sdmove
Single family homes in nice parts of NCC start in the mid 400’s right now with few exceptions. There are very nice townhomes and twinhomes that would fall under $400K. The commute from Encinitas to UCSD south is usually about 30 minutes and 40 minutes on the way home. Some days its worse and some better. Commutes are all relative. I grew up on the east coast where 1 to 2 hour commutes each way on multiple forms of public transportation (buses, trains, subways plus driving to a station) in foul weather were the norm so for me those commute times are a joke. For others they are excessive and only you can decide. One thing I did enjoy was watching the sunset into the ocean many days on my drive home.
Here is an example (not a short sale or REO either). FWIW (not much) this unit probably peaked around $550K at the height of the bubble.
3BR/2.5BA 1522 sq ft with 2 car garage. Walking distance to Flora Vista Elementary school (mid 900 API score) and Diegueno Junior High. Walking distance down Mountain Vista to supermarkets, coffee shops, restaurants, doctors offices and about 5 minutes drive to the beach. The community has lots of open space, a toddler park, pool/spa and has mostly long term stable owner occupants. I actually lived in Seagate Village which is identical to this community but a block west when I first moved to the area and loved it. For what I like, it is heaven here. For you it may not be, but I wouldnt rule it oput without first taking a look around.
Best of luck and feel free to ask any questions you like.
