You can come close to having it all, but in a lot of cases it’s luck rather than careful planning. I’m a single mum in South Park – Bohemian, walking neighborhood, kids riding bikes to friends’ houses etc – and was fortunate a good charter school moved in a few blocks from the house (Albert Einstien Academy). Luckily the kids got in. There’s also the VEEP program so local kids get the chance to attend La Jolla schools with free busing, although that is threatened every year with budget cuts.
have to agree with other posters though, rent before buying. San Diego is not the East Coast – very different vibe, values, etc.
