nazzy, flyer is correct that you will get more house for your money in Carmel Valley. But you will likely get a bigger lot for the same purchase price in LJ. And Carmel Valley doesn’t have very many one-story homes. It is comprised of tract developments, the vast majority of which were built in the last 20 years with a good portion of them built in the last 10 years. Additionally, some tracts there have Mello Roos tax, which is a tax over and above regular property tax and collected by the assessor along with property taxes.
LJ single-family residences are 40-85 years old with the majority being 55-65 years old with major remodels sprinkled on nearly every block. Unlike Carmel Valley, the views from many streets in LJ could have partial or full ocean views. However, in your price range it is doubtful you will find a SFR with more than a partial or “peek” view out of some windows as most of those coveted “view fixers” have undoubtedly already been snapped up by cash buyers only to immediately undergo a major remodel.
Good luck in your search. Since schools are comparable, it is all about what you want to live in now and after your kids are grown and that “walkability factor” (greater in LJ in most areas).
