Highlands Village in Carmel Valley: need advice!

[lepetitangel]

Hi All,
Husband and I have been thinking about buying another home since the market has come down quite a bit in the past 3 years.
We bought a 2-bed/2.5-bath spacious condo/townhome (1450-sqft) in 4S Ranch 3 years ago,and would like to get a more family-oriented home that has at least 3-bedroom+ (1700-sqft+). We’ve been looking at areas from Carmel Valley to the West and 4S Ranch area in the East. Hubby works in Rancho Bernardo while I work in Carlsbad. Carmel Valley area (the west end of it) would be good for me in terms of commute as commute from 15N-78W is not a fun one. We want to know what people think we should do.

Our budget is between 500~600K. In CV that only gets you a townhome between 1500~1800-sqft if you want the area to be close to Del Mar/CV shopping area. Or we could get a small SFH with more yard in 4S Ranch (as there’re lots of homes available in 4S Ranch and a good number of owners are selling at loss). The problem is since we already have a condo in 4S Ranch, it seems like a bad idea to buy our 2nd home in the same area. I also have concern for potential fire problem as Rancho Bernardo WAS burned in 2007 fire.

We took a look at Highlands Village in CV (corner of Carmel County and Carmel Mountain Rd) this past weekend. Again they’re not SFH and mostly just townhomes. We like plan 4 which is 2000+ sqft with 4-bedroom/2.5-bathroom. We like the floorplan and it’s nice that it’s a corner unit so that we get lots of light. I want to know what people think in terms of resale value say in 10 years.

1) New townhome built now (with no yard at all) in Carmel Valley.
2) Semi-new SFH built in 2005~2007 in 4S Ranch with a small yard.

These all have no driveways as as SFH with driveways would cost more than we can afford.

Please give us some advice and what you think of the Highland Village!

Again the plan4 we like is in high 500s/low 600s price range. They have built half of the units and should we wait till winter or next year to buy? (I think market needs to come down more).

thanks!

[Coronita]

I think spending 500-600k for a townhome in CV (while is market price) is a lot and I personally think in the long run you would lose money…And I hardly consider that long term plans for raising a family..You’ll probably want a bigger place when you actually have kid(s).But that’s my opinion.

I would not expect for prices of this new construction to come down soon…A couple of reasons because despite what I think is an overly inflated price in this particular area (Carmel Country Highland), it’s still in pretty good demand.
Also, Pardee controls this area very very well in trickling the releases…
Highland Village will be nice, and supposedly some higher end stores are going in that area too…..

However, if you have kids or planning to have kids, and you were thinking this would give you access to Sage Canyon or East Ocean Air Elementary, both schools are at full capacity right now, and there’s a wait list…So you might end up taking your kid to go to another elementary school in the same district that isn’t full.. (A lot of parents who bought into this area (Saratoga/Derby Hills/Carriage Run/Bridle Ridge) are going to be PO’ed if they are one of the unlucky ones aren’t going to be able to send their kids to Sage or East Ocean Air…lol)

I spend part of my time in Rancho Bernardo, and the commute from CV to RB in the morning takes about 20 mins on 56E/15n since you’re going against traffic. In the evening, it’s about the same.

You’re commute to Carlesbad is going to be better than from 15n.

My recommendation: rent in CV first, and wait it out. There’s plenty of townhome-like rentals in Torrey Hills and in Del Mar Heights.

[Coronita]

I think spending 500-600k for a townhome in CV (while is market price) is a lot and I personally think in the long run you would lose money…And I hardly consider that long term plans for raising a family..You’ll probably want a bigger place when you actually have kid(s).But that’s my opinion.

I would not expect for prices of this new construction to come down soon…A couple of reasons because despite what I think is an overly inflated price in this particular area (Carmel Country Highland), it’s still in pretty good demand.
Also, Pardee controls this area very very well in trickling the releases…
Highland Village will be nice, and supposedly some higher end stores are going in that area too…..

However, if you have kids or planning to have kids, and you were thinking this would give you access to Sage Canyon or East Ocean Air Elementary, both schools are at full capacity right now, and there’s a wait list…So you might end up taking your kid to go to another elementary school in the same district that isn’t full.. (A lot of parents who bought into this area (Saratoga/Derby Hills/Carriage Run/Bridle Ridge) are going to be PO’ed if they are one of the unlucky ones aren’t going to be able to send their kids to Sage or East Ocean Air…lol)

I spend part of my time in Rancho Bernardo, and the commute from CV to RB in the morning takes about 20 mins on 56E/15n since you’re going against traffic. In the evening, it’s about the same.

You’re commute to Carlesbad is going to be better than from 15n.

My recommendation: rent in CV first, and wait it out. There’s plenty of townhome-like rentals in Torrey Hills and in Del Mar Heights.

[Coronita]

I think spending 500-600k for a townhome in CV (while is market price) is a lot and I personally think in the long run you would lose money…And I hardly consider that long term plans for raising a family..You’ll probably want a bigger place when you actually have kid(s).But that’s my opinion.

I would not expect for prices of this new construction to come down soon…A couple of reasons because despite what I think is an overly inflated price in this particular area (Carmel Country Highland), it’s still in pretty good demand.
Also, Pardee controls this area very very well in trickling the releases…
Highland Village will be nice, and supposedly some higher end stores are going in that area too…..

However, if you have kids or planning to have kids, and you were thinking this would give you access to Sage Canyon or East Ocean Air Elementary, both schools are at full capacity right now, and there’s a wait list…So you might end up taking your kid to go to another elementary school in the same district that isn’t full.. (A lot of parents who bought into this area (Saratoga/Derby Hills/Carriage Run/Bridle Ridge) are going to be PO’ed if they are one of the unlucky ones aren’t going to be able to send their kids to Sage or East Ocean Air…lol)

I spend part of my time in Rancho Bernardo, and the commute from CV to RB in the morning takes about 20 mins on 56E/15n since you’re going against traffic. In the evening, it’s about the same.

You’re commute to Carlesbad is going to be better than from 15n.

My recommendation: rent in CV first, and wait it out. There’s plenty of townhome-like rentals in Torrey Hills and in Del Mar Heights.

[Coronita]

I think spending 500-600k for a townhome in CV (while is market price) is a lot and I personally think in the long run you would lose money…And I hardly consider that long term plans for raising a family..You’ll probably want a bigger place when you actually have kid(s).But that’s my opinion.

I would not expect for prices of this new construction to come down soon…A couple of reasons because despite what I think is an overly inflated price in this particular area (Carmel Country Highland), it’s still in pretty good demand.
Also, Pardee controls this area very very well in trickling the releases…
Highland Village will be nice, and supposedly some higher end stores are going in that area too…..

However, if you have kids or planning to have kids, and you were thinking this would give you access to Sage Canyon or East Ocean Air Elementary, both schools are at full capacity right now, and there’s a wait list…So you might end up taking your kid to go to another elementary school in the same district that isn’t full.. (A lot of parents who bought into this area (Saratoga/Derby Hills/Carriage Run/Bridle Ridge) are going to be PO’ed if they are one of the unlucky ones aren’t going to be able to send their kids to Sage or East Ocean Air…lol)

I spend part of my time in Rancho Bernardo, and the commute from CV to RB in the morning takes about 20 mins on 56E/15n since you’re going against traffic. In the evening, it’s about the same.

You’re commute to Carlesbad is going to be better than from 15n.

My recommendation: rent in CV first, and wait it out. There’s plenty of townhome-like rentals in Torrey Hills and in Del Mar Heights.

[Coronita]

I think spending 500-600k for a townhome in CV (while is market price) is a lot and I personally think in the long run you would lose money…And I hardly consider that long term plans for raising a family..You’ll probably want a bigger place when you actually have kid(s).But that’s my opinion.

I would not expect for prices of this new construction to come down soon…A couple of reasons because despite what I think is an overly inflated price in this particular area (Carmel Country Highland), it’s still in pretty good demand.
Also, Pardee controls this area very very well in trickling the releases…
Highland Village will be nice, and supposedly some higher end stores are going in that area too…..

However, if you have kids or planning to have kids, and you were thinking this would give you access to Sage Canyon or East Ocean Air Elementary, both schools are at full capacity right now, and there’s a wait list…So you might end up taking your kid to go to another elementary school in the same district that isn’t full.. (A lot of parents who bought into this area (Saratoga/Derby Hills/Carriage Run/Bridle Ridge) are going to be PO’ed if they are one of the unlucky ones aren’t going to be able to send their kids to Sage or East Ocean Air…lol)

I spend part of my time in Rancho Bernardo, and the commute from CV to RB in the morning takes about 20 mins on 56E/15n since you’re going against traffic. In the evening, it’s about the same.

You’re commute to Carlesbad is going to be better than from 15n.

My recommendation: rent in CV first, and wait it out. There’s plenty of townhome-like rentals in Torrey Hills and in Del Mar Heights.

[lepetitangel]

Hi Flu,
Thanks for your advice. I’ve seen your posts on various topics and I really respect your opinions.

I agree that 500s~600s are still pretty expensive. However, for supply and demand, it’s hard for the CV housing price to drop?? I like CV cuz my parents have a SFH here since 2004, and I realize in terms of commuting convenience, it’s probably one of the best locations in San Diego. It doesn’t get too hot in the summer, and it’s pretty centralized. I hope the price do come down in the next 6 months although you also said Pardee controls the releases and pricing very well. Sigh…

I checked the school district for Highland Village. K1~6 it’s Del Mar School district while K6~12 it’s San Diequito school district. I read on other forums that San Diequito is not so good. Is that true?

We just got married last year and don’t anticipate to have kids for another 2 years. Basically we’ll be looking at 8+ years from now when we have to send kids to elementary school. I have thought that maybe by then we would sell the townhome we buy now, and buy another SFH. This is based on the assumption that the townhome we purchase for $600K now would go to $650K in 10 years with inflation (how housing traditionally rises in prices). How do you think about that idea in terms of concerns for kids education?

Again your advice is very appreciated.

p.s Do you think the housing double-dip can impact pricing in the CV area this year? I’ve been watching CV and 4S Ranch. If you compare the inventory on sdlookup, both areas have been rising 30~40% in inventory since January.

[lepetitangel]

Hi Flu,
Thanks for your advice. I’ve seen your posts on various topics and I really respect your opinions.

I agree that 500s~600s are still pretty expensive. However, for supply and demand, it’s hard for the CV housing price to drop?? I like CV cuz my parents have a SFH here since 2004, and I realize in terms of commuting convenience, it’s probably one of the best locations in San Diego. It doesn’t get too hot in the summer, and it’s pretty centralized. I hope the price do come down in the next 6 months although you also said Pardee controls the releases and pricing very well. Sigh…

I checked the school district for Highland Village. K1~6 it’s Del Mar School district while K6~12 it’s San Diequito school district. I read on other forums that San Diequito is not so good. Is that true?

We just got married last year and don’t anticipate to have kids for another 2 years. Basically we’ll be looking at 8+ years from now when we have to send kids to elementary school. I have thought that maybe by then we would sell the townhome we buy now, and buy another SFH. This is based on the assumption that the townhome we purchase for $600K now would go to $650K in 10 years with inflation (how housing traditionally rises in prices). How do you think about that idea in terms of concerns for kids education?

Again your advice is very appreciated.

p.s Do you think the housing double-dip can impact pricing in the CV area this year? I’ve been watching CV and 4S Ranch. If you compare the inventory on sdlookup, both areas have been rising 30~40% in inventory since January.

[lepetitangel]

Hi Flu,
Thanks for your advice. I’ve seen your posts on various topics and I really respect your opinions.

I agree that 500s~600s are still pretty expensive. However, for supply and demand, it’s hard for the CV housing price to drop?? I like CV cuz my parents have a SFH here since 2004, and I realize in terms of commuting convenience, it’s probably one of the best locations in San Diego. It doesn’t get too hot in the summer, and it’s pretty centralized. I hope the price do come down in the next 6 months although you also said Pardee controls the releases and pricing very well. Sigh…

I checked the school district for Highland Village. K1~6 it’s Del Mar School district while K6~12 it’s San Diequito school district. I read on other forums that San Diequito is not so good. Is that true?

We just got married last year and don’t anticipate to have kids for another 2 years. Basically we’ll be looking at 8+ years from now when we have to send kids to elementary school. I have thought that maybe by then we would sell the townhome we buy now, and buy another SFH. This is based on the assumption that the townhome we purchase for $600K now would go to $650K in 10 years with inflation (how housing traditionally rises in prices). How do you think about that idea in terms of concerns for kids education?

Again your advice is very appreciated.

p.s Do you think the housing double-dip can impact pricing in the CV area this year? I’ve been watching CV and 4S Ranch. If you compare the inventory on sdlookup, both areas have been rising 30~40% in inventory since January.

[lepetitangel]

Hi Flu,
Thanks for your advice. I’ve seen your posts on various topics and I really respect your opinions.

I agree that 500s~600s are still pretty expensive. However, for supply and demand, it’s hard for the CV housing price to drop?? I like CV cuz my parents have a SFH here since 2004, and I realize in terms of commuting convenience, it’s probably one of the best locations in San Diego. It doesn’t get too hot in the summer, and it’s pretty centralized. I hope the price do come down in the next 6 months although you also said Pardee controls the releases and pricing very well. Sigh…

I checked the school district for Highland Village. K1~6 it’s Del Mar School district while K6~12 it’s San Diequito school district. I read on other forums that San Diequito is not so good. Is that true?

We just got married last year and don’t anticipate to have kids for another 2 years. Basically we’ll be looking at 8+ years from now when we have to send kids to elementary school. I have thought that maybe by then we would sell the townhome we buy now, and buy another SFH. This is based on the assumption that the townhome we purchase for $600K now would go to $650K in 10 years with inflation (how housing traditionally rises in prices). How do you think about that idea in terms of concerns for kids education?

Again your advice is very appreciated.

p.s Do you think the housing double-dip can impact pricing in the CV area this year? I’ve been watching CV and 4S Ranch. If you compare the inventory on sdlookup, both areas have been rising 30~40% in inventory since January.

[lepetitangel]

Hi Flu,
Thanks for your advice. I’ve seen your posts on various topics and I really respect your opinions.

I agree that 500s~600s are still pretty expensive. However, for supply and demand, it’s hard for the CV housing price to drop?? I like CV cuz my parents have a SFH here since 2004, and I realize in terms of commuting convenience, it’s probably one of the best locations in San Diego. It doesn’t get too hot in the summer, and it’s pretty centralized. I hope the price do come down in the next 6 months although you also said Pardee controls the releases and pricing very well. Sigh…

I checked the school district for Highland Village. K1~6 it’s Del Mar School district while K6~12 it’s San Diequito school district. I read on other forums that San Diequito is not so good. Is that true?

We just got married last year and don’t anticipate to have kids for another 2 years. Basically we’ll be looking at 8+ years from now when we have to send kids to elementary school. I have thought that maybe by then we would sell the townhome we buy now, and buy another SFH. This is based on the assumption that the townhome we purchase for $600K now would go to $650K in 10 years with inflation (how housing traditionally rises in prices). How do you think about that idea in terms of concerns for kids education?

Again your advice is very appreciated.

p.s Do you think the housing double-dip can impact pricing in the CV area this year? I’ve been watching CV and 4S Ranch. If you compare the inventory on sdlookup, both areas have been rising 30~40% in inventory since January.

[teacherSD]

[quote=lepetitangel]

I checked the school district for Highland Village. K1~6 it’s Del Mar School district while K6~12 it’s San Diequito school district. I read on other forums that San Diequito is not so good. Is that true?

[/quote]

Where did you read that San Dieguito was not a good school district?

What high school district in San Diego County would be better? Maybe Poway? I think many people consider San Dieguito the best.

[teacherSD]

[quote=lepetitangel]

I checked the school district for Highland Village. K1~6 it’s Del Mar School district while K6~12 it’s San Diequito school district. I read on other forums that San Diequito is not so good. Is that true?

[/quote]

Where did you read that San Dieguito was not a good school district?

What high school district in San Diego County would be better? Maybe Poway? I think many people consider San Dieguito the best.

[teacherSD]

[quote=lepetitangel]

I checked the school district for Highland Village. K1~6 it’s Del Mar School district while K6~12 it’s San Diequito school district. I read on other forums that San Diequito is not so good. Is that true?

[/quote]

Where did you read that San Dieguito was not a good school district?

What high school district in San Diego County would be better? Maybe Poway? I think many people consider San Dieguito the best.

[teacherSD]

[quote=lepetitangel]

I checked the school district for Highland Village. K1~6 it’s Del Mar School district while K6~12 it’s San Diequito school district. I read on other forums that San Diequito is not so good. Is that true?

[/quote]

Where did you read that San Dieguito was not a good school district?

What high school district in San Diego County would be better? Maybe Poway? I think many people consider San Dieguito the best.

[Author]

Posts