Skyranch in Santee

[joec]

Thanks for your long reply SRO. I think for me and my family, we certainly didn’t want to wait 10, 15 or even 5 years because number 1: we were buying to live now and the home was never an investment. Life can also change so even though we all plan to be somewhere for 10-20 years, you never know.

We wanted to enjoy our area, feel safe outside walking about, have good schools and maybe the upside isn’t as high in other areas, but I still think when/if the market moves back up, pretty much all the other areas discussed here will have better appreciation due to more limited supply (#1) and greater desirability to be closer to the employment centers. I think in general, most home buyers would prefer to live in a smaller house in a nicer area compared to a big house in a not as nice area. That was our thinking at least. Location location location right?

I agree that the city of Santee is trying very hard to improve the image and clean it up a lot. This was also our reasons for trying to find a new home there and we were extremely close to pulling the trigger on Riverwalk/Stoney Creek. Looking at prices back in Feb 2008, Plan 3 (2600 sqft) was going for 565k. Crestview was going for 595k – 690k in April 2008 with most closer to 610k or so. I think that’s off 75-100k now for Crestview…Still, at 500k, I think I’d rather pay lower HOA fees and move to Del Sur if I had to have a new home or some of the new smaller places in Carlsbad for 500-600k.

I understand not wanting to say what you paid, but any range of everything that closed around that time is ok with me (and I don’t want to bother looking it up) since I think for the same amount, we’d probably look elsewhere.

I suppose in end, it really just boils down to what’s important to you and a view is worth $0 to us so that’s why we didn’t go for Sky Ranch. 🙂

Hope this helps other folks in the same house hunting even though it seems like a lot of Pigg members have bought in the past 2 years. I know I don’t visit as much as I used to myself!

[natty]

[quote=sdcellar]
Just remember that people can lie to themselves just as easily as any salesperson can. These are called rationalizations.

I’m not saying people shouldn’t hope for a better tomorrow and all that, but they should go in with their eyes wide open.

I appreciate that it’s nice for people to feel good about their choices, but at some point…[/quote]

Yes. Emotions can and do fool us all.

Has become apparent in this thread some are interchanging factual data & emotion as they see fit for both themselves and others.

SkyRanch person has provided easy access to links regarding the area. For that, the work is appreciated.

If one were to do same for each/every area in San Diego, it would make all of our ‘jobs’ easier in residence search. Be this person in sales or not, such research is applauded. Seems safe to state, a % of people don’t put the same work and thought into purchase.

But again, where said person(SRO)comes up short, is substituting personalized emotion for data/fact. This is where I hold ‘information’ at fault, and therefore checked out the area in question myself.

[natty]

[quote=sdcellar]
Just remember that people can lie to themselves just as easily as any salesperson can. These are called rationalizations.

I’m not saying people shouldn’t hope for a better tomorrow and all that, but they should go in with their eyes wide open.

I appreciate that it’s nice for people to feel good about their choices, but at some point…[/quote]

Yes. Emotions can and do fool us all.

Has become apparent in this thread some are interchanging factual data & emotion as they see fit for both themselves and others.

SkyRanch person has provided easy access to links regarding the area. For that, the work is appreciated.

If one were to do same for each/every area in San Diego, it would make all of our ‘jobs’ easier in residence search. Be this person in sales or not, such research is applauded. Seems safe to state, a % of people don’t put the same work and thought into purchase.

But again, where said person(SRO)comes up short, is substituting personalized emotion for data/fact. This is where I hold ‘information’ at fault, and therefore checked out the area in question myself.

[natty]

[quote=sdcellar]
Just remember that people can lie to themselves just as easily as any salesperson can. These are called rationalizations.

I’m not saying people shouldn’t hope for a better tomorrow and all that, but they should go in with their eyes wide open.

I appreciate that it’s nice for people to feel good about their choices, but at some point…[/quote]

Yes. Emotions can and do fool us all.

Has become apparent in this thread some are interchanging factual data & emotion as they see fit for both themselves and others.

SkyRanch person has provided easy access to links regarding the area. For that, the work is appreciated.

If one were to do same for each/every area in San Diego, it would make all of our ‘jobs’ easier in residence search. Be this person in sales or not, such research is applauded. Seems safe to state, a % of people don’t put the same work and thought into purchase.

But again, where said person(SRO)comes up short, is substituting personalized emotion for data/fact. This is where I hold ‘information’ at fault, and therefore checked out the area in question myself.

[natty]

[quote=sdcellar]
Just remember that people can lie to themselves just as easily as any salesperson can. These are called rationalizations.

I’m not saying people shouldn’t hope for a better tomorrow and all that, but they should go in with their eyes wide open.

I appreciate that it’s nice for people to feel good about their choices, but at some point…[/quote]

Yes. Emotions can and do fool us all.

Has become apparent in this thread some are interchanging factual data & emotion as they see fit for both themselves and others.

SkyRanch person has provided easy access to links regarding the area. For that, the work is appreciated.

If one were to do same for each/every area in San Diego, it would make all of our ‘jobs’ easier in residence search. Be this person in sales or not, such research is applauded. Seems safe to state, a % of people don’t put the same work and thought into purchase.

But again, where said person(SRO)comes up short, is substituting personalized emotion for data/fact. This is where I hold ‘information’ at fault, and therefore checked out the area in question myself.

[natty]

[quote=sdcellar]
Just remember that people can lie to themselves just as easily as any salesperson can. These are called rationalizations.

I’m not saying people shouldn’t hope for a better tomorrow and all that, but they should go in with their eyes wide open.

I appreciate that it’s nice for people to feel good about their choices, but at some point…[/quote]

Yes. Emotions can and do fool us all.

Has become apparent in this thread some are interchanging factual data & emotion as they see fit for both themselves and others.

SkyRanch person has provided easy access to links regarding the area. For that, the work is appreciated.

If one were to do same for each/every area in San Diego, it would make all of our ‘jobs’ easier in residence search. Be this person in sales or not, such research is applauded. Seems safe to state, a % of people don’t put the same work and thought into purchase.

But again, where said person(SRO)comes up short, is substituting personalized emotion for data/fact. This is where I hold ‘information’ at fault, and therefore checked out the area in question myself.

[SkyRanchOwner]

joec, as I’ve said, Sky Ranch won’t be for everyone.

Trust me though when I say it is very safe up here, with lots of walking room.

Most criminals don’t like a community that has only 1 way in and 1 way out. It’s very easy to “trap” them and block off the exit.

You could actually block them off all the way over at the Graves/Prospect intersection!!

4S Ranch has actually had many home invasions after people go to work. I’ve heard this from people that live there. So many homes, so much traffic around the homes, who would notice…

I bring this up because crime is everywhere, but know that Sky Ranch is a safe community.

Also, talking about walking around. You would be amazed at how many people are walking around, jogging, pushing strollers, etc. There is a lot of flat road area up here for just that.

Also, Santee has a very low crime rate, despite how it “looks” in areas. Maybe because people are afraid the owners might shoot back!

Either way, you need to look at your situation and determine if it’s right for you. It was right for us, and when I say, we were skeptical too. I’m telling you the truth that we were. We even had a little buyer’s remorse at first, not sure if we made the right decision. But, I tell you, we are even happier today than when we first bought. Why? Because we realized all our concerns were just our own created fear, and we’ve also had more time to experience living up here. We’ve realized, heck, we REALLY like this place. Also, the neighbors say the same things too. That they really like it up here. It’s in its own world, up on the mountain. We’ve also noticed that even though everyone isn’t driving a BMW or Mercedes or other high-end car, they are all VERY nice and polite.

In addition, as I’ve mentioned in the last post about seeing the plan for the area, sometimes you don’t know if things will happen or be executed on, just like with a business investment. Seeing these things happen, over time, and be executed, has made us again, verify our trust in our decision. For example, first, the Graves/Prospect intersection was hideous and a nightmare with no stoplights, limited lanes, and constant back-ups. Now, there are traffic lights, there are multiple lanes, the curbs were cemented, and the traffic flow is much, much better. Of course there is still a lot of dirt around, but this will change in time once the 52 is completed. Next, the 52 is being completed. This project wasn’t halted by the down economy. It will be finished, and it will shorten the drive time to Sorrento Valley and La Jolla. Lastly, the Town Center Community Park is being completed. This was just a dream at one time, but now it is near completion.

So, all this isn’t just a maybe in someones mind or just on paper. This city is in the EXECUTION process of getting the plan done.

I’m not just verifying my purchase decision for my own accord or psychological well being, I’m giving you facts of things happening around Sky Ranch and getting done, per the plan.

Just like Apple said at one time that we will dominate the digital computer media world, they have executed that plan and taken it a step further from the iPOD to the iPHONE to now the iPAD.

This just in. Looks like new pricing on Crestview homes:

Residence 1 B Homesite 0023 $499,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5583 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 9207

Residence 2 A Homesite 0022 $516,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5589 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Residence 2 Homesite 0024 $513,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5577 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Residence 2 Homesite 0040 $533,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5580 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Crestview Homesite map:
http://www.lennar.com/images/com/files/new-homes/3/66/413/spf/5-Crestview-color-stat11-6-09.pdf

[SkyRanchOwner]

joec, as I’ve said, Sky Ranch won’t be for everyone.

Trust me though when I say it is very safe up here, with lots of walking room.

Most criminals don’t like a community that has only 1 way in and 1 way out. It’s very easy to “trap” them and block off the exit.

You could actually block them off all the way over at the Graves/Prospect intersection!!

4S Ranch has actually had many home invasions after people go to work. I’ve heard this from people that live there. So many homes, so much traffic around the homes, who would notice…

I bring this up because crime is everywhere, but know that Sky Ranch is a safe community.

Also, talking about walking around. You would be amazed at how many people are walking around, jogging, pushing strollers, etc. There is a lot of flat road area up here for just that.

Also, Santee has a very low crime rate, despite how it “looks” in areas. Maybe because people are afraid the owners might shoot back!

Either way, you need to look at your situation and determine if it’s right for you. It was right for us, and when I say, we were skeptical too. I’m telling you the truth that we were. We even had a little buyer’s remorse at first, not sure if we made the right decision. But, I tell you, we are even happier today than when we first bought. Why? Because we realized all our concerns were just our own created fear, and we’ve also had more time to experience living up here. We’ve realized, heck, we REALLY like this place. Also, the neighbors say the same things too. That they really like it up here. It’s in its own world, up on the mountain. We’ve also noticed that even though everyone isn’t driving a BMW or Mercedes or other high-end car, they are all VERY nice and polite.

In addition, as I’ve mentioned in the last post about seeing the plan for the area, sometimes you don’t know if things will happen or be executed on, just like with a business investment. Seeing these things happen, over time, and be executed, has made us again, verify our trust in our decision. For example, first, the Graves/Prospect intersection was hideous and a nightmare with no stoplights, limited lanes, and constant back-ups. Now, there are traffic lights, there are multiple lanes, the curbs were cemented, and the traffic flow is much, much better. Of course there is still a lot of dirt around, but this will change in time once the 52 is completed. Next, the 52 is being completed. This project wasn’t halted by the down economy. It will be finished, and it will shorten the drive time to Sorrento Valley and La Jolla. Lastly, the Town Center Community Park is being completed. This was just a dream at one time, but now it is near completion.

So, all this isn’t just a maybe in someones mind or just on paper. This city is in the EXECUTION process of getting the plan done.

I’m not just verifying my purchase decision for my own accord or psychological well being, I’m giving you facts of things happening around Sky Ranch and getting done, per the plan.

Just like Apple said at one time that we will dominate the digital computer media world, they have executed that plan and taken it a step further from the iPOD to the iPHONE to now the iPAD.

This just in. Looks like new pricing on Crestview homes:

Residence 1 B Homesite 0023 $499,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5583 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 9207

Residence 2 A Homesite 0022 $516,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5589 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Residence 2 Homesite 0024 $513,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5577 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Residence 2 Homesite 0040 $533,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5580 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Crestview Homesite map:
http://www.lennar.com/images/com/files/new-homes/3/66/413/spf/5-Crestview-color-stat11-6-09.pdf

[SkyRanchOwner]

joec, as I’ve said, Sky Ranch won’t be for everyone.

Trust me though when I say it is very safe up here, with lots of walking room.

Most criminals don’t like a community that has only 1 way in and 1 way out. It’s very easy to “trap” them and block off the exit.

You could actually block them off all the way over at the Graves/Prospect intersection!!

4S Ranch has actually had many home invasions after people go to work. I’ve heard this from people that live there. So many homes, so much traffic around the homes, who would notice…

I bring this up because crime is everywhere, but know that Sky Ranch is a safe community.

Also, talking about walking around. You would be amazed at how many people are walking around, jogging, pushing strollers, etc. There is a lot of flat road area up here for just that.

Also, Santee has a very low crime rate, despite how it “looks” in areas. Maybe because people are afraid the owners might shoot back!

Either way, you need to look at your situation and determine if it’s right for you. It was right for us, and when I say, we were skeptical too. I’m telling you the truth that we were. We even had a little buyer’s remorse at first, not sure if we made the right decision. But, I tell you, we are even happier today than when we first bought. Why? Because we realized all our concerns were just our own created fear, and we’ve also had more time to experience living up here. We’ve realized, heck, we REALLY like this place. Also, the neighbors say the same things too. That they really like it up here. It’s in its own world, up on the mountain. We’ve also noticed that even though everyone isn’t driving a BMW or Mercedes or other high-end car, they are all VERY nice and polite.

In addition, as I’ve mentioned in the last post about seeing the plan for the area, sometimes you don’t know if things will happen or be executed on, just like with a business investment. Seeing these things happen, over time, and be executed, has made us again, verify our trust in our decision. For example, first, the Graves/Prospect intersection was hideous and a nightmare with no stoplights, limited lanes, and constant back-ups. Now, there are traffic lights, there are multiple lanes, the curbs were cemented, and the traffic flow is much, much better. Of course there is still a lot of dirt around, but this will change in time once the 52 is completed. Next, the 52 is being completed. This project wasn’t halted by the down economy. It will be finished, and it will shorten the drive time to Sorrento Valley and La Jolla. Lastly, the Town Center Community Park is being completed. This was just a dream at one time, but now it is near completion.

So, all this isn’t just a maybe in someones mind or just on paper. This city is in the EXECUTION process of getting the plan done.

I’m not just verifying my purchase decision for my own accord or psychological well being, I’m giving you facts of things happening around Sky Ranch and getting done, per the plan.

Just like Apple said at one time that we will dominate the digital computer media world, they have executed that plan and taken it a step further from the iPOD to the iPHONE to now the iPAD.

This just in. Looks like new pricing on Crestview homes:

Residence 1 B Homesite 0023 $499,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5583 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 9207

Residence 2 A Homesite 0022 $516,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5589 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Residence 2 Homesite 0024 $513,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5577 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Residence 2 Homesite 0040 $533,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5580 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Crestview Homesite map:
http://www.lennar.com/images/com/files/new-homes/3/66/413/spf/5-Crestview-color-stat11-6-09.pdf

[SkyRanchOwner]

joec, as I’ve said, Sky Ranch won’t be for everyone.

Trust me though when I say it is very safe up here, with lots of walking room.

Most criminals don’t like a community that has only 1 way in and 1 way out. It’s very easy to “trap” them and block off the exit.

You could actually block them off all the way over at the Graves/Prospect intersection!!

4S Ranch has actually had many home invasions after people go to work. I’ve heard this from people that live there. So many homes, so much traffic around the homes, who would notice…

I bring this up because crime is everywhere, but know that Sky Ranch is a safe community.

Also, talking about walking around. You would be amazed at how many people are walking around, jogging, pushing strollers, etc. There is a lot of flat road area up here for just that.

Also, Santee has a very low crime rate, despite how it “looks” in areas. Maybe because people are afraid the owners might shoot back!

Either way, you need to look at your situation and determine if it’s right for you. It was right for us, and when I say, we were skeptical too. I’m telling you the truth that we were. We even had a little buyer’s remorse at first, not sure if we made the right decision. But, I tell you, we are even happier today than when we first bought. Why? Because we realized all our concerns were just our own created fear, and we’ve also had more time to experience living up here. We’ve realized, heck, we REALLY like this place. Also, the neighbors say the same things too. That they really like it up here. It’s in its own world, up on the mountain. We’ve also noticed that even though everyone isn’t driving a BMW or Mercedes or other high-end car, they are all VERY nice and polite.

In addition, as I’ve mentioned in the last post about seeing the plan for the area, sometimes you don’t know if things will happen or be executed on, just like with a business investment. Seeing these things happen, over time, and be executed, has made us again, verify our trust in our decision. For example, first, the Graves/Prospect intersection was hideous and a nightmare with no stoplights, limited lanes, and constant back-ups. Now, there are traffic lights, there are multiple lanes, the curbs were cemented, and the traffic flow is much, much better. Of course there is still a lot of dirt around, but this will change in time once the 52 is completed. Next, the 52 is being completed. This project wasn’t halted by the down economy. It will be finished, and it will shorten the drive time to Sorrento Valley and La Jolla. Lastly, the Town Center Community Park is being completed. This was just a dream at one time, but now it is near completion.

So, all this isn’t just a maybe in someones mind or just on paper. This city is in the EXECUTION process of getting the plan done.

I’m not just verifying my purchase decision for my own accord or psychological well being, I’m giving you facts of things happening around Sky Ranch and getting done, per the plan.

Just like Apple said at one time that we will dominate the digital computer media world, they have executed that plan and taken it a step further from the iPOD to the iPHONE to now the iPAD.

This just in. Looks like new pricing on Crestview homes:

Residence 1 B Homesite 0023 $499,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5583 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 9207

Residence 2 A Homesite 0022 $516,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5589 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Residence 2 Homesite 0024 $513,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5577 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Residence 2 Homesite 0040 $533,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5580 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Crestview Homesite map:
http://www.lennar.com/images/com/files/new-homes/3/66/413/spf/5-Crestview-color-stat11-6-09.pdf

[SkyRanchOwner]

joec, as I’ve said, Sky Ranch won’t be for everyone.

Trust me though when I say it is very safe up here, with lots of walking room.

Most criminals don’t like a community that has only 1 way in and 1 way out. It’s very easy to “trap” them and block off the exit.

You could actually block them off all the way over at the Graves/Prospect intersection!!

4S Ranch has actually had many home invasions after people go to work. I’ve heard this from people that live there. So many homes, so much traffic around the homes, who would notice…

I bring this up because crime is everywhere, but know that Sky Ranch is a safe community.

Also, talking about walking around. You would be amazed at how many people are walking around, jogging, pushing strollers, etc. There is a lot of flat road area up here for just that.

Also, Santee has a very low crime rate, despite how it “looks” in areas. Maybe because people are afraid the owners might shoot back!

Either way, you need to look at your situation and determine if it’s right for you. It was right for us, and when I say, we were skeptical too. I’m telling you the truth that we were. We even had a little buyer’s remorse at first, not sure if we made the right decision. But, I tell you, we are even happier today than when we first bought. Why? Because we realized all our concerns were just our own created fear, and we’ve also had more time to experience living up here. We’ve realized, heck, we REALLY like this place. Also, the neighbors say the same things too. That they really like it up here. It’s in its own world, up on the mountain. We’ve also noticed that even though everyone isn’t driving a BMW or Mercedes or other high-end car, they are all VERY nice and polite.

In addition, as I’ve mentioned in the last post about seeing the plan for the area, sometimes you don’t know if things will happen or be executed on, just like with a business investment. Seeing these things happen, over time, and be executed, has made us again, verify our trust in our decision. For example, first, the Graves/Prospect intersection was hideous and a nightmare with no stoplights, limited lanes, and constant back-ups. Now, there are traffic lights, there are multiple lanes, the curbs were cemented, and the traffic flow is much, much better. Of course there is still a lot of dirt around, but this will change in time once the 52 is completed. Next, the 52 is being completed. This project wasn’t halted by the down economy. It will be finished, and it will shorten the drive time to Sorrento Valley and La Jolla. Lastly, the Town Center Community Park is being completed. This was just a dream at one time, but now it is near completion.

So, all this isn’t just a maybe in someones mind or just on paper. This city is in the EXECUTION process of getting the plan done.

I’m not just verifying my purchase decision for my own accord or psychological well being, I’m giving you facts of things happening around Sky Ranch and getting done, per the plan.

Just like Apple said at one time that we will dominate the digital computer media world, they have executed that plan and taken it a step further from the iPOD to the iPHONE to now the iPAD.

This just in. Looks like new pricing on Crestview homes:

Residence 1 B Homesite 0023 $499,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5583 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 9207

Residence 2 A Homesite 0022 $516,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5589 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Residence 2 Homesite 0024 $513,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5577 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Residence 2 Homesite 0040 $533,990
Estimated Availability July 2010
5580 Dracena Street, Santee, CA, 92071

Crestview Homesite map:
http://www.lennar.com/images/com/files/new-homes/3/66/413/spf/5-Crestview-color-stat11-6-09.pdf

[kcal09]

[quote=joec]This is my take on Sky Ranch and Santee in general. We visited all the new Santee communities (Riverwalk, Skyranch) back in mid – late 2008. Some of the plan 3 Stoney Creek Riverwalk places were going for 550k or so then? Sky ranch Crestview was listing for 655k or so back then? I agree that when you get inside your home in Skyranch, it’s nice and quiet, but getting there isn’t so nice IMO.

On our first visit, we didn’t notice the run down strip mall (on mission gorge?), apartments right outside Skyranch, but on a subsequent visit, we just didn’t like what we saw getting there. People hanging around street corners and there being a few apartment complexes right outside the slope and checking the sex offender website, a few sex offenders living there as well was a big negative for us.

Another thing I noticed is that they advertise no MR, but when we first visited and about a year later, the HOA actually went up. If someone has old notes from 2008, 2009 and now, the HOA back then was “only” about $150 or so I think.

You also don’t get much for your HOA fee we felt and they had to raise the fee to pay for the slope maintenance (useless IMO). When we looked back then, only 2 of the 12 or 13 Crestview homes sold telling us that they were already overpriced and HOA fees had to go up to cover the maintenance (and it did). Maybe it’s better now, but advertising no MR and raising HOA left a bad taste in our mouth.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that Santee seems to be the dumping ground for the rest of San Diego. There is a dump there and I think Santee just lost a San Diego vote to expand the dump site there since it’s owned by “San Diego”. They are also expanding the jail I think. No one else wants it, let’s give it to Mikee, oops, Santee, they’ll take all our crap! That’s what it sounds like in the news…

On other subsequent visits, we also didn’t like the prospective homebuyers there. Economic segregation/discrimination is a great thing and being an older community, there is just too much lower priced housing stock in the area (not to mention the trailer park next to the 52) and the accompanying type of person there. That’s not everyone of course, but you get the idea.

I’m also curious how much you paid SRO if you don’t mind sharing a price range since when we compared prices back then, we felt there were much better values than Sky Ranch without the negative Santee (east county) stigma (however much there is).

As stated here, I think Crestview is now in the 500-550k range. I think some places in Del Sur offer that price point now (alleyway homes). There are new places in Carlsbad (smaller) there as well I think and with a 30 yr loan and a hundred or 2 more per month, I think most folks would spring for another location if possible. I think the new 4S homes start in the low 600s for one of the new developments.

That said, I just don’t think Sky Ranch is a great deal unless you HAVE to have some view (which we didn’t care for). In terms of housing resale value, it’s always better to be the least expensive house in your general area so you get lifted up by every other house than to be the 600-800k house in Santee when the avg home there is much much lower.

Hope this helps other prospective home shoppers.[/quote]

Your observations are identical to mine. I did not have a good impression when I first went to Skyranch when driving by the apartment building on Graves. It just felt weird that these nice homes are so close to those old and run down houses. You also pointed out the sex offenders living in that neighborhood and I fully agree that this could be a problem when it comes to resale value. smart buyers always check these kind of info before making a descision to buy.

[kcal09]

[quote=joec]This is my take on Sky Ranch and Santee in general. We visited all the new Santee communities (Riverwalk, Skyranch) back in mid – late 2008. Some of the plan 3 Stoney Creek Riverwalk places were going for 550k or so then? Sky ranch Crestview was listing for 655k or so back then? I agree that when you get inside your home in Skyranch, it’s nice and quiet, but getting there isn’t so nice IMO.

On our first visit, we didn’t notice the run down strip mall (on mission gorge?), apartments right outside Skyranch, but on a subsequent visit, we just didn’t like what we saw getting there. People hanging around street corners and there being a few apartment complexes right outside the slope and checking the sex offender website, a few sex offenders living there as well was a big negative for us.

Another thing I noticed is that they advertise no MR, but when we first visited and about a year later, the HOA actually went up. If someone has old notes from 2008, 2009 and now, the HOA back then was “only” about $150 or so I think.

You also don’t get much for your HOA fee we felt and they had to raise the fee to pay for the slope maintenance (useless IMO). When we looked back then, only 2 of the 12 or 13 Crestview homes sold telling us that they were already overpriced and HOA fees had to go up to cover the maintenance (and it did). Maybe it’s better now, but advertising no MR and raising HOA left a bad taste in our mouth.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that Santee seems to be the dumping ground for the rest of San Diego. There is a dump there and I think Santee just lost a San Diego vote to expand the dump site there since it’s owned by “San Diego”. They are also expanding the jail I think. No one else wants it, let’s give it to Mikee, oops, Santee, they’ll take all our crap! That’s what it sounds like in the news…

On other subsequent visits, we also didn’t like the prospective homebuyers there. Economic segregation/discrimination is a great thing and being an older community, there is just too much lower priced housing stock in the area (not to mention the trailer park next to the 52) and the accompanying type of person there. That’s not everyone of course, but you get the idea.

I’m also curious how much you paid SRO if you don’t mind sharing a price range since when we compared prices back then, we felt there were much better values than Sky Ranch without the negative Santee (east county) stigma (however much there is).

As stated here, I think Crestview is now in the 500-550k range. I think some places in Del Sur offer that price point now (alleyway homes). There are new places in Carlsbad (smaller) there as well I think and with a 30 yr loan and a hundred or 2 more per month, I think most folks would spring for another location if possible. I think the new 4S homes start in the low 600s for one of the new developments.

That said, I just don’t think Sky Ranch is a great deal unless you HAVE to have some view (which we didn’t care for). In terms of housing resale value, it’s always better to be the least expensive house in your general area so you get lifted up by every other house than to be the 600-800k house in Santee when the avg home there is much much lower.

Hope this helps other prospective home shoppers.[/quote]

Your observations are identical to mine. I did not have a good impression when I first went to Skyranch when driving by the apartment building on Graves. It just felt weird that these nice homes are so close to those old and run down houses. You also pointed out the sex offenders living in that neighborhood and I fully agree that this could be a problem when it comes to resale value. smart buyers always check these kind of info before making a descision to buy.

[kcal09]

[quote=joec]This is my take on Sky Ranch and Santee in general. We visited all the new Santee communities (Riverwalk, Skyranch) back in mid – late 2008. Some of the plan 3 Stoney Creek Riverwalk places were going for 550k or so then? Sky ranch Crestview was listing for 655k or so back then? I agree that when you get inside your home in Skyranch, it’s nice and quiet, but getting there isn’t so nice IMO.

On our first visit, we didn’t notice the run down strip mall (on mission gorge?), apartments right outside Skyranch, but on a subsequent visit, we just didn’t like what we saw getting there. People hanging around street corners and there being a few apartment complexes right outside the slope and checking the sex offender website, a few sex offenders living there as well was a big negative for us.

Another thing I noticed is that they advertise no MR, but when we first visited and about a year later, the HOA actually went up. If someone has old notes from 2008, 2009 and now, the HOA back then was “only” about $150 or so I think.

You also don’t get much for your HOA fee we felt and they had to raise the fee to pay for the slope maintenance (useless IMO). When we looked back then, only 2 of the 12 or 13 Crestview homes sold telling us that they were already overpriced and HOA fees had to go up to cover the maintenance (and it did). Maybe it’s better now, but advertising no MR and raising HOA left a bad taste in our mouth.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that Santee seems to be the dumping ground for the rest of San Diego. There is a dump there and I think Santee just lost a San Diego vote to expand the dump site there since it’s owned by “San Diego”. They are also expanding the jail I think. No one else wants it, let’s give it to Mikee, oops, Santee, they’ll take all our crap! That’s what it sounds like in the news…

On other subsequent visits, we also didn’t like the prospective homebuyers there. Economic segregation/discrimination is a great thing and being an older community, there is just too much lower priced housing stock in the area (not to mention the trailer park next to the 52) and the accompanying type of person there. That’s not everyone of course, but you get the idea.

I’m also curious how much you paid SRO if you don’t mind sharing a price range since when we compared prices back then, we felt there were much better values than Sky Ranch without the negative Santee (east county) stigma (however much there is).

As stated here, I think Crestview is now in the 500-550k range. I think some places in Del Sur offer that price point now (alleyway homes). There are new places in Carlsbad (smaller) there as well I think and with a 30 yr loan and a hundred or 2 more per month, I think most folks would spring for another location if possible. I think the new 4S homes start in the low 600s for one of the new developments.

That said, I just don’t think Sky Ranch is a great deal unless you HAVE to have some view (which we didn’t care for). In terms of housing resale value, it’s always better to be the least expensive house in your general area so you get lifted up by every other house than to be the 600-800k house in Santee when the avg home there is much much lower.

Hope this helps other prospective home shoppers.[/quote]

Your observations are identical to mine. I did not have a good impression when I first went to Skyranch when driving by the apartment building on Graves. It just felt weird that these nice homes are so close to those old and run down houses. You also pointed out the sex offenders living in that neighborhood and I fully agree that this could be a problem when it comes to resale value. smart buyers always check these kind of info before making a descision to buy.

[kcal09]

[quote=joec]This is my take on Sky Ranch and Santee in general. We visited all the new Santee communities (Riverwalk, Skyranch) back in mid – late 2008. Some of the plan 3 Stoney Creek Riverwalk places were going for 550k or so then? Sky ranch Crestview was listing for 655k or so back then? I agree that when you get inside your home in Skyranch, it’s nice and quiet, but getting there isn’t so nice IMO.

On our first visit, we didn’t notice the run down strip mall (on mission gorge?), apartments right outside Skyranch, but on a subsequent visit, we just didn’t like what we saw getting there. People hanging around street corners and there being a few apartment complexes right outside the slope and checking the sex offender website, a few sex offenders living there as well was a big negative for us.

Another thing I noticed is that they advertise no MR, but when we first visited and about a year later, the HOA actually went up. If someone has old notes from 2008, 2009 and now, the HOA back then was “only” about $150 or so I think.

You also don’t get much for your HOA fee we felt and they had to raise the fee to pay for the slope maintenance (useless IMO). When we looked back then, only 2 of the 12 or 13 Crestview homes sold telling us that they were already overpriced and HOA fees had to go up to cover the maintenance (and it did). Maybe it’s better now, but advertising no MR and raising HOA left a bad taste in our mouth.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that Santee seems to be the dumping ground for the rest of San Diego. There is a dump there and I think Santee just lost a San Diego vote to expand the dump site there since it’s owned by “San Diego”. They are also expanding the jail I think. No one else wants it, let’s give it to Mikee, oops, Santee, they’ll take all our crap! That’s what it sounds like in the news…

On other subsequent visits, we also didn’t like the prospective homebuyers there. Economic segregation/discrimination is a great thing and being an older community, there is just too much lower priced housing stock in the area (not to mention the trailer park next to the 52) and the accompanying type of person there. That’s not everyone of course, but you get the idea.

I’m also curious how much you paid SRO if you don’t mind sharing a price range since when we compared prices back then, we felt there were much better values than Sky Ranch without the negative Santee (east county) stigma (however much there is).

As stated here, I think Crestview is now in the 500-550k range. I think some places in Del Sur offer that price point now (alleyway homes). There are new places in Carlsbad (smaller) there as well I think and with a 30 yr loan and a hundred or 2 more per month, I think most folks would spring for another location if possible. I think the new 4S homes start in the low 600s for one of the new developments.

That said, I just don’t think Sky Ranch is a great deal unless you HAVE to have some view (which we didn’t care for). In terms of housing resale value, it’s always better to be the least expensive house in your general area so you get lifted up by every other house than to be the 600-800k house in Santee when the avg home there is much much lower.

Hope this helps other prospective home shoppers.[/quote]

Your observations are identical to mine. I did not have a good impression when I first went to Skyranch when driving by the apartment building on Graves. It just felt weird that these nice homes are so close to those old and run down houses. You also pointed out the sex offenders living in that neighborhood and I fully agree that this could be a problem when it comes to resale value. smart buyers always check these kind of info before making a descision to buy.

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