My thoughts upon reading your post:
– A friend regularly has me look at properties with him in SM – I’ve given him the advice to stay away from two areas: the area that is west of RSF Road but north of West SM Blvd; the area known as “little TJ” to locals that is west of Twin Oaks Blvd, north of 78, east of Knoll Road, and south of Borden.
– While no area of SM ia even close to as bad as you see in bigger cities such as San Diego, Esco, and Oceanside’s rough areas, they are the roughest areas in San Marcos and you’d be better off (and sleep better at night) in any other part of the city. The small amount of gang related activity that I see reported in SM is in those two areas. Check with the SM Sheriff substation for more info.
– That being said, you could probably live just fine in the house you mention since it is really a little separated from the worrisome area, and with semi-vacant land around it is likely new homes will surround you soon enough anyway.
– Most middle schools aren’t great (awkward age for kids) so I wouldn’t really worry much about that, both my kids went to SM Middle School and did just fine there. We kept a close eye on them there since it borders on little TJ, but never had any issues.
– Dunn on the other hand is probably the least regarded school in the SMSD. I have no direct experience with that elementary school though. The problem is going to be that the kids that go there will be from the same neighborhood that has a few gang ties, though I’m sure there are fine families in that neighborhood also.
– Note the nursery you speak of will likely become homes, if not townhouses or apts, at some point in the future. You might want to check on zoning for that land. (oops I see you thought of this already)
– If you are talking 57 feet deep from back edge of house to back fence, then that indeed is a pretty deep back yard and should be sufficient for raising kids, etc. Even a small pool at some point.
That’s all I can think of that you didn’t already mention. San Marcos is truly a great place to live no matter where you pick in the city. It’s a great supportive community with everything you could need (shopping, restaurants, recreation) within just a few miles. We never plan on leaving.
Didn’t mean to bring you up or down, I just wanted to make sure you go in with eyes wide open and know what locals tend to think about areas of SM. The things I mention may or may not be important to you.
[quote=evolusd]
Do any of you have any insight into this community? Thoughts?
As always, you are all very much appreciated![/quote]
