Stoney Creek has only about 70 homes and of these, only a handful are left (2 Plan 1, 2 Plan 2 and no Plan 3). It’s to the east (or right) of the existing Canopy Park homes but we’ll share the same entrance (fountain). Originally another phase of Canopy Park, to the east, effectively sandwiching Stoney Creek in the middle is scheduled after the build-out of Stoney Creek homes. But now with housing market still very bad, don’t know when, or if ever, these homes will be built.
You can also consider Plan 1 of Stoney Creek. It’s not as big as Plan 6 of Canopy Park but it does have its own yard, for some people (like me) that want it. Plan 1 is asking for about $430K but you can probably get it down to about $380K. Plus both available homes are move-in ready with numerous upgrades. HOA is the same for all Riverwalk homes and also no mello roos as well.
I didn’t look at Priest Homes’ properties but drove by the community. It’s a nice small single family community but too close to 52. In fact I’m pretty sure that the 52 extension currently being built to connect to 67 will cut through just north of the neighborhood so there’ll be construction hassles for the next few years.
I’ve also looked at townhomes in Sky Ranch by William Lyon and Lennar (single family was beyond my price range) but felt that they’re too isolated. Climbing steep hill will also hurt fuel mileage and accelerate car’s aging. I think both the HOA and Mello Roos there are quite high as well.
I’ve also looked at the Morningside community on Cottonwood Ave, just south of Mission Gorge. It’s OK but a bit too small both the homes and the community (no green area at all). As it turned out, just about the entire community is on sales, whether it’s distress, short, bank-owned or foreclosure. If you want bargain on nearly-new homes, that where you’d go. Many homes sold for almost $500K 2 years ago are now offered at less than $300K. But I would advise against it, as I think a community with so many homes on sales is just bad Fengshui, regardless if it has fountain, mountain or whatever other stuffs.
I’ve stood by the sideline and studied SD real estate (only the areas within my affordability) for nearly 5 years and have focused almost exclusively on Santee for the past year. I believe I made the right move by buying at Riverwalk. I know there’s a high chance that the value of my home could drop somewhat within the next 2 years but firmly believe that in the long run it will be a good investment and a good place to raise a family.
