N San Diego Has Changed – Where to put Down Roots???

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

To those posting – Again great insight … perfect scoop for the process in my search on where my family will put down roots! Thanks for all that posted (Dharmagirl, SD Realtor, Bubblesitter, Dizzle, Kirsten, Meadandle, Temeculaguy, Greekfire)- your input is valued. I appreciate the postings that not only show the positives of each area but the things you do not like or would change given the opportunity – applause to the soccer moms of Temecula Valley in the grass root/community effort to stop the Quarry and to those in Carlsbad to protest the Wal-Mart.

At this point the next step will be to visit the area and do a little “leg work” and get a personal feel, to keep digging via the internet, and watch in amazement the bubble burst, and then to shrink our search down to 3-4 (coastal vs. inland)regions. Again, I am in the market for a “home” for my family – not so much an investment. Hopefully by the summer of 2010 the blunt of this market fallout will show some sign of stability. As I review my initial post and your feedback it helps to solidify what I am really seeking and refine a priority ranking:

1. Schools (private is always an option although I am a strong proponent of public education during the formative years & private later), I would disfavor a commute to the elementary grades
2. Community – family feel, infrastructure, safety (maybe gated – although we have never lived in this type before), a little space for daily outdoor events (can the kids ride their bikes down the street), community center & events
3. House itself: 5 bedroom – large enough for family but maintainable for the parents (3200-4600 sq ft), construction & functionality, level lot & cul-de-sac type placement, does not need to be the highest in our price range nor does it need to be the newest but efficient for our overall needs, a place we will live for the next 15 yrs
4. Region/area: taxes, ownership fees, proactive city government, proximity to services (restaurants, shopping), roads & traffic, commute to Pendleton (Naval Hospital – either front or back gate), weather – compared to where we have lived in the past anywhere in N County will be enjoyable!
5. The remaining few: does not really matter as the first four will decide

Before finding Piggs my I was looking at San Elijo Hills (purely from my internet search) but have an uneasy sense for this area now after reading some of the post here and related sights … appears some issues with quality of construction. We will continue to look at Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Marcos, Fallbrook, Deluz, Temecula, and possible up to Murrieta.

I agree with others here homes with five acres may be too much for a “family feel” … and yes Temecula guy – your post of http://www.redfin.com/CA/Temecula/42000-Via-Del-Monte-92592/home/1251295… is a beautiful & impressive house but I think your first is more the type to fit our needs http://www.redfin.com/CA/Temecula/34003-Arietta-92592/home/12506768. (it fits our priority list nicely). If we did have 2.8 M for a house such as this I would use 1M for the house then use 800k for a 3bdrm turnkey condo in Mammoth, and invest the remaining (a large portion into our 529 plans). Family has a way of making priorities well defined – but I would appreciate a home such as this… incredible.

Specific houses are next after the area is locked down, although looking at specific houses does help get a feel for things. Again, thanks for the input & insight … we will research more then return to this post in a few months. Any additional thoughts are appreciated… a lingering question from afar – what of these developments in N County started at the end of the bubble with houses built but not finished, yet still listed for sell (Malabar Ranch in N Temecula, Reserve in Temecula, San Elijo Hills, Deluz? They are no longer listed by the builder but instead by individual realtor agencies even though construction is not completed?

[dharmagirl]

Hey JMR,

I’m happy to help in any way I can. I know what it’s like to look at options from afar and you sound like a good, solid “investigator.”

If there is any additional information I can give you please let me know.

As I said, I was ambivalent about moving to Temecula but have been pleasantly surprised in many ways. I think there is a real sense of community here and lots of nice people. I think it’s a great place for families/children. I think in many ways, it has a “small town” feel and is very friendly. Not perfect, but pretty darn nice.

Good luck to you!

[dharmagirl]

Hey JMR,

I’m happy to help in any way I can. I know what it’s like to look at options from afar and you sound like a good, solid “investigator.”

If there is any additional information I can give you please let me know.

As I said, I was ambivalent about moving to Temecula but have been pleasantly surprised in many ways. I think there is a real sense of community here and lots of nice people. I think it’s a great place for families/children. I think in many ways, it has a “small town” feel and is very friendly. Not perfect, but pretty darn nice.

Good luck to you!

[dharmagirl]

Hey JMR,

I’m happy to help in any way I can. I know what it’s like to look at options from afar and you sound like a good, solid “investigator.”

If there is any additional information I can give you please let me know.

As I said, I was ambivalent about moving to Temecula but have been pleasantly surprised in many ways. I think there is a real sense of community here and lots of nice people. I think it’s a great place for families/children. I think in many ways, it has a “small town” feel and is very friendly. Not perfect, but pretty darn nice.

Good luck to you!

[dharmagirl]

Hey JMR,

I’m happy to help in any way I can. I know what it’s like to look at options from afar and you sound like a good, solid “investigator.”

If there is any additional information I can give you please let me know.

As I said, I was ambivalent about moving to Temecula but have been pleasantly surprised in many ways. I think there is a real sense of community here and lots of nice people. I think it’s a great place for families/children. I think in many ways, it has a “small town” feel and is very friendly. Not perfect, but pretty darn nice.

Good luck to you!

[dharmagirl]

Hey JMR,

I’m happy to help in any way I can. I know what it’s like to look at options from afar and you sound like a good, solid “investigator.”

If there is any additional information I can give you please let me know.

As I said, I was ambivalent about moving to Temecula but have been pleasantly surprised in many ways. I think there is a real sense of community here and lots of nice people. I think it’s a great place for families/children. I think in many ways, it has a “small town” feel and is very friendly. Not perfect, but pretty darn nice.

Good luck to you!

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

To be honest – “pretty darn nice” fits well for family and what I am looking for. Temecula was not in my original search but after hearing folks talk from Piggs it is on the short list – maybe on the outskirts of town as others have suggested. What effect of the city being part of the County of Riverside play … infrastructure, city services (fire, police, waste), taxes comapred to San Diego County?

James

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

To be honest – “pretty darn nice” fits well for family and what I am looking for. Temecula was not in my original search but after hearing folks talk from Piggs it is on the short list – maybe on the outskirts of town as others have suggested. What effect of the city being part of the County of Riverside play … infrastructure, city services (fire, police, waste), taxes comapred to San Diego County?

James

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

To be honest – “pretty darn nice” fits well for family and what I am looking for. Temecula was not in my original search but after hearing folks talk from Piggs it is on the short list – maybe on the outskirts of town as others have suggested. What effect of the city being part of the County of Riverside play … infrastructure, city services (fire, police, waste), taxes comapred to San Diego County?

James

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

To be honest – “pretty darn nice” fits well for family and what I am looking for. Temecula was not in my original search but after hearing folks talk from Piggs it is on the short list – maybe on the outskirts of town as others have suggested. What effect of the city being part of the County of Riverside play … infrastructure, city services (fire, police, waste), taxes comapred to San Diego County?

James

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

To be honest – “pretty darn nice” fits well for family and what I am looking for. Temecula was not in my original search but after hearing folks talk from Piggs it is on the short list – maybe on the outskirts of town as others have suggested. What effect of the city being part of the County of Riverside play … infrastructure, city services (fire, police, waste), taxes comapred to San Diego County?

James

[dharmagirl]

You know, I’m honestly not sure. I could try to find out – I’ve run into a few people who go to the City Council meetings, and are ‘plugged in’.

You might also consider contacting the Temecula Chamber – it’s a very active group and very involved with the city.

I’m not sure that San Diego County is exactly a shining example of fine governance…tho I’m willing to be wrong about that.

I think there are some very nice areas in town (Meadowview, Los Ranchitos, etc) and nice communities on the outskirts. As I said before, I’m beginning to like the small-town feel here.

Many of the people I’ve met (including our soon-to-be new neighbors) seem to have a lot of civic pride and are very involved in the community. I volunteered for the Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival (www.tvbwf.com) and was impressed with the level of commitment that I’ve seen. There are only a few paid staff members and the event runs on the spirit and energy of volunteers. Same thing with the arts community here.

I didnt see this type of thing in other areas of North County when I lived there.

You should definitely check out the Santa Rosa Eco Preserve when you come to visit. It’s gorgeous and the mountain biking is easy and fun. Again, I’d be happy to give you more info when you decide to come and visit.

What part of the world are you in right now? Are you looking forward to “coming home” (and making a home!)?

[dharmagirl]

You know, I’m honestly not sure. I could try to find out – I’ve run into a few people who go to the City Council meetings, and are ‘plugged in’.

You might also consider contacting the Temecula Chamber – it’s a very active group and very involved with the city.

I’m not sure that San Diego County is exactly a shining example of fine governance…tho I’m willing to be wrong about that.

I think there are some very nice areas in town (Meadowview, Los Ranchitos, etc) and nice communities on the outskirts. As I said before, I’m beginning to like the small-town feel here.

Many of the people I’ve met (including our soon-to-be new neighbors) seem to have a lot of civic pride and are very involved in the community. I volunteered for the Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival (www.tvbwf.com) and was impressed with the level of commitment that I’ve seen. There are only a few paid staff members and the event runs on the spirit and energy of volunteers. Same thing with the arts community here.

I didnt see this type of thing in other areas of North County when I lived there.

You should definitely check out the Santa Rosa Eco Preserve when you come to visit. It’s gorgeous and the mountain biking is easy and fun. Again, I’d be happy to give you more info when you decide to come and visit.

What part of the world are you in right now? Are you looking forward to “coming home” (and making a home!)?

[dharmagirl]

You know, I’m honestly not sure. I could try to find out – I’ve run into a few people who go to the City Council meetings, and are ‘plugged in’.

You might also consider contacting the Temecula Chamber – it’s a very active group and very involved with the city.

I’m not sure that San Diego County is exactly a shining example of fine governance…tho I’m willing to be wrong about that.

I think there are some very nice areas in town (Meadowview, Los Ranchitos, etc) and nice communities on the outskirts. As I said before, I’m beginning to like the small-town feel here.

Many of the people I’ve met (including our soon-to-be new neighbors) seem to have a lot of civic pride and are very involved in the community. I volunteered for the Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival (www.tvbwf.com) and was impressed with the level of commitment that I’ve seen. There are only a few paid staff members and the event runs on the spirit and energy of volunteers. Same thing with the arts community here.

I didnt see this type of thing in other areas of North County when I lived there.

You should definitely check out the Santa Rosa Eco Preserve when you come to visit. It’s gorgeous and the mountain biking is easy and fun. Again, I’d be happy to give you more info when you decide to come and visit.

What part of the world are you in right now? Are you looking forward to “coming home” (and making a home!)?

[dharmagirl]

You know, I’m honestly not sure. I could try to find out – I’ve run into a few people who go to the City Council meetings, and are ‘plugged in’.

You might also consider contacting the Temecula Chamber – it’s a very active group and very involved with the city.

I’m not sure that San Diego County is exactly a shining example of fine governance…tho I’m willing to be wrong about that.

I think there are some very nice areas in town (Meadowview, Los Ranchitos, etc) and nice communities on the outskirts. As I said before, I’m beginning to like the small-town feel here.

Many of the people I’ve met (including our soon-to-be new neighbors) seem to have a lot of civic pride and are very involved in the community. I volunteered for the Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival (www.tvbwf.com) and was impressed with the level of commitment that I’ve seen. There are only a few paid staff members and the event runs on the spirit and energy of volunteers. Same thing with the arts community here.

I didnt see this type of thing in other areas of North County when I lived there.

You should definitely check out the Santa Rosa Eco Preserve when you come to visit. It’s gorgeous and the mountain biking is easy and fun. Again, I’d be happy to give you more info when you decide to come and visit.

What part of the world are you in right now? Are you looking forward to “coming home” (and making a home!)?

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