santee-California/
I’ve gone through many of the thoughts being discussed here, and we decided to buy. We have been even more pleased after our purchase here in Sky Ranch.
