This response has been amazing; thank you all for your thoughtful insights. More deets:
1. I’ve visited SD couple times a year for a decade and know a lot of areas fairly well.
2. Moving, renting, and re-moving is tough on a second grader. Renting first is ideal, but I’d like to avoid it.
3. We can stay with family for a couple months while I finalize purchase.
4. Wanting it all – sure. Expecting it all – not at all. Temecula is LOVELY, but I ain’t that much of a country gal. WINE gal, now you’re talking.
5. Love the North Park/South Park info – long been one my favorite areas. If this board believes that it’s family groovus enough, that’s where I’ll focus my search, with Chula Vista as a backup. It is also the hood where my retired sis lives: nexxus of backup care. Einstein looks like a great school.
6. Will hedge bets with an application to HTH lottery for CV elementary.
Happy to connect with realtors, and will let you all know how it pans out. Final request: any recommendations for SD school blogs / forums?