Raptor: I didn’t know about Fairbanks Highlands and it looks like it would be a very good candidate for us.
Dwcap: I also really like SLO and I think it would be a great fit for us, but we do have ties to San Diego.
D: I share your concern about having to always drive the kids to visit friends, etc. I would like them to have the freedom be independent. I am not opposed to living in a truly urban area but I haven’t had any luck finding the big houses/big lots & neighborhoods with lots of kids/good schools in the SD urban areas.