I don’t even need some huge yard. I just didn’t like the fact that almost all of the homes in 4S Ranch and especially Carmel Valley all sit on top of one another.
There are a few developments including Santaluz that were much better where your neighbor couldn’t easily see into your back yard unless they really made an effort. The developers did a really great job planning the community here.
All of the houses we saw in Carmel Valley were in zip code 92130. The schools there are good as well but it’s not like you’re right on the water. I can be in Carmel Valley in 5 minutes from my house. It’s only 1 exit down from my exit.
I do like the physical location of Carmel Valley being so close to Del Mar and being in close proximity of the city but could never justify spending a million bucks on a house with absolutely NO privacy like many in Pacific Highlands Ranch.
The nice thing there was that there was almost no Mello Roos taxes in much of Carmel Valley but like I mentioned…I don’t think anyone buying a million dollar + house will get broken spending an extra $6,000 or so a year on MR taxes.
People might make a stink about having to pay $450 a month in HOA fees at Santaluz but they forget it includes Cable and Internet (10 MB) service. And the Cable is a good package that also includes HBO and Showtime.
So really I think the HOA fees here are quite reasonable for all that you get here. They keep the grounds in impeccable shape, have 24/7 security including roving security guards that always seem to be driving around.
I’ve referred a few people to Santaluz and so far everyone has absolutely been blown away when they visit.
