I strongly second Flyer-in-HI’s (Brian’s) suggestion to ask your husband about his preferences, and also SDR’s suggestion to rent.
What area is your husband originally from, and exactly what is he trying to replicate? In what industry does he work, and is he able to work from home? Does he have to travel? IMHO, these are all important considerations, too.
Not sure if you’ve considered L.A., but if so, you might want to check out the San Fernando Valley, especially the south and west areas of the valley. It’s much “grittier” than San Diego, but there is a LOT more money up there if your husband doesn’t work in the mobile phone industry or biotech (which are both San Diego’s strengths).
Again, if L.A. is a consideration, you might consider the 91367 area (Woodland Hills), or 91372 (Calabasas) if they would be close to your husband’s work.
As for the downside, this is the area (Calabasas, specifically) is where the Kardashians, Britney Spears, and Justin Bieber live, among many others. There is a definite “see and be seen” attitude there, even among those who are not celebrities. Again, trying to find a down-to-earth area with good schools, high-end homes on large lots, a village feel (very difficult to find in California), etc. is not going to be easy. The schools in these zip codes, though, are the best public schools in the area.
If you are interested in the L.A. area, feel free to PM me, and I’ll do my best to point out certain areas that might interest you based on where your husband will work, etc.
For example, this is a more updated home, so more expensive; but this area has the larger lots that you seem to like, and many of the homes are larger, as well. And this area has glorious trees! 🙂
Or something in more of a master-planned development (I used to skate/bike/walk here fairly frequently when I lived up there, and it’s a really beautiful place, though it’s been really built up over the past 10-15 years):
Best of luck with your decision! Of course, I think you should really think about what you are leaving, too. It sounds like you live in a more idyllic place than what you’ll be able to find here.
