For the kind of $$ you’re looking at spending, you CAN get into University City 92122 and get the house size you need, without the inland heat, Mello Roos and HOA dues. The elementary schools in UC are Curie and Spreckels (SDUSD) and both are highly rated, as well as Standley Middle and University City High School. As a UC 92122 SFR resident, your children will have the right to attend these schools as they would be in the UC attendance area and your spouse would likely have a 5-10 minute commute to work with NO fwys. In addition, Lindbergh Field is only about 12 miles SW of there on I-5.
In my mind, the prices you are quoting are outrageous for an inland new construction location within a Community Facilities District, which adds substantial Mello Roos costs onto your tax bill. Especially since those local Elementary school(s) you mention are currently impacted and thus may not accept any more students (even those living WITHIN their attendance areas). There’s something wrong with the notion that you will be paying substantial Mello Roos tax for schools your children may never be allowed to attend.
Are you absolutely stuck on new construction, yellow2sk? The ppsf you are quoting (above) seems very high.
With the above properties, you won’t even have to invest in expensive backyard landscaping or window coverings!
Since many larger older homes have pools, I should mention to you that a toddler pool fence surround costs between $2K and $4K, depending on size of pool. They are black, cream or white powder finish and can be taken down and rolled up and come with matching caps for the holes so you can have an adult party on your patio. I have purchased a couple of these in my lifetime and they are very attractive and WORK VERY WELL.
