Moving to SD area

[sdrealtor]

One quick comment on Coronado. This is only a single data point but i have heard similar tales from others. One of my best friends and mentors lived in the COronado Cays. He was a very successful entrepreneur and it was his dream to live on the water. He moved away with his dream shattered. He had major issues with schools there. The schools were full of spoiled rich kids many from families south of the border who walked around with large amounts of cash. He is no angel but the drug problem there stunned even him. His daughter was spoiled also but not even close to how much and how unsupervised her classmates were. His daughter was in and out of rehab many times, never made it to college to his disappointment and now works at a cannabis dispensary.

Again just a single data point and maybe an isolated incident.

[an]

BG, do you think living in San Diego for 40 years somehow give you more weight? I would say someone who live in a particular community even 1 year would have more weight about that area than you do with your 40 years in San Diego. Especially if you’ve never lived there and have not been there for many many years.

[carli]

1.Carli

2.We live in Del Mar, west of 1-5, in the neighborhood north of Del Mar Heights Rd, south of the San Dieguito lagoon, about a mile east of the beach. This area of Del Mar is not to be confused with “olde Del Mar,” which is the village area bordering the beach. Our neighborhood is in between Carmel Valley and Olde Del Mar…still a Del Mar zip code, Del Mar in name and considered Del Mar, but most don’t realize that our services are provided by City of San Diego. Downside is that our neighborhood lacks much of the charm of olde Del Mar, but upside is it’s much more family friendly in terms of housing size and number of kids in neighborhood. Old Del Mar is filled with retirees and vacation home owners, with only a smattering of families.

3. 3 kids – 1 in 8th grade at Earl Warren Middle School, 1 in 10th grade at Canyon Crest Academy and 1 who just graduated from Canyon Crest Academy and is headed to UCLA in the fall.

4. Love that I can walk out my front door and go for a run or walk to the beach through the canyon trails or the village streets (also have the option to drive there in 5 mins if we need to load the car w/surfboards and beach gear), near enough to walk/run to Torrey Pines State Park hiking trails, love the San Dieguito Union High School district schools, where my kids have received outstanding middle/high school public school educations (CCA has highest API scores of any public high school in SD County; I’m not saying API scores or rankings are the only factor to consider, but do know that our kids have received exceptionally high quality educations at CCA, similar to privates), I love that our ‘hood is filled with families and friends for our kids so they can walk out the door and ride bikes or hang out w/friends w/out relying on me to drive them somewhere.

5. Don’t like that much of the architecture in my ‘hood is lacking in charm and good classic design (spent most of my life in New England, too, and miss good architecture with clean lines, not hodge podge style). Our neighborhood is full of dated-looking and poorly constructed 60s-70s style homes (not mid-century modern cool stuff but boring old tract or tacky big homes with wild angles and stained glass, built in late 60s-70s). Hard to believe that they still go for between $1-2 mil, but it’s all about location. Many, like us, focus on finding a good lot on/near the canyon and do a remodel of the existing house.

We moved here from Fairfield County, CT about 10 years ago and much as I miss a lot of things about the east coast, we love it here and can’t imagine going back. I did a very thorough search of San Diego areas when we moved here, and we even rented for a year to check it out (which I would highly recommend). We found a lot to like about many other sections of San Diego and other north county coastal towns, but for us, Del Mar has been a great fit, mainly because of quality of schools, space for kids and proximity to beach. Also, we’ve found other residents of Del Mar to be, despite its cost of living, relatively laid back (doesn’t really have the “keeping up w/the Joneses” mentality that people may think it has or that may exist in more cookie-cutter communities), or else maybe we’ve just met up with really great people.

I’m very familiar w/the lovely towns around where you are outside of Newport, having spent many summers there. Feel free to PM me if you’d like more opinions. You can find some workable homes in the $1-1.5mil range around here these days, but at the higher end of that range. Best of luck!

P.S. Note to FLU – sorry for my long-winded commentary. Couldn’t resist! Next time, will try to stick to bullet points. 🙂

[sdrealtor]

Carli
Love where you live too!

I’m pretty sure you are City of SD. One big plus you didn’t mention is city rates and privileges at Torrey Pines. It may not matter to you but if you are a golfer it does.

[carli]

Thanks, sdrealtor. I know you’ve sold lots of homes in this area.

And, yes, Torrey Pines golf is a plus although I’ve never checked it out.

As you mentioned, this neighborhood is technically City of SD although our address is still Del Mar and zip is the regular DM zip of 92014, for whatever that’s worth! Carmel Valley with 92130 zip starts once you cross east of the 1-5.

[jstoesz]

[quote=rired]We live in RI, outside of Newport. We have a five bedroom home with a water view (we live on an island). Our yard is just under an acre with mature landscaping. Our town is a bedroom community, very family oriented.

My husbands business partner lives in Coronado and they will select an office 1/2 between our two homes.

I’ve looked at homes in the three areas I mentioned and was *agast* at the selection in our price range ($1M-$1.5M).

Having given this more thought I believe we will select an area that has top notch public schools. I’d love it to be a coastal town but school reputation is more important to me.

Thank you for all the feedback![/quote]

My quick two cents, which probably isn’t worth much, I would like to give.

I grew up in Minnesota and that is my archetype. So my thoughts on SD are somewhat jaded because they do not live up to that archetype. When thinking about living in SD, my mind always came back to the fact that I needed to make more money. 1- 1.5 million seemed like mored than a good number to live in the neighborhoods that I would consider ideal, but my expectations are rather low still considering I live much cheaper than that. The two neighborhoods personally found ideal would be the wooded area of point Loma, it’s the one on the hill, and Rancho Santa Fe. Those are the only two neighborhoods I could live out my days in….

Mostly just wooded area though…

Check out modern sd if you are looking at living in something special! I hate stucco boxes, but that’s just me.

[jstoesz]

Oh, but I also must mention, I do not have kids, so what do I know. Although, It is not in the too distant future, and mn is the likely destination. We shall see if the archetype holds up to reality soon enough.

[Coronita]

[quote=bearishgurl]

flu, last time I looked, you weren’t left in charge of directing this discussion ;=][/quote]

You’re right, I’m not. And it’s not “mandatory” to comply. Nor frankly do you see me responding directly to your posts on this thread (until now)…Because until now, I really was hoping to keep this thing as data driven as possible for the benefit of the new person.

But let me respond, long form… I look at this website, because I was drawn to the useful information when I joined years ago. And in a lot of ways, seeing how things are, we have so many off topics, and so many on topic slapfests elsewhere. That’s all good. Heck, I frankly don’t mind the slapfests when we talk about investment opportunities elsewhere. And done so myself…shamelessly.

But this is one of the *few* threads that a new person was pretty clear on what she was asking for. So I found it refreshing that this was a thread for which some people, who really live in specific areas, could just post something about specifically where they live right now, for better or worse. If a relatively factual description of a given area one lives in doesn’t seem to fit what she is looking for, she could spend more time looking elsewhere where what folks describes seem to fit better for what she is looking for.

This isn’t a thread about which area is better or worse. I thought it would be more useful for folks to describe the actual schools their kids go to, because after all she did specifically ask what are the schools like. And from that, it appears secondary, local amenities…All, within the confirms of a “safe” neighborhood, which I think most areas would qualify for.

This is where current data would be helpful. Not many years ago for instance Torrey Hills was Sorrento Hills, the 56 bypass was not completed, etc etc etc. There was no Otay Mesa, and San Marcos schools weren’t nearly on the rise as they are now…Things change. Current people that live there currently have more specific data that can be very useful. That’s all I’m saying.

But like I said, this isn’t a compliance thing. So feel free to exercise your constitutional right to post whatever you want.

On many threads, BG, you’ve provided many many useful information yourself..Because in those things, I learned something new that I would have not otherwise learned. And for that, thank you.

[DaCounselor]

Here’s a few thoughts:

If I told my realtor I was looking for a family-oriented, family-friendly area and they took me to OB, I would fire them immediately.

In rired’s price range, for a family of 6 looking for property in a family-friendly area in a great public school district, I would be looking into the following areas (in no particular order):

So. Carlsbad/La Costa area – you can get into a beautiful gigantic later-model house in your price range. The schools are fantastic, tremendous shopping options on the El Camino corridor, easy beach access. Lots to like about this area, especially if the husband’s office isn’t too far south.

Encinitas – worth a look but it’s a little slim on truly great family neighborhoods with large houses in my opinion. My take on Encinitas is that if you are going to live that far north you may as well inch a little further into the La Costa area.

Solana Beach – pretty small area with alot of one-offs west of 5 and older tracts east of 5. On the low to mid portion of your budget you can get into a 5 bed 3000 sq ft tract along the golf course or maybe a view lot. SB has great elementary and middle schools and the high school district is also great. Good shopping options at the 5/LSF intersection, easy access over to the beach.

Del Mar – you may be able to find something that would work off of DM Heights Rd/Mango area west of 5. It’s kind of hit or miss in there, lots of homes that would probably be too small. Worth a drive through. Great schools and easy beach access and access to ‘downtown’ Del Mar on PCH. Local shopping center west of 5 is okay, or go across the freeway to the Carmel Valley Ralph’s center monstrosity…

Carmel Valley – this area gets talked about alot as ‘the’ family area in San Diego. Tract housing built from about the mid-80’s through present, highly rated schools and lots of families. In your price range you will get a great house. Demographically there has been an ongoing influx of Asians to this area with a number of the schools pushing 40% Asian population and trending upward. Because there is ongoing new development in the area there are still some growing pains – crowded (sometimes obscenely) shopping center, school crowding, etc.

These areas are primo San Diego coastal areas that are within your price range. I would come out and spend a few days driving around these areas and you will get a pretty quick feel. Best of luck to you, you are looking at moving to one of the best areas in the country to live.

[spdrun]

If I told my realtor I was looking for a family-oriented, family-friendly area and they took me to OB, I would fire them immediately.

I wouldn’t unless I was a ‘fraidy cat who didn’t want his kids to have any contact with things that aren’t pure, boring, and suBURPan. zOMG! Kasey and Lloyd might encounter a HOMELESS HIPPIE … smoking a JOINT! How HORRIBLE!

Then again, I’m a dirty hippie at heart and would be more comfy raising a family in parts of Brooklyn, NY, North Park, SD, or Venice Beach, Philly than in a non-walkable suburban pesthole like Carmel Valley.

Do agree on any of the beach areas you mentioned 🙂

[DaCounselor]

I’m glad you are enjoying raising your kids in OB, spdrun. Most people would not agree with you that it’s a great place to raise a family and the OB demographics support that, but to each his own.

Unfortunately you have taken to bashing people like me who have chosen to raise their family in one of many very nice north county coastal suburban areas. You present the typical boilerplate and frankly tired argument that we are “fraidy cats” as you say. To the contrary, many of us are former OBecians or emigrated from South Mish or PB to the quite idyllic north county coast where the schools are top notch and the family lifestyle is amazing.

We still visit the old neighborhoods, with our kids, and we also travel with them to points around the country and the globe with far more (ahem) ‘character’ than OB will ever have, so the kids are plenty exposed to all walks of life. We simply choose not to live in a cramped high-density somewhat run-down area with a considerable hodgepodge population of homeless, drug users, transients, 60’s relics and young singles where the properties and lots are small and the public schools are not very good. That’s it, and it’s really pretty simple.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=DaCounselor]I’m glad you are enjoying raising your kids in OB, spdrun. Most people would not agree with you that it’s a great place to raise a family and the OB demographics support that, but to each his own.

Unfortunately you have taken to bashing people like me who have chosen to raise their family in one of many very nice north county coastal suburban areas. You present the typical boilerplate and frankly tired argument that we are “fraidy cats” as you say. To the contrary, many of us are former OBecians or emigrated from South Mish or PB to the quite idyllic north county coast where the schools are top notch and the family lifestyle is amazing.

We still visit the old neighborhoods, with our kids, and we also travel with them to points around the country and the globe with far more (ahem) ‘character’ than OB will ever have, so the kids are plenty exposed to all walks of life. We simply choose not to live in a cramped high-density somewhat run-down area with a considerable hodgepodge population of homeless, drug users, transients, 60’s relics and young singles where the properties and lots are small and the public schools are not very good. That’s it, and it’s really pretty simple.[/quote]

This is inaccurate, DaCounselor. In fact, many, many lots in OB (ESP upper OB) are large, MUCH larger than a buyer could get in a typical north county tract. Many also have alley access and addt’l alley parking. Those “relics” you are speaking of hang around down at the Newport St shopping corridor and outside the beach restrooms. The 1000+ family homes up the hill are situated up to one mile away and there aren’t any corner liquor stores up there! There is Dog Beach, where dogs can run free. There is a fantastic skateboard/trick bike park within walking distance at Robb Field, as well as ALL KINDS of activities for kids there!

In addition, there are three VERY family-oriented enclaves in neighboring 92106, Fleetridge, Roseville and Pt Loma Woods. The fabulous location and bay/city views of 92106 are absolutely bar none in the county. The whitewater views over Sunset Cliffs (upper 92107) are absolutely bar none in the county, ESP in comparison to the tracts you are directing rired to east of I-5 up there!

The local elementary schools in 92106/92107 are highly sought after, so much so that SDUSD teachers must have at least 15 years seniority to even place a “bid” to be assigned to one! The MS’s/HS’s are also very good and one, SD High Tech Middle/High, only admits students by a lottery system. Students all over SDUSD travel up to one-hour each way (in rush hours) just to attend HTM/HTH.

I will concede that the average family home in the OP’s price range is likely 2100 – 2700 sf in 92106/92107. A family of six can very comfortably live in this size home. And it is possible that a larger home that needed a bit of work could be found there, as well.

A 3000+ sf home is not a “need,” except for perhaps a family of 10 or more.

There is NO MELLO ROOS in 92106 except for Liberty Station. This newer area just north of the airport is undesirable in that its streets are very crowded, it has no view and has deafening jet-takeoff noise. There is NO MELLO ROOS in 92107.

rired, these two zips are so valuable (exempting Liberty Stn) that their housing inventories have experienced very little devaluation (in some pockets, none) in the recent recession/RE downturn. For this reason and a few more, these areas are very good investments for sound properties on good streets. The “lifestyle” in these areas cannot be duplicated anywhere in the county.

DaCounselor, many of the TOP (and I mean the most accomplished with the MOST RE education and experience) brokers and agents in this county have been working 92106/92107 for more than three decades. I suspect if you “fire” one of them, they’ll (happily) send you on your way :=D

rired, you really DO need to come to SD and see for yourself all the varied housing choices in your price range.

[DaCounselor]

I suppose we could go back and forth all day debating what are the best family-friendly areas in San Diego, but I don’t have the time or inclination to do so. I think the demographic stats of each particular area in San Diego tell the story of who lives there, and if you want a great family area go where the families are and the schools are top notch. It’s really not very complicated.

I believe the discussion I was involved in pertained to OB being a great family-friendly neighborhood to raise kids, and I’ll say one more time that I disagree and that I think there are many, many better options in San Diego.

If I was going to drop $1.5 mil on a family house it would not be in an area where 85% of households do not have school-age kids, 65% of households are renters and the place is inhabited by many overly “colorful” street characters. That’s OB. But again, to each his own. Nevertheless the opinion that OB is a great area to raise a family is certainly a minority opinion and that is backed up by the demographic stats.

[spdrun]

It’s a minority opinion because the majority of Americans are both rock-dumb-stupid, and deathly afraid of the wrong things. Kid is more likely to be squished by a car than hurt by any of the “colorful characters.”

Were I to drop $1.5 mil on a house, it would probably be in a part of Brooklyn, NY that’s remarkably similar to the way you describe OB. Minus the pretty cliff views, sadly.

15% of families with kids in school means 1 or 2 per block, probably 10+ within walking distance. What’s the problem? And what’s wrong with renters — they don’t do a criminal background check when you buy a home, y’know? Last I checked, home ownership isn’t a criterion for being a decent member of society.

[sdduuuude]

[quote=spdrun]It’s a minority opinion because the majority of Americans are both rock-dumb-stupid, and deathly afraid of the wrong things. Kid is more likely to be squished by a car than hurt by any of the “colorful characters.”[/quote]

I’m thinking the car won’t try to sell them pot, though.

[Author]

Posts