Skyranch in Santee

[kcal09]

[quote=SkyRanchOwner]I wanted to respond to some of your comments…

First, the homes in Sky Ranch Crestview are in the $499k to mid $500k range. They aren’t $600k+ currently. This is a big difference, because that’s approximately a 10% discount from where you are talking which will effect your mortgage, down payment, and property taxes. Plus, with a lower purchase price, you will be less likely to take a hit on the purchase price of the home, if the housing market still tumbles.

Here is a link to current Crestview inventory. Also, it appears the 2 homes at $499k are already sold! Just 3 left in the recent phase in the low to mid $500k.
http://www.lennar.com/New-Homes/California/San-Diego/Crestview-At-Sky-Ranch

Northstar is selling out quickly on their recent phase and are selling like hotcakes. Northstar is the condo development and these places include garages and a community pool with jacuzzi and clubhouse. They are in the $300k range.

As far as places to walk, Lennar has finished paving all the roads up here, and I see people/families walking around all the time. With the roads all paved, you can walk/run long distances while enjoying a beautiful view. There are many streets that are very level and easy to walk/run, so you don’t have to trek up a big hill if you don’t want to. Yes, there isn’t a Starbucks to easily walk to, but there are 2 in driving distance. One is close at the Bradley/Magnolia intersection, and there is one off of Mission Gorge road. (For you Starbucks addicts.)

In addition, there is only one way in and one way out of Sky Ranch, and that is up and down the main hill on the West side. There are fire exit roads in case of a fire on the other sides of the mountain, so everyone feels OK with that. Also, it reduces drive thru traffic, which makes the community quiet and reduces chances of outside crime. Speaking of crime, the crime rate in Santee is one of the lowest in San Diego County.

We also have a great community park with a great view looking West. You can watch the sunsets there at the end of the day, and it has a nice kids place area.

To address the issue of property tax rate, I’m not sure why people are saying it’s 1.6%. It’s only 1.1% in Santee, and Sky Ranch is in Santee, zip code 92071. If you have a tax rate of 1.6%, most likely there is mello roos included in that. There is NO mello roos in Sky Ranch. Lennar paid it. Also, most people have been writing off mello roos in their taxes because it is included in the property tax statement. With all the fiscal issues with California, I would be cautious on that, since this could become a great source of extra income for the State.

Here is the State of California’s guidance on Mello Roos for those who are so quick to say it’s tax deductible:
http://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/faq/net/909.shtml

Here is a link to property tax in Santee and other areas:
http://www.sandiegorealestatebuzz.com/san-diego-tax-rates.php

As far as housing insurance, our insurance is less than $100/month.

As far as schooling, save the money on your house and send your kids to a private school, if this is your concern. There are numerous good ones around Sky Ranch that are very affordable.

When the 52 opens, it will be a quick drive to Sorrento Valley. Much quicker than commuting from San Marcos, Chula Vista, or Carlsbad. I looked at newer homes in Chula Vista, but the distance was a long drive to Sorrento Valley. Plus, you had to pay the toll fee (approx. $5 each way) on the new 125. There will be no toll on the 52. Traffic isn’t that bad at all on the 52, now that they opened up all 3 lanes going East and West on the 52 over the hill. Plus, they plan to put in a few Fast Track lanes in the middle in the future, like what you find on th 15. The onramp for the 52 West will be near the bottom of the hill near the Prospect/Magnolia intersection. It will be a quick jump from the house to the 52 West.

Santee has grown over the years because of the 52. Santee will continue to grow, and tax money from new developments will help grow the community and the schools. Santee used to be an old town, but with all the new development over the last decade and more recently, it is an up and coming new city. That’s another reason we gave Santee a chance.

As far as the Las Colinas Women’s Dentention Center/Jail. That was a concern of ours too, yet it is a women’s only facility. Plus, there are current lawsuits filed by the City of Santee and the Developers of Riverwalk to have the jail relocated. There has been recent talk of the proposal to expand and update the facility, yet the Santee community is pushing to have it relocated. This is a facility that is left over from the 60’s. Here is a link for more info:
http://nojailexpansion.com/

Also read here:
http://www.ci.santee.ca.us/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=876

As another note, there is a small Farmer’s market held off of Mission Gorge near Magnolia where you can get fresh fruit, vegetables and other items:
http://mysandiego411.com/farmersmarket/santee.html

The issue of buying a new home is big to me because all the plumbing, electrical, framing, etc. is brand new. There are no issues with having to remodel, fix plumbing or electrical problems, etc. I walk in, paint, plant my furniture, and have time to do other things.

We figured out of all the areas, the pricing here seems the most reasonable without having to have a major commute like living in San Marcos or Chula Vista. Lennar has discounting the prices to match the current market, so you are less likely to have much depreciation. Check trulia’s real estate statistics on your own. Also, Sky Ranch is a unique community. Once it builds and sells out, it will be hard to find a house for sale.
http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/Santee-California/

I’ve gone through many of the thoughts being discussed here, and we decided to buy. We have been even more pleased after our purchase here in Sky Ranch.[/quote]

This sounds great! One thing to factor in is the landscaping which depending on what you get can cost up to $50k for the size of lot you have…you don’t have this expense in a preexisting home.

[Anonymous]

There isn’t anything wrong with Santee, las colinas is nothing- that shouldn’t even be a deciding factor. Sky ranch does have a great view, but be honest the sky ranch is in its own bubble once you come off the hill you are in, let say a “diverse area” of town.
If people want to buy there then do so. Santee schools are not that bad either- there are many in south bay that are far worse.
The schools are K-8th grade and then only 2 high schools- every kid probably knows almost every other kid from sports. This makes High school a less awkward time.

I personally hate HOA’s, that deterred me from purchasing in any community. I feel everyone should take care of thier own stuff and let the city deal with the trees in the center divide.

Just think you could purchse a just as nice place AND use that $384 for private school.

[Anonymous]

There isn’t anything wrong with Santee, las colinas is nothing- that shouldn’t even be a deciding factor. Sky ranch does have a great view, but be honest the sky ranch is in its own bubble once you come off the hill you are in, let say a “diverse area” of town.
If people want to buy there then do so. Santee schools are not that bad either- there are many in south bay that are far worse.
The schools are K-8th grade and then only 2 high schools- every kid probably knows almost every other kid from sports. This makes High school a less awkward time.

I personally hate HOA’s, that deterred me from purchasing in any community. I feel everyone should take care of thier own stuff and let the city deal with the trees in the center divide.

Just think you could purchse a just as nice place AND use that $384 for private school.

[Anonymous]

There isn’t anything wrong with Santee, las colinas is nothing- that shouldn’t even be a deciding factor. Sky ranch does have a great view, but be honest the sky ranch is in its own bubble once you come off the hill you are in, let say a “diverse area” of town.
If people want to buy there then do so. Santee schools are not that bad either- there are many in south bay that are far worse.
The schools are K-8th grade and then only 2 high schools- every kid probably knows almost every other kid from sports. This makes High school a less awkward time.

I personally hate HOA’s, that deterred me from purchasing in any community. I feel everyone should take care of thier own stuff and let the city deal with the trees in the center divide.

Just think you could purchse a just as nice place AND use that $384 for private school.

[Anonymous]

There isn’t anything wrong with Santee, las colinas is nothing- that shouldn’t even be a deciding factor. Sky ranch does have a great view, but be honest the sky ranch is in its own bubble once you come off the hill you are in, let say a “diverse area” of town.
If people want to buy there then do so. Santee schools are not that bad either- there are many in south bay that are far worse.
The schools are K-8th grade and then only 2 high schools- every kid probably knows almost every other kid from sports. This makes High school a less awkward time.

I personally hate HOA’s, that deterred me from purchasing in any community. I feel everyone should take care of thier own stuff and let the city deal with the trees in the center divide.

Just think you could purchse a just as nice place AND use that $384 for private school.

[Anonymous]

There isn’t anything wrong with Santee, las colinas is nothing- that shouldn’t even be a deciding factor. Sky ranch does have a great view, but be honest the sky ranch is in its own bubble once you come off the hill you are in, let say a “diverse area” of town.
If people want to buy there then do so. Santee schools are not that bad either- there are many in south bay that are far worse.
The schools are K-8th grade and then only 2 high schools- every kid probably knows almost every other kid from sports. This makes High school a less awkward time.

I personally hate HOA’s, that deterred me from purchasing in any community. I feel everyone should take care of thier own stuff and let the city deal with the trees in the center divide.

Just think you could purchse a just as nice place AND use that $384 for private school.

[sdrealtor]

Havent spent much time in Santee but heard its only 10 minutes from La Jolla.

[sdrealtor]

Havent spent much time in Santee but heard its only 10 minutes from La Jolla.

[sdrealtor]

Havent spent much time in Santee but heard its only 10 minutes from La Jolla.

[sdrealtor]

Havent spent much time in Santee but heard its only 10 minutes from La Jolla.

[sdrealtor]

Havent spent much time in Santee but heard its only 10 minutes from La Jolla.

[SkyRanchOwner]

On landscaping, true, you do have that expense, yet there has been a company called KB Landscape that has been handing out tons of fliers. (PS-I can’t tell you how many fliers for landscaping, woodwork, pools, etc. that I’ve received since we moved in. I now have my own yellow pages for these guys.)

Here is their deal:

KB Landscape
Front & Backyard Special
$2995.00
619-445-8023
We will custom landscape your front and backyard:
Price Includes: Consultation, HOA Plans
Landscape Design: Soil Preperation
Automatic Sprinkler System
1500 sq. ft. of fescue sod: 35, 1 gallon plants
3, 5 gallon plants: Wood Chips
We will landscape up to 2000 sq. ft of area for only $2995.00. Rock removal will be extra, Removing old landscaping, if any, is extra. Call and Ask for details.
Price includes all labor and material
They will also do concrete work for extra.

So, let’s say this whole thing costs you in the range of $8,000 to $10,000 for basic landscaping. Not bad if you ask me.

Obviously it depends on how crazy you want to go for landscaping, but you could get some basic stuff done for a reasonable cost. Then upgrade at another time.

On distance to La Jolla, from Sky Ranch, with the 52 open, it should be a 20-25 minute commute to La Jolla Shores on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

On Las Colinas, I’m not kiding on this thing possibly being relocated. I understand everyone has NIMBYism, yet seriously, Las Colinas was OK back in the day, but look at the development of Santee. Times change, and now it ISN’T the best place to have the jail nor expand it.

http://www.sandiego6.com/mostpopular/story/Santee-uses-Facebook-Twitter-to-fight-jail-plans/498_vvRviEC_rLzbvPiXKA.cspx – City of Santee Files Suit

http://www.ci.santee.ca.us/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=876 – Read this report!

http://www.orchidsandonions.org/2008/09/8/las-colinas-womens-detention-facility – Orchids & Onions

http://www.santee-chamber.org/Proposed_Las_Colinas_Jail_Expansion.pdf – Santee City’s Opinion

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=52190569927 – Facebook

http://twitter.com/nojailexpansion – Twitter

Trust me, this will be an UGLY fight and most people in Santee are upset with the current San Diego Board of Supervisors over this.

Plus, if it does stay, which I do doubt, do you think Alcatraz kept people from moving to San Francisco? (This isn’t an apple to apple example, but you get my drift. Plus, Alcatraz isn’t a jail anymore.)

[SkyRanchOwner]

On landscaping, true, you do have that expense, yet there has been a company called KB Landscape that has been handing out tons of fliers. (PS-I can’t tell you how many fliers for landscaping, woodwork, pools, etc. that I’ve received since we moved in. I now have my own yellow pages for these guys.)

Here is their deal:

KB Landscape
Front & Backyard Special
$2995.00
619-445-8023
We will custom landscape your front and backyard:
Price Includes: Consultation, HOA Plans
Landscape Design: Soil Preperation
Automatic Sprinkler System
1500 sq. ft. of fescue sod: 35, 1 gallon plants
3, 5 gallon plants: Wood Chips
We will landscape up to 2000 sq. ft of area for only $2995.00. Rock removal will be extra, Removing old landscaping, if any, is extra. Call and Ask for details.
Price includes all labor and material
They will also do concrete work for extra.

So, let’s say this whole thing costs you in the range of $8,000 to $10,000 for basic landscaping. Not bad if you ask me.

Obviously it depends on how crazy you want to go for landscaping, but you could get some basic stuff done for a reasonable cost. Then upgrade at another time.

On distance to La Jolla, from Sky Ranch, with the 52 open, it should be a 20-25 minute commute to La Jolla Shores on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

On Las Colinas, I’m not kiding on this thing possibly being relocated. I understand everyone has NIMBYism, yet seriously, Las Colinas was OK back in the day, but look at the development of Santee. Times change, and now it ISN’T the best place to have the jail nor expand it.

http://www.sandiego6.com/mostpopular/story/Santee-uses-Facebook-Twitter-to-fight-jail-plans/498_vvRviEC_rLzbvPiXKA.cspx – City of Santee Files Suit

http://www.ci.santee.ca.us/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=876 – Read this report!

http://www.orchidsandonions.org/2008/09/8/las-colinas-womens-detention-facility – Orchids & Onions

http://www.santee-chamber.org/Proposed_Las_Colinas_Jail_Expansion.pdf – Santee City’s Opinion

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=52190569927 – Facebook

http://twitter.com/nojailexpansion – Twitter

Trust me, this will be an UGLY fight and most people in Santee are upset with the current San Diego Board of Supervisors over this.

Plus, if it does stay, which I do doubt, do you think Alcatraz kept people from moving to San Francisco? (This isn’t an apple to apple example, but you get my drift. Plus, Alcatraz isn’t a jail anymore.)

[SkyRanchOwner]

On landscaping, true, you do have that expense, yet there has been a company called KB Landscape that has been handing out tons of fliers. (PS-I can’t tell you how many fliers for landscaping, woodwork, pools, etc. that I’ve received since we moved in. I now have my own yellow pages for these guys.)

Here is their deal:

KB Landscape
Front & Backyard Special
$2995.00
619-445-8023
We will custom landscape your front and backyard:
Price Includes: Consultation, HOA Plans
Landscape Design: Soil Preperation
Automatic Sprinkler System
1500 sq. ft. of fescue sod: 35, 1 gallon plants
3, 5 gallon plants: Wood Chips
We will landscape up to 2000 sq. ft of area for only $2995.00. Rock removal will be extra, Removing old landscaping, if any, is extra. Call and Ask for details.
Price includes all labor and material
They will also do concrete work for extra.

So, let’s say this whole thing costs you in the range of $8,000 to $10,000 for basic landscaping. Not bad if you ask me.

Obviously it depends on how crazy you want to go for landscaping, but you could get some basic stuff done for a reasonable cost. Then upgrade at another time.

On distance to La Jolla, from Sky Ranch, with the 52 open, it should be a 20-25 minute commute to La Jolla Shores on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

On Las Colinas, I’m not kiding on this thing possibly being relocated. I understand everyone has NIMBYism, yet seriously, Las Colinas was OK back in the day, but look at the development of Santee. Times change, and now it ISN’T the best place to have the jail nor expand it.

http://www.sandiego6.com/mostpopular/story/Santee-uses-Facebook-Twitter-to-fight-jail-plans/498_vvRviEC_rLzbvPiXKA.cspx – City of Santee Files Suit

http://www.ci.santee.ca.us/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=876 – Read this report!

http://www.orchidsandonions.org/2008/09/8/las-colinas-womens-detention-facility – Orchids & Onions

http://www.santee-chamber.org/Proposed_Las_Colinas_Jail_Expansion.pdf – Santee City’s Opinion

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=52190569927 – Facebook

http://twitter.com/nojailexpansion – Twitter

Trust me, this will be an UGLY fight and most people in Santee are upset with the current San Diego Board of Supervisors over this.

Plus, if it does stay, which I do doubt, do you think Alcatraz kept people from moving to San Francisco? (This isn’t an apple to apple example, but you get my drift. Plus, Alcatraz isn’t a jail anymore.)

[SkyRanchOwner]

On landscaping, true, you do have that expense, yet there has been a company called KB Landscape that has been handing out tons of fliers. (PS-I can’t tell you how many fliers for landscaping, woodwork, pools, etc. that I’ve received since we moved in. I now have my own yellow pages for these guys.)

Here is their deal:

KB Landscape
Front & Backyard Special
$2995.00
619-445-8023
We will custom landscape your front and backyard:
Price Includes: Consultation, HOA Plans
Landscape Design: Soil Preperation
Automatic Sprinkler System
1500 sq. ft. of fescue sod: 35, 1 gallon plants
3, 5 gallon plants: Wood Chips
We will landscape up to 2000 sq. ft of area for only $2995.00. Rock removal will be extra, Removing old landscaping, if any, is extra. Call and Ask for details.
Price includes all labor and material
They will also do concrete work for extra.

So, let’s say this whole thing costs you in the range of $8,000 to $10,000 for basic landscaping. Not bad if you ask me.

Obviously it depends on how crazy you want to go for landscaping, but you could get some basic stuff done for a reasonable cost. Then upgrade at another time.

On distance to La Jolla, from Sky Ranch, with the 52 open, it should be a 20-25 minute commute to La Jolla Shores on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

On Las Colinas, I’m not kiding on this thing possibly being relocated. I understand everyone has NIMBYism, yet seriously, Las Colinas was OK back in the day, but look at the development of Santee. Times change, and now it ISN’T the best place to have the jail nor expand it.

http://www.sandiego6.com/mostpopular/story/Santee-uses-Facebook-Twitter-to-fight-jail-plans/498_vvRviEC_rLzbvPiXKA.cspx – City of Santee Files Suit

http://www.ci.santee.ca.us/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=876 – Read this report!

http://www.orchidsandonions.org/2008/09/8/las-colinas-womens-detention-facility – Orchids & Onions

http://www.santee-chamber.org/Proposed_Las_Colinas_Jail_Expansion.pdf – Santee City’s Opinion

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=52190569927 – Facebook

http://twitter.com/nojailexpansion – Twitter

Trust me, this will be an UGLY fight and most people in Santee are upset with the current San Diego Board of Supervisors over this.

Plus, if it does stay, which I do doubt, do you think Alcatraz kept people from moving to San Francisco? (This isn’t an apple to apple example, but you get my drift. Plus, Alcatraz isn’t a jail anymore.)

[Author]

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