We lived in Steeplechase for the last 5 years. The houses are smaller than most of the surrounding houses (Steeplechase 2200-2600, Belmont 2700-3700, Lexington 3700-4600). Palacio Del Mar is mostly similar sized, with some smaller. So I’m not sure I’d call Steeplechase large.
They’ve held their value as well as most of Carmel Valley, which is to say quite well, and I don’t see any reason that should be different in the future.
They are a bit old for this part of Carmel Valley (mostly 10-13 years old). The house we lived in was constructed like any other Pardee home. Which is to say the construction was mediocre. Pardee saved a nickel anywhere they could.
Sage Canyon is a great school. The neighborhood is very nice with tons of families. We liked the location. Easy freeway access with no freeway noise. Great weather in the summer (low to mid ’70s most of the time). Near the beach. Near shopping.
All in all, we loved living there. As I said in a previous post, I think Scripps Ranch is a real sweet spot. The weather isn’t too hot, there are lots of families, the schools are good, and the houses are less expensive than CV. If you want to pay 15% more for slightly better schools, 8-10 degree cooler weather in the summer, a shorter drive to the beach, and, depending where you work, maybe a shorter commute, then Carmel Valley is a good spot for you.
Neither CV or SR has “character.” If you want character, you might check out Encinitas.
