Studies have shown that neighborhoods located close to universities (NOT JCs) tend to hold value better than those that aren’t. I guess it leads to some snob appeal if you can believe that.
Secondly, and more appealing to me, is the proximity to freeway access and services that DH has. SEH will have its own grocery store and Starbucks, but you’re still going to have to spend at least 15 minutes each way just to get on or off the freeway. Plus, it is in a valley, which does lead to some additional heat and does cut down on the breezes.
These aren’t huge differences and I don’t dislike San Elijo. I’d much rather buy there than spend 20% more for the same homes on the other side of the south ridge just so I could say I lived in Carlsbad. It’s just that I like DH and the Twin Oaks areas better. AND they’re a bit cheaper, too.
