Raptorduck,
I would avoid Cielo altogether. This community has faired the worst out of the newer RSF area developments (Bridges, Cielo, Crosby, Santaluz). I love Santaluz, but the disadvantage is no access to Carmel Valley Schools (Torrey Pines High, Canyon Crest Academy, CV Middle, etc.). Santaluz goes to Black Mountain Middle & Mt. Carmel High in Rancho Penasquitos (Poway district).
I would advise RSF Farms, Fairbanks, Del Mar Country Club, Rancho Pacifica, or Del Mar Mesa. As SD Realtor said, Fairbanks is well-established plus has great facilities (lake, horse stables, hiking, Tennis, etc.). RSF Farms if quite convenient to get into Carmel Valley via RSF Farms Rd. and has great security (if that is important to you). Rancho Pacifica average lot size (1/2 acre) might be too small for you, but the homes are nice and it’s close to Carmel Valley.
For my tastes, the inconvenience of living in the Convenant outweighs it’s supposed prestige. Covenent, Bridges, Cielo, Crosby would all be a royal pain in the @ss for commuting anywhere. Traffic has only worsened in recent years around those developments.
BTW, to see Del Mar Mesa, make the 1st left you come to when exiting south at Carmel Country Rd. from I-56. Meadows Del Mar is the 2nd Left.
