Sure I understand this advice, but… I am tired of moving and I want to settle down in an area where I know my kids are going to good schools. If I wouldn’t have kids, I’d be totally for rent before you buy. I’d rather keep the kids in the same school district once they start. We already moved with kids twice.
If I’d move to another rental, it’d be in a place with short commute and good public schools – to be worth (for me) the move without having bought. The obvious choice for us is those La Jolla townhomes I mentioned. Extra short & easy commute on city streets. Off I-5. Nearby shopping. Excellent schools. Cons – small townhomes/no yard/no community/students/HOA. old.
2nd choice – Carmel valley townhomes. newer. higher MRs and HOAs. not sure I like the community, but I think it’s better than in that part of 92037. Few students. Longer commute. nice parks, shopping. more upscale.
