[quote=vonbeeler]sf2sd,
Your list of things that are important to you are exactly the same as ours and thats why we chose Santaluz. In addition to your priorities another of ours was climate. When we first moved to San Diego 14 years ago we chose Carmel Valley (just east of Del Mar). We liked Carmel Valley with exception for me it was too cold. We rarely used our pool and seemed to be overcast a lot. We moved 5 minutes inland to a gated community called Fairbanks Highlands adjacent to Santaluz. One acre lots and Unique estate style homes. They are currently in the 2m range. The weather was noticeable warmer and less overcast. If its 72 at the beach in the summer then its typically closer to 80 in this area. We decided the house/lot was a little much for our needs (without kids at the time) and moved to Santaluz. We now have a 7 year old and 5 year old. I love everything about Santaluz and I’m rarely ever satisfied. I too wanted my kids to be around a diversified group of friends. With the Santaluz house price range of between $800k and $5m and eastern communities attending some of the same schools I feel there is a good mix. The school district is Poway and is regarded as one of SD county best for public. The community events are really special for the kids. Its also nice to be able to invite our friends and kids to these unique events. The Village green with community pool (resort style) with poolside food and beverage service and weekend BBQ’s poolside. Tennis/Golf and a spectacular Clubhouse and Spa. I feel extremely blessed to have the opportunity for my kids to grow up here. I can let them play out front with virtually no worries. We know almost all our neighbors and there is very strong sense of community. We do travel to the beach a lot. At least 3 times a week 15 minutes each way through Rancho Sante Fe. Traffic is a non issue staying off the 56. So going back and forth is the only negative. But again I prefer the warmer weather and would rather visit than live at beach. Last summer was especially bad in that the beach was mostly overcast May-Aug but sunny at our house. Ideally you should buy a beach house too:)Call Kelly at the Santaluz Club and she will be happy to show you around the community. Tell her Mike and Lynda sent you. With 800 homes it doesn’t take long to know a lot of good people. Who knows maybe we will meet at the pool, club, or mens grill. Maybe we will meet through our kids at the fantastic Willow Grove Elementary school. Yes you need to get registered now. Call the school and if you live close to the school/Santaluz you should get in. But do it now as a lot of communities farther away try to get their kids in too. Especially Kindergarten and I know they are doing registration shortly.[/quote]
VonBeeler,
Thanks for taking the time to post that about Santaluz. I know that development takes some flack sometimes from some people but what you described and that sense of “community” is what we hear from people that live or lived in that community.
We’re taking a serious look at some properties there next month while we are in town.
Can I ask you what your biggest 2 or 3 negatives would be about the development? Besides the higher HOA and Mello Roos do you see any downsides/negatives at all?
Also, is it really only 15 minutes to the beach? I’ve read some realtor’s saying things like 10-15 minutes to the beach but I figured that was no way possible. Can I ask what beaches you are referring to that are only 15 minutes away?
