Personally I would avoid the newer areas like Cielo and Santaluz because we are in a housing downturn. An area like Fairbanks Ranch should have more established home owners with more equity in their homes and a stable mortgage. Even though you may stay for the long term, how desireable will your neighborhood be if your neighbors can’t afford their loans as they reset or choose not to weather a housing downturn and send their keys back to the bank? I would especially stay away from developments that are not complete, unless you like having empty lots next door.
I plan to return to San Diego in the next 1-3 years and am considering the same neighborhoods as you for basically the same reasons – kid friendly, like space around me (I live in Michigan right now and the openness grows on you), etc. So your thread is very interesting to me.
BTW, a benefit – drawback of living in San Diego is that you will have more out of town visitors as well. I don’t have that problem in Michigan. Add another bedroom to your criteria.
