If you had 4 young kids, $2M, and wanted an acre…

[bearishgurl]

[quote=The-Shoveler] . . . in Bonsall you can get a very very nice place for around 1.5 mil.

School link,
http://www.bonsallusd.com/

Bonsall schools are rated about the same as San Marco’s, Not too shabby,[/quote]

Good area for the OP also!

[bearishgurl]

Is keeping poultry allowed in RPV? I thought (most or all of) it was situated inside a covenant . . .

[flyer]

We’ve lived in Rancho Santa Fe for over 20 years, and love it. You can check the zip code (92067) out at sdlookup.com to see what’s available, along with the other areas you’ve mentioned. (Not sure about the “chicken” thing in RSF. It would probably vary by property location within the area, and most realtors could probably answer that question.)

Even though we’ve also lived all over the world, we always come back to our home here, for all of the reasons you’ve mentioned.

Happy Hunting!

[Coronita]

[quote=The-Shoveler][quote=flu]Santa Barbara.

Or if you if must stay in so cal.
Palos Verdes.[/quote]

2-3 Mil won’t buy you a lot in Santa Barbara, but you will have Oprah as a neighbor,

You get a little more in Palos Verdes, not sure if Arnold still lives there or not, in Bonsall you can get a very very nice place for around 1.5 mil.

School link,
http://www.bonsallusd.com/

Bonsall schools are rated about the same as San Marco’s, Not too shabby,[/quote]

Arnold never lived in P.V. if I recall. And Palos Verdes includes 3 cities, depending on where you are at…If you can afford to live in RSF, you can afford to live in P.V.

[SD Realtor]

I like Elfin Forest or the rural area in east Encinitas.

[earlyretirement]

[quote=Kishy]Thanks for the thoughts everyone!

To be clear, I’m not looking for an investment, I’m looking for a place to raise my kids for the next 15 years. I don’t want to move around anymore. (Currently living in Spain – living overseas isn’t as glamorous as it sounds, kinda stinks actually.)

I wish wish wish I could live out of state and avoid Jerry brown’s anti-business measures. I wish I could find peace and happiness in Nevada or Texas. But i just love love love California. (many reasons but I don’t need to get into it.)

Again, I just want to settle down and have a home with some land and great people around and enjoy the weather 🙂 [and maybe some chickens… 😉 ][/quote]

Kishy,

I totally agree with you that living abroad isn’t as glamorous as it may sound. Yeah, there are upsides but lots of downsides, especially in places like Spain where there is HUGE inefficiency if you’re used to a place like the USA where everything is very efficient, transparent (for the most part) and life is very easy.

In many places probably including Spain, you can kill LOTS of time just going to the post office, grocery store, bank, etc. It’s like getting your teeth pulled out to me!

I also lived abroad for many years and while I did enjoy many aspects, I was VERY happy to move back to the USA so I understand what you mean.

Like you, I didn’t really look at my home purchase as an “investment” per se. I looked at it as a home where I’d raise my kids for the next 15 years or so.

I’ve been to all those places you mentioned many times and I agree with you that San Diego is absolutely the BEST option. The quality of life here is truly incredible if you can comfortably afford it. (And it sounds like you definitely can so San Diego would be ideal for you. It’s a GREAT place to raise kids).

And actually besides real estate (and income taxes) the cost of living isn’t too much more than many other places. I was pleasantly surprised as well how more more affordable the utilities (with the exception of water is). Since the weather is so great, you don’t spend nearly as much on electricity/gas as other cities. Places like Austin had over 40+ days of 100+ degree weather last year. Just horrible.

Many other things like automobile insurance was much cheaper here in San Diego vs. other places. The only thing really more noticeably more expensive is real estate.

I had a lot of similarities as you and motivations for purchase however, I didn’t need chickens. LOL. I chose Santaluz and really LOVE living here. It’s totally blown away all expectations I had about the place.

We looked at a few properties in Rancho Santa Fe and based on what you wrote, that might be a great option as well. Our maximum budget was around 1.5 million so you have an extra million to spend. (and you will definitely need it if you’re looking in Rancho Santa Fe as it’s quite pricey, especially if you want a good plot of land).

This entire area is really excellent! Personally, I wouldn’t want to be too far out like some of the places people mentioned. The school district is really great here and we don’t buying here for a second!

You’re going to LOVE San Diego! The quality of life here is simply incredible.

[quote=no_such_reality]

Actually, he needs to seriously consider capital preservation.

By living out of state, he can avoid the inevitable tax grabs that are coming in California and reap the benefits by renting here.[/quote]

Something tells me that he doesn’t really have to worry about capital preservation. There are many people out there no matter how cheap interest rates are, like the feeling of having their primary residence paid off free and clear with no mortgage.

Safe investments aren’t paying anything right now and many people are already invested in the stock market (or don’t want anymore). Or own other real estate or another business that is spinning off dependable cash flow.

It doesn’t sound like the OP is too worried about capital preservation or at least has enough reserves for that. 🙂

[CA renter]

[quote=SD Realtor]I like Elfin Forest or the rural area in east Encinitas.[/quote]

I second SDR’s suggestions. Eastern Encinitas includes Olivenhain, and that might not be as far from “services” as you think. It depends entirely on how deep into O’hain you intend to live. You can also check into the possibility of certain roads being put through (political drive not to, but you never know), as this would make access to grocery stores, etc. much easier.

Olivenhain has larger lots than most parts of SD, and also fewer restrictions. Most HOAs, if they exist, are pretty mellow.

Another consideration is certain parts of Escondido, especially SW Escondido (92029, I believe).

Just some examples:

http://www.redfin.com/CA/Escondido/1029-Vereda-Callada-92029/home/4033099

http://www.redfin.com/CA/Escondido/10328-Highlands-West-Dr-92029/home/4034278

…and you can always negotiate on price if you make an offer, of course.

Outside of So Cal, I agree with bearishgirl. Sonoma, Napa, etc. are all gorgeous, have great weather, and they have **more trees.** We are also tree lovers, and it’s so sad to see how many trees are cut down in San Diego. It’s definitely a SD thing, too. We’re originally from L.A., and the trees up there seem to be better protected and treasured. It can look like a wasteland in many parts of SD primarily because of the absence of trees.

[paramount]

By North County San Diego I assume that includes Temecula?

Look what 2 mil will get you in Temecula (aka Tree City USA):

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/33685-Madera-De-Playa_Temecula_CA_92592_M16133-53459

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/39780-Cushman-Cir_Temecula_CA_92592_M10042-57922

And need I mention that Temecula schools really are top notch?

[svelte]

[quote=paramount]By North County San Diego I assume that includes Temecula?

Look what 2 mil will get you in Temecula (aka Tree City USA):

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/33685-Madera-De-Playa_Temecula_CA_92592_M16133-53459

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/39780-Cushman-Cir_Temecula_CA_92592_M10042-57922

And need I mention that Temecula schools really are top notch?[/quote]

I think paramount’s on to something.

Personally if I had $2M and wanted an acre, I’d move to northern calif and spend a fraction of that and bank the rest. Probably somewhere along the 80 corridor west of Sac. Maybe up in Napa.

But given your socal parameter, I would almost certainly buy in the Temecula Valley wine country. And buy one helluva a/c unit for my house. I’d be in heaven.

[The-Shoveler]

[quote=paramount]By North County San Diego I assume that includes Temecula?

Look what 2 mil will get you in Temecula (aka Tree City USA):

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/33685-Madera-De-Playa_Temecula_CA_92592_M16133-53459

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/39780-Cushman-Cir_Temecula_CA_92592_M10042-57922

And need I mention that Temecula schools really are top notch?[/quote]

Bonsall,

http://www.trulia.com/property/1047565734-5748-Lake-Vista-Dr-Bonsall-CA-92003

http://www.trulia.com/property/3062496704-6183-Villa-Pavrone-Bonsall-CA-92003

http://www.trulia.com/property/1085914524-31377-Lake-Vista-Ter-Bonsall-CA-92003

http://www.trulia.com/property/3007817955-6955-Via-De-La-Reina-Bonsall-CA-92003

http://www.trulia.com/property/3095435427-7144-Via-Mariposa-Sur-Bonsall-CA-92003

[no_such_reality]

[quote=earlyretirement]
[quote=no_such_reality]

Actually, he needs to seriously consider capital preservation.

By living out of state, he can avoid the inevitable tax grabs that are coming in California and reap the benefits by renting here.[/quote]

Something tells me that he doesn’t really have to worry about capital preservation. There are many people out there no matter how cheap interest rates are, like the feeling of having their primary residence paid off free and clear with no mortgage.

Safe investments aren’t paying anything right now and many people are already invested in the stock market (or don’t want anymore). Or own other real estate or another business that is spinning off dependable cash flow.

It doesn’t sound like the OP is too worried about capital preservation or at least has enough reserves for that. :)[/quote]

That’s not what I mean. I mean preserving his OTHER capital.

The California Legislature has previously had Assembly people propose taxes on people’s assets trying to leave the State.

You can see the propositions on the ballot about ‘rich’ taxes. Taxes on ‘out of state’ corporations. The Amazon tax fight. etc.

He or she can own here, but he or she needs to have a primary residence elsewhere. Unless they have money akin to the Munger’s.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=Kishy]- I think I’d like to build custom, though if the right thing came along…[/quote]

Kishy, here’s your chance to build in SD County on 6.65 AC!

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-120048628-1911_Greenfield_Dr_El_Cajon_CA_92019

There is currently a (likely uninhabitable) 2/1 on the property and in CA bureaucratese, this means if one decides to build a 4000+ sf custom home in place of the existing structure, it is commonly referred to as a “gut-remodel,” LOL. This means you will leave the existing slab or stem walls and enough studs to support the SDG&E meter and leave the water meter on the ground, attached. This will save you $28K-$70K in permitting fees, depending on what you build.

http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/pds/zoning/index.html

Or remodel the 2/1 for use as your “guest house” and build your “dream home” from scratch! This parcel has privacy galore if you don’t subdivide! Property is on septic, as is common over there. It’s an absolutely fabulous (and “upscale”) place to raise kids! It is largely out of the fire danger zone (which is higher up the hill) and so shouldn’t have an exorbitant fire insurance premium as some other more “rural” areas of the county will. I’ve personally and repeatedly seen the following “pets” over there roaming around:

goats
horses
sheep
chickens, incl roosters
alpaca

Situated about 23 miles east of dtn SD, the public schools are Madison Elem, Greenfield Middle and Granite Hills HS.

You’ll need to keep a few cats for gopher control. There are no HOAs or CFDs (MR) in this part of the county and there are many high-end custom homes in and surrounding the area. Some are very large and some have expansive views. This property is in a relatively flat, entirely usable area, however, less than five mins from an Albertson’s supermarket.

Check it out when you visit (IF it is still available)!

I foresee a spec-home builder gobbling this up in short order … and immediately subdividing, building a cul-de-sac and bringing each parcel up to the sewer.

[all]

North Poway/Trails
http://www.redfin.com/CA/Poway/17988-Cielo-Ct-92064/home/4240105
http://www.redfin.com/CA/Poway/13488-Old-Winery-Rd-92064/home/4240126

Not sure about farm animals policy.

[PowaySchoolGuy]

Have you looked at Fairbanks Highlands? It’s right near Santa Luz.

http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/14044-Caminito-Vistana-92130/home/6454891

http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/14220-Caminito-Vistana-92130/home/6314182

http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/14220-Caminito-Vistana-92130/home/6314182

[PowaySchoolGuy]

Missed a couple in there :

http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/14169-Caminito-Vistana-92130/home/6314242

http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/14059-Caminito-Vistana-92130/home/6396566

[Author]

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