Advice on 5bdrms in Carmel Country Highlands

[Rhett]

There are a lot of people speculating on commute options by looking at Google maps. Rather than have these ego-driven, “I am smarter than you” exchanges, wouldn’t it make sense for people to actually *ask* if any Piggington reader does those commutes on a regular basis?

I’ve seen it take over 40 minutes to go from Campus Point Drive to the 52 on ramp on Genesee, and that is not abnormal – you can depend on it a few times a week. On many days, it would actually be faster to take 5 South (which is itself a bit congested normally) to 52 East to Regents or Genesee North, effectively making a “loop” around the UTC area.

Likewise, any commute that takes you to 56 Eastbound in the afternoon, or uses Westbound in the morning, is going to be horrible. Every single day.

Worst case scenario analysis is pointless – almost every option for the original poster is going to involve some route that can get awful.

[Scarlett]

[quote=bearishgurl][quote=sdrealtor]Bullshit! By the time she walks out the office door, gets to the car, navigates surface streets, pulls in the driveway and walks in the door we are still talking a very likely 30 minutes in teh car round trip. Then she runs in the door, throws a sandwich together and shovels it down her throat in another 10 minutes only to hug those kids and say Mommy loves you before running out the door. Sounds wonderful to me. [/quote]

Thank you, sdr. That’s 15 mins max to/from “home” one way, living in UC.[/quote]

sdr is right – if it’s only 1 hour break. 30′ round trip – that means only 30′ left to get lunch ready, feed the kids and herself.

I worked at UCSD for a few years, lived in UTC right next to campus and without kids and going home for lunch was not really doable with only 1 hr. Barely had time to put something together and wolf it down. Add young kids in the mix that when they see their mommy home they want to do things with her and talk to her – and it’s almost impossible to do lunch together in half hour.

Sure dad working from home can help a bit but small kids don’t handle such quick transitions that well. Going home for lunch with 1 hour break it’s not something mom would be able to do no matter where she works in UCSD if she doesn’t live right on campus.

However if she can take regularly longer lunch breaks, then yes.

[Scarlett]

[quote=bearishgurl][quote=sdrealtor]Bullshit! By the time she walks out the office door, gets to the car, navigates surface streets, pulls in the driveway and walks in the door we are still talking a very likely 30 minutes in teh car round trip. Then she runs in the door, throws a sandwich together and shovels it down her throat in another 10 minutes only to hug those kids and say Mommy loves you before running out the door. Sounds wonderful to me. [/quote]

Thank you, sdr. That’s 15 mins max to/from “home” one way, living in UC.[/quote]

sdr is right – if it’s only 1 hour break. 30′ round trip – that means only 30′ left to get lunch ready, feed the kids and herself.

I worked at UCSD for a few years, lived in UTC right next to campus and without kids and going home for lunch was not really doable with only 1 hr. Barely had time to put something together and wolf it down. Add young kids in the mix that when they see their mommy home they want to do things with her and talk to her – and it’s almost impossible to do lunch together in half hour.

Sure dad working from home can help a bit but small kids don’t handle such quick transitions that well. Going home for lunch with 1 hour break it’s not something mom would be able to do no matter where she works in UCSD if she doesn’t live right on campus.

However if she can take regularly longer lunch breaks, then yes.

[Scarlett]

[quote=bearishgurl][quote=sdrealtor]Bullshit! By the time she walks out the office door, gets to the car, navigates surface streets, pulls in the driveway and walks in the door we are still talking a very likely 30 minutes in teh car round trip. Then she runs in the door, throws a sandwich together and shovels it down her throat in another 10 minutes only to hug those kids and say Mommy loves you before running out the door. Sounds wonderful to me. [/quote]

Thank you, sdr. That’s 15 mins max to/from “home” one way, living in UC.[/quote]

sdr is right – if it’s only 1 hour break. 30′ round trip – that means only 30′ left to get lunch ready, feed the kids and herself.

I worked at UCSD for a few years, lived in UTC right next to campus and without kids and going home for lunch was not really doable with only 1 hr. Barely had time to put something together and wolf it down. Add young kids in the mix that when they see their mommy home they want to do things with her and talk to her – and it’s almost impossible to do lunch together in half hour.

Sure dad working from home can help a bit but small kids don’t handle such quick transitions that well. Going home for lunch with 1 hour break it’s not something mom would be able to do no matter where she works in UCSD if she doesn’t live right on campus.

However if she can take regularly longer lunch breaks, then yes.

[Scarlett]

[quote=bearishgurl][quote=sdrealtor]Bullshit! By the time she walks out the office door, gets to the car, navigates surface streets, pulls in the driveway and walks in the door we are still talking a very likely 30 minutes in teh car round trip. Then she runs in the door, throws a sandwich together and shovels it down her throat in another 10 minutes only to hug those kids and say Mommy loves you before running out the door. Sounds wonderful to me. [/quote]

Thank you, sdr. That’s 15 mins max to/from “home” one way, living in UC.[/quote]

sdr is right – if it’s only 1 hour break. 30′ round trip – that means only 30′ left to get lunch ready, feed the kids and herself.

I worked at UCSD for a few years, lived in UTC right next to campus and without kids and going home for lunch was not really doable with only 1 hr. Barely had time to put something together and wolf it down. Add young kids in the mix that when they see their mommy home they want to do things with her and talk to her – and it’s almost impossible to do lunch together in half hour.

Sure dad working from home can help a bit but small kids don’t handle such quick transitions that well. Going home for lunch with 1 hour break it’s not something mom would be able to do no matter where she works in UCSD if she doesn’t live right on campus.

However if she can take regularly longer lunch breaks, then yes.

[Scarlett]

[quote=bearishgurl][quote=sdrealtor]Bullshit! By the time she walks out the office door, gets to the car, navigates surface streets, pulls in the driveway and walks in the door we are still talking a very likely 30 minutes in teh car round trip. Then she runs in the door, throws a sandwich together and shovels it down her throat in another 10 minutes only to hug those kids and say Mommy loves you before running out the door. Sounds wonderful to me. [/quote]

Thank you, sdr. That’s 15 mins max to/from “home” one way, living in UC.[/quote]

sdr is right – if it’s only 1 hour break. 30′ round trip – that means only 30′ left to get lunch ready, feed the kids and herself.

I worked at UCSD for a few years, lived in UTC right next to campus and without kids and going home for lunch was not really doable with only 1 hr. Barely had time to put something together and wolf it down. Add young kids in the mix that when they see their mommy home they want to do things with her and talk to her – and it’s almost impossible to do lunch together in half hour.

Sure dad working from home can help a bit but small kids don’t handle such quick transitions that well. Going home for lunch with 1 hour break it’s not something mom would be able to do no matter where she works in UCSD if she doesn’t live right on campus.

However if she can take regularly longer lunch breaks, then yes.

[UCGal]

Let me talk about the pluses and minuses of the UC listings that were posted. As many of you know – I’m a UC resident – and grew up here as well. I went to Curie in the 60’s and my kids go there now.

Curie Elementary: Very good school. Not all teachers are great, though. A lot of “teaching to the test”. A number of teachers are older and may not have adapted to newer curriculum. There are some excellent teachers as well. VERY high parental involvement. Lacks socioeconomic diversity -so kids are all from the same background. (Some folks think this is good, others think it’s too insular.) 1/3 of the kids are GATE. Not a Seminar school.

Spreckels Elementary. Disclaimer – my sister teaches there. Spanish language magnet so it draws kids from throughout the district. This gives it the socioeconomic and racial diversity (and probably impacts the API scores). If you look at the API scores by race – white kids (neighborhood kids) do very well. (921). It has a Seminar program (super gifted kids). It has spanish language programs as part of it’s magnet. Very high parental involvement.

Disclaimer again: I considered choicing my kids into Spreckels for the diversity. I’m of the belief that kids need to see kids from different situations – life is not as insular as Curie.

6223 Radcliffe.
– Overlooks Genesee and the apartments on Genesee. Backyard is 100% pool. In the Spreckels elementary boundaries (even though closer to Curie.) Nice house, nice location, but the backyard would be a deal breaker for me.

7095 Condon.
– Overlooks Rose Canyon. Nice views. Would get train noise and traffic noise from Genesee. Not sure how loud it would be during the drop off/pickup hours for UCHS. I like this house – but noise might be an issue. Also in the Spreckels boundary.

4628 Benhurst
– Disclaimer again. My best friend growing up lived in the 1 story next door, LOL. Nice street. backs to a hillside that has houses below. Curie district. Looks to be a fixer – so probably overpriced… depending on the work needed.

6425 Edmonton.
– Literally next door to Curie. In fact teachers and some parents access the front parking lot through the alley next to this house. (You’ll see me walking my dog in that alley to pick up my sons from the after school program.) Lots of traffic on this street (and parking issues) due to the school. House was added onto over the years – doesn’t look like all additions make sense. But the ultimate “walk to school” house since it abuts the school.

UC in general:
UTC/North UTC is mostly condos with some detached homes. Newer homes. Denser development. Homes are in the Doyle Elementary boundary.

South UC (south of Rose Canyon, north of 52) has a variety of homes built between 1962 and 2000. Homes from the 60’s tend to be 2000sf and less. Newer (late 70’s) larger homes are in a pocket just north of Henries Market – between Mercer and Regents. Most of the houses on canyons or hillsides have larger lots. (80% of my block has 10k+ lots.)

More info than you ever wanted to know about UC. I know there are at least 2 other pigs that live in UC. It’s a nice hood – but may not fit your specific needs.

[UCGal]

Let me talk about the pluses and minuses of the UC listings that were posted. As many of you know – I’m a UC resident – and grew up here as well. I went to Curie in the 60’s and my kids go there now.

Curie Elementary: Very good school. Not all teachers are great, though. A lot of “teaching to the test”. A number of teachers are older and may not have adapted to newer curriculum. There are some excellent teachers as well. VERY high parental involvement. Lacks socioeconomic diversity -so kids are all from the same background. (Some folks think this is good, others think it’s too insular.) 1/3 of the kids are GATE. Not a Seminar school.

Spreckels Elementary. Disclaimer – my sister teaches there. Spanish language magnet so it draws kids from throughout the district. This gives it the socioeconomic and racial diversity (and probably impacts the API scores). If you look at the API scores by race – white kids (neighborhood kids) do very well. (921). It has a Seminar program (super gifted kids). It has spanish language programs as part of it’s magnet. Very high parental involvement.

Disclaimer again: I considered choicing my kids into Spreckels for the diversity. I’m of the belief that kids need to see kids from different situations – life is not as insular as Curie.

6223 Radcliffe.
– Overlooks Genesee and the apartments on Genesee. Backyard is 100% pool. In the Spreckels elementary boundaries (even though closer to Curie.) Nice house, nice location, but the backyard would be a deal breaker for me.

7095 Condon.
– Overlooks Rose Canyon. Nice views. Would get train noise and traffic noise from Genesee. Not sure how loud it would be during the drop off/pickup hours for UCHS. I like this house – but noise might be an issue. Also in the Spreckels boundary.

4628 Benhurst
– Disclaimer again. My best friend growing up lived in the 1 story next door, LOL. Nice street. backs to a hillside that has houses below. Curie district. Looks to be a fixer – so probably overpriced… depending on the work needed.

6425 Edmonton.
– Literally next door to Curie. In fact teachers and some parents access the front parking lot through the alley next to this house. (You’ll see me walking my dog in that alley to pick up my sons from the after school program.) Lots of traffic on this street (and parking issues) due to the school. House was added onto over the years – doesn’t look like all additions make sense. But the ultimate “walk to school” house since it abuts the school.

UC in general:
UTC/North UTC is mostly condos with some detached homes. Newer homes. Denser development. Homes are in the Doyle Elementary boundary.

South UC (south of Rose Canyon, north of 52) has a variety of homes built between 1962 and 2000. Homes from the 60’s tend to be 2000sf and less. Newer (late 70’s) larger homes are in a pocket just north of Henries Market – between Mercer and Regents. Most of the houses on canyons or hillsides have larger lots. (80% of my block has 10k+ lots.)

More info than you ever wanted to know about UC. I know there are at least 2 other pigs that live in UC. It’s a nice hood – but may not fit your specific needs.

[UCGal]

Let me talk about the pluses and minuses of the UC listings that were posted. As many of you know – I’m a UC resident – and grew up here as well. I went to Curie in the 60’s and my kids go there now.

Curie Elementary: Very good school. Not all teachers are great, though. A lot of “teaching to the test”. A number of teachers are older and may not have adapted to newer curriculum. There are some excellent teachers as well. VERY high parental involvement. Lacks socioeconomic diversity -so kids are all from the same background. (Some folks think this is good, others think it’s too insular.) 1/3 of the kids are GATE. Not a Seminar school.

Spreckels Elementary. Disclaimer – my sister teaches there. Spanish language magnet so it draws kids from throughout the district. This gives it the socioeconomic and racial diversity (and probably impacts the API scores). If you look at the API scores by race – white kids (neighborhood kids) do very well. (921). It has a Seminar program (super gifted kids). It has spanish language programs as part of it’s magnet. Very high parental involvement.

Disclaimer again: I considered choicing my kids into Spreckels for the diversity. I’m of the belief that kids need to see kids from different situations – life is not as insular as Curie.

6223 Radcliffe.
– Overlooks Genesee and the apartments on Genesee. Backyard is 100% pool. In the Spreckels elementary boundaries (even though closer to Curie.) Nice house, nice location, but the backyard would be a deal breaker for me.

7095 Condon.
– Overlooks Rose Canyon. Nice views. Would get train noise and traffic noise from Genesee. Not sure how loud it would be during the drop off/pickup hours for UCHS. I like this house – but noise might be an issue. Also in the Spreckels boundary.

4628 Benhurst
– Disclaimer again. My best friend growing up lived in the 1 story next door, LOL. Nice street. backs to a hillside that has houses below. Curie district. Looks to be a fixer – so probably overpriced… depending on the work needed.

6425 Edmonton.
– Literally next door to Curie. In fact teachers and some parents access the front parking lot through the alley next to this house. (You’ll see me walking my dog in that alley to pick up my sons from the after school program.) Lots of traffic on this street (and parking issues) due to the school. House was added onto over the years – doesn’t look like all additions make sense. But the ultimate “walk to school” house since it abuts the school.

UC in general:
UTC/North UTC is mostly condos with some detached homes. Newer homes. Denser development. Homes are in the Doyle Elementary boundary.

South UC (south of Rose Canyon, north of 52) has a variety of homes built between 1962 and 2000. Homes from the 60’s tend to be 2000sf and less. Newer (late 70’s) larger homes are in a pocket just north of Henries Market – between Mercer and Regents. Most of the houses on canyons or hillsides have larger lots. (80% of my block has 10k+ lots.)

More info than you ever wanted to know about UC. I know there are at least 2 other pigs that live in UC. It’s a nice hood – but may not fit your specific needs.

[UCGal]

Let me talk about the pluses and minuses of the UC listings that were posted. As many of you know – I’m a UC resident – and grew up here as well. I went to Curie in the 60’s and my kids go there now.

Curie Elementary: Very good school. Not all teachers are great, though. A lot of “teaching to the test”. A number of teachers are older and may not have adapted to newer curriculum. There are some excellent teachers as well. VERY high parental involvement. Lacks socioeconomic diversity -so kids are all from the same background. (Some folks think this is good, others think it’s too insular.) 1/3 of the kids are GATE. Not a Seminar school.

Spreckels Elementary. Disclaimer – my sister teaches there. Spanish language magnet so it draws kids from throughout the district. This gives it the socioeconomic and racial diversity (and probably impacts the API scores). If you look at the API scores by race – white kids (neighborhood kids) do very well. (921). It has a Seminar program (super gifted kids). It has spanish language programs as part of it’s magnet. Very high parental involvement.

Disclaimer again: I considered choicing my kids into Spreckels for the diversity. I’m of the belief that kids need to see kids from different situations – life is not as insular as Curie.

6223 Radcliffe.
– Overlooks Genesee and the apartments on Genesee. Backyard is 100% pool. In the Spreckels elementary boundaries (even though closer to Curie.) Nice house, nice location, but the backyard would be a deal breaker for me.

7095 Condon.
– Overlooks Rose Canyon. Nice views. Would get train noise and traffic noise from Genesee. Not sure how loud it would be during the drop off/pickup hours for UCHS. I like this house – but noise might be an issue. Also in the Spreckels boundary.

4628 Benhurst
– Disclaimer again. My best friend growing up lived in the 1 story next door, LOL. Nice street. backs to a hillside that has houses below. Curie district. Looks to be a fixer – so probably overpriced… depending on the work needed.

6425 Edmonton.
– Literally next door to Curie. In fact teachers and some parents access the front parking lot through the alley next to this house. (You’ll see me walking my dog in that alley to pick up my sons from the after school program.) Lots of traffic on this street (and parking issues) due to the school. House was added onto over the years – doesn’t look like all additions make sense. But the ultimate “walk to school” house since it abuts the school.

UC in general:
UTC/North UTC is mostly condos with some detached homes. Newer homes. Denser development. Homes are in the Doyle Elementary boundary.

South UC (south of Rose Canyon, north of 52) has a variety of homes built between 1962 and 2000. Homes from the 60’s tend to be 2000sf and less. Newer (late 70’s) larger homes are in a pocket just north of Henries Market – between Mercer and Regents. Most of the houses on canyons or hillsides have larger lots. (80% of my block has 10k+ lots.)

More info than you ever wanted to know about UC. I know there are at least 2 other pigs that live in UC. It’s a nice hood – but may not fit your specific needs.

[UCGal]

Let me talk about the pluses and minuses of the UC listings that were posted. As many of you know – I’m a UC resident – and grew up here as well. I went to Curie in the 60’s and my kids go there now.

Curie Elementary: Very good school. Not all teachers are great, though. A lot of “teaching to the test”. A number of teachers are older and may not have adapted to newer curriculum. There are some excellent teachers as well. VERY high parental involvement. Lacks socioeconomic diversity -so kids are all from the same background. (Some folks think this is good, others think it’s too insular.) 1/3 of the kids are GATE. Not a Seminar school.

Spreckels Elementary. Disclaimer – my sister teaches there. Spanish language magnet so it draws kids from throughout the district. This gives it the socioeconomic and racial diversity (and probably impacts the API scores). If you look at the API scores by race – white kids (neighborhood kids) do very well. (921). It has a Seminar program (super gifted kids). It has spanish language programs as part of it’s magnet. Very high parental involvement.

Disclaimer again: I considered choicing my kids into Spreckels for the diversity. I’m of the belief that kids need to see kids from different situations – life is not as insular as Curie.

6223 Radcliffe.
– Overlooks Genesee and the apartments on Genesee. Backyard is 100% pool. In the Spreckels elementary boundaries (even though closer to Curie.) Nice house, nice location, but the backyard would be a deal breaker for me.

7095 Condon.
– Overlooks Rose Canyon. Nice views. Would get train noise and traffic noise from Genesee. Not sure how loud it would be during the drop off/pickup hours for UCHS. I like this house – but noise might be an issue. Also in the Spreckels boundary.

4628 Benhurst
– Disclaimer again. My best friend growing up lived in the 1 story next door, LOL. Nice street. backs to a hillside that has houses below. Curie district. Looks to be a fixer – so probably overpriced… depending on the work needed.

6425 Edmonton.
– Literally next door to Curie. In fact teachers and some parents access the front parking lot through the alley next to this house. (You’ll see me walking my dog in that alley to pick up my sons from the after school program.) Lots of traffic on this street (and parking issues) due to the school. House was added onto over the years – doesn’t look like all additions make sense. But the ultimate “walk to school” house since it abuts the school.

UC in general:
UTC/North UTC is mostly condos with some detached homes. Newer homes. Denser development. Homes are in the Doyle Elementary boundary.

South UC (south of Rose Canyon, north of 52) has a variety of homes built between 1962 and 2000. Homes from the 60’s tend to be 2000sf and less. Newer (late 70’s) larger homes are in a pocket just north of Henries Market – between Mercer and Regents. Most of the houses on canyons or hillsides have larger lots. (80% of my block has 10k+ lots.)

More info than you ever wanted to know about UC. I know there are at least 2 other pigs that live in UC. It’s a nice hood – but may not fit your specific needs.

[an]

yellowS2K, here are some example of what you can get in SV:
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100051278-6688_Hollycrest_Ct_San_Diego_CA_92121

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100053986-11060_Lopez_Ridge_Way_San_Diego_CA_92121

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100070304-5919_Seacrest_View_Rd_San_Diego_CA_92121

Rhett, that’s why I suggest Torrey Hills and Sorrento Valley, not the rest of Carmel Valley. Traffic gets backed up on the 56 and get pushed onto the bypass. If you exit Carmel Mt. Rd., majority of the time, you wouldn’t hit traffic. With Sorrento Valley, you’re one short exit away, so as long as you can get yourself on the freeway, the offramp is a few hundred feet away. Sorrento Valley Blvd. is very empty most of the time, so it would be very rare to see traffic going home in the evening. The only potential traffic for Sorrento Valley is in the morning, if you go when the train goes, that can cause a little traffic and take you 5-10 minutes to get on the freeway, depending on how long the train is.

[an]

yellowS2K, here are some example of what you can get in SV:
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100051278-6688_Hollycrest_Ct_San_Diego_CA_92121

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100053986-11060_Lopez_Ridge_Way_San_Diego_CA_92121

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100070304-5919_Seacrest_View_Rd_San_Diego_CA_92121

Rhett, that’s why I suggest Torrey Hills and Sorrento Valley, not the rest of Carmel Valley. Traffic gets backed up on the 56 and get pushed onto the bypass. If you exit Carmel Mt. Rd., majority of the time, you wouldn’t hit traffic. With Sorrento Valley, you’re one short exit away, so as long as you can get yourself on the freeway, the offramp is a few hundred feet away. Sorrento Valley Blvd. is very empty most of the time, so it would be very rare to see traffic going home in the evening. The only potential traffic for Sorrento Valley is in the morning, if you go when the train goes, that can cause a little traffic and take you 5-10 minutes to get on the freeway, depending on how long the train is.

[an]

yellowS2K, here are some example of what you can get in SV:
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100051278-6688_Hollycrest_Ct_San_Diego_CA_92121

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100053986-11060_Lopez_Ridge_Way_San_Diego_CA_92121

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100070304-5919_Seacrest_View_Rd_San_Diego_CA_92121

Rhett, that’s why I suggest Torrey Hills and Sorrento Valley, not the rest of Carmel Valley. Traffic gets backed up on the 56 and get pushed onto the bypass. If you exit Carmel Mt. Rd., majority of the time, you wouldn’t hit traffic. With Sorrento Valley, you’re one short exit away, so as long as you can get yourself on the freeway, the offramp is a few hundred feet away. Sorrento Valley Blvd. is very empty most of the time, so it would be very rare to see traffic going home in the evening. The only potential traffic for Sorrento Valley is in the morning, if you go when the train goes, that can cause a little traffic and take you 5-10 minutes to get on the freeway, depending on how long the train is.

[an]

yellowS2K, here are some example of what you can get in SV:
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100051278-6688_Hollycrest_Ct_San_Diego_CA_92121

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100053986-11060_Lopez_Ridge_Way_San_Diego_CA_92121

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100070304-5919_Seacrest_View_Rd_San_Diego_CA_92121

Rhett, that’s why I suggest Torrey Hills and Sorrento Valley, not the rest of Carmel Valley. Traffic gets backed up on the 56 and get pushed onto the bypass. If you exit Carmel Mt. Rd., majority of the time, you wouldn’t hit traffic. With Sorrento Valley, you’re one short exit away, so as long as you can get yourself on the freeway, the offramp is a few hundred feet away. Sorrento Valley Blvd. is very empty most of the time, so it would be very rare to see traffic going home in the evening. The only potential traffic for Sorrento Valley is in the morning, if you go when the train goes, that can cause a little traffic and take you 5-10 minutes to get on the freeway, depending on how long the train is.

[Author]

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