[carli]

I buy lots of stuff on Craiglist, but I’m not sure I’d ever buy major appliances, although I usually look around there.

Major appliances are known to have little things that need tweaking (and not just once) or even major breakdowns or defects, and you definitely want to have the manufacturer’s warranty in place.

If you buy at Pacific Sales (and maybe other local retailers do this, too), they add another 4 yrs on to the manufacturer’s warranty with their additional service warranty (covers all parts and labor) for a very reasonable price. It was $177 for the extra warranty my GE Monogram fridge, which is almost the cost of a single service visit. I’m not one to normally buy extra warranties, but this one was way worth it.

[carli]

Hi Oxford,

Having done several major house renovations, I’ve learned a lot about appliances. Most importantly, you can’t count on any one brand to deliver consistent superior quality (well, maybe with the exception of Miele) so you’re right when you say everyone hates everything!

I’m one who likes to research everything before I buy, and I’m pretty frugal, but I also love to cook, so I’m usually willing to splurge in the kitchen. Even with splurging, I’ve still had just as many problems with the higher-end appliances as with the mid-range ones so don’t think price equates to quality. Also, I have an online subscription to Consumer Reports and usually check it before I make a major purchase but more often than not, the CR ratings don’t mean much or don’t even include the model I’m looking at.

Anyway, for what it’s worth, I’ve had decent experience with GE Monogram refrigerators (although lots of people bitch and moan about them); I’ve had terrible experience with a DCS range and a Thermador cooktop, I’ve had great experience with a Kenmore Elite washer/dryer, I’d give wonderful high marks to the Waste King disposals (1hp model sells on Costco.com for $99), and I will only buy Miele dishwashers from now on (they’re the only ones with a built-in water softener – the SD water hardness trashes all my glasses) although I’ve also had good experiences with Bosch dishwashers.

Here are the places where I usually buy my appliances: 1) Pacific Sales (they generally have the best prices if you’re doing a whole house and they will pass on contractor discounts to homeowner; don’t forget to also ask for floor models or last year’s models), 2) Sears outlet store on Sherman Way (I think that’s the name of the street) off Morena Blvd. They have lots of good stuff, some without any noticeable defects or scratches. All different brands, most midrange but also some high end stuff, 3) Costco – they are great for lower/mid range appliances, and don’t forget to check costco.com for things not found in their stores. I bought tons of stuff online from them during my last house renovation (they sell tile, flooring, vanities, toilets, even nice doorknobs, which were $38 at Costco for same quality as $58 Baldwins, and when you’re buying 30 doorknobs, that adds up). Also, their no-hassle returns and no restocking fee is a big plus.

There are also lots of other online retailers for most of this stuff, but for appliances, I would stick with the 3 mentioned above. The other online appliance retailers (ABT and AJ Madison are two of the major ones) haven’t beat Pac Sales overall price for a whole house of appliances.

Also, for advice on which appliances to choose, it may not be statistically significant, but I like to check out the random advice on this website -www.thathomesite.com. Click on “forums” and then go to “appliances”. Lots of anecdotal advice and opinions on where to buy and what to buy. Some/most of it tends to run towards the higher end things, but you’ll find lots of opinions and you can even pose a question asking, for example, what’s the best dishwasher (or whatever) for X dollars? Or sometimes people ask, “My whole house appliance budget is $7500, what should I get”? You’ll see lots of replies and opinions…sometimes too much!

Good luck!

[carli]

Hi Oxford,

Having done several major house renovations, I’ve learned a lot about appliances. Most importantly, you can’t count on any one brand to deliver consistent superior quality (well, maybe with the exception of Miele) so you’re right when you say everyone hates everything!

I’m one who likes to research everything before I buy, and I’m pretty frugal, but I also love to cook, so I’m usually willing to splurge in the kitchen. Even with splurging, I’ve still had just as many problems with the higher-end appliances as with the mid-range ones so don’t think price equates to quality. Also, I have an online subscription to Consumer Reports and usually check it before I make a major purchase but more often than not, the CR ratings don’t mean much or don’t even include the model I’m looking at.

Anyway, for what it’s worth, I’ve had decent experience with GE Monogram refrigerators (although lots of people bitch and moan about them); I’ve had terrible experience with a DCS range and a Thermador cooktop, I’ve had great experience with a Kenmore Elite washer/dryer, I’d give wonderful high marks to the Waste King disposals (1hp model sells on Costco.com for $99), and I will only buy Miele dishwashers from now on (they’re the only ones with a built-in water softener – the SD water hardness trashes all my glasses) although I’ve also had good experiences with Bosch dishwashers.

Here are the places where I usually buy my appliances: 1) Pacific Sales (they generally have the best prices if you’re doing a whole house and they will pass on contractor discounts to homeowner; don’t forget to also ask for floor models or last year’s models), 2) Sears outlet store on Sherman Way (I think that’s the name of the street) off Morena Blvd. They have lots of good stuff, some without any noticeable defects or scratches. All different brands, most midrange but also some high end stuff, 3) Costco – they are great for lower/mid range appliances, and don’t forget to check costco.com for things not found in their stores. I bought tons of stuff online from them during my last house renovation (they sell tile, flooring, vanities, toilets, even nice doorknobs, which were $38 at Costco for same quality as $58 Baldwins, and when you’re buying 30 doorknobs, that adds up). Also, their no-hassle returns and no restocking fee is a big plus.

There are also lots of other online retailers for most of this stuff, but for appliances, I would stick with the 3 mentioned above. The other online appliance retailers (ABT and AJ Madison are two of the major ones) haven’t beat Pac Sales overall price for a whole house of appliances.

Also, for advice on which appliances to choose, it may not be statistically significant, but I like to check out the random advice on this website -www.thathomesite.com. Click on “forums” and then go to “appliances”. Lots of anecdotal advice and opinions on where to buy and what to buy. Some/most of it tends to run towards the higher end things, but you’ll find lots of opinions and you can even pose a question asking, for example, what’s the best dishwasher (or whatever) for X dollars? Or sometimes people ask, “My whole house appliance budget is $7500, what should I get”? You’ll see lots of replies and opinions…sometimes too much!

Good luck!

[carli]

Hi Oxford,

Having done several major house renovations, I’ve learned a lot about appliances. Most importantly, you can’t count on any one brand to deliver consistent superior quality (well, maybe with the exception of Miele) so you’re right when you say everyone hates everything!

I’m one who likes to research everything before I buy, and I’m pretty frugal, but I also love to cook, so I’m usually willing to splurge in the kitchen. Even with splurging, I’ve still had just as many problems with the higher-end appliances as with the mid-range ones so don’t think price equates to quality. Also, I have an online subscription to Consumer Reports and usually check it before I make a major purchase but more often than not, the CR ratings don’t mean much or don’t even include the model I’m looking at.

Anyway, for what it’s worth, I’ve had decent experience with GE Monogram refrigerators (although lots of people bitch and moan about them); I’ve had terrible experience with a DCS range and a Thermador cooktop, I’ve had great experience with a Kenmore Elite washer/dryer, I’d give wonderful high marks to the Waste King disposals (1hp model sells on Costco.com for $99), and I will only buy Miele dishwashers from now on (they’re the only ones with a built-in water softener – the SD water hardness trashes all my glasses) although I’ve also had good experiences with Bosch dishwashers.

Here are the places where I usually buy my appliances: 1) Pacific Sales (they generally have the best prices if you’re doing a whole house and they will pass on contractor discounts to homeowner; don’t forget to also ask for floor models or last year’s models), 2) Sears outlet store on Sherman Way (I think that’s the name of the street) off Morena Blvd. They have lots of good stuff, some without any noticeable defects or scratches. All different brands, most midrange but also some high end stuff, 3) Costco – they are great for lower/mid range appliances, and don’t forget to check costco.com for things not found in their stores. I bought tons of stuff online from them during my last house renovation (they sell tile, flooring, vanities, toilets, even nice doorknobs, which were $38 at Costco for same quality as $58 Baldwins, and when you’re buying 30 doorknobs, that adds up). Also, their no-hassle returns and no restocking fee is a big plus.

There are also lots of other online retailers for most of this stuff, but for appliances, I would stick with the 3 mentioned above. The other online appliance retailers (ABT and AJ Madison are two of the major ones) haven’t beat Pac Sales overall price for a whole house of appliances.

Also, for advice on which appliances to choose, it may not be statistically significant, but I like to check out the random advice on this website -www.thathomesite.com. Click on “forums” and then go to “appliances”. Lots of anecdotal advice and opinions on where to buy and what to buy. Some/most of it tends to run towards the higher end things, but you’ll find lots of opinions and you can even pose a question asking, for example, what’s the best dishwasher (or whatever) for X dollars? Or sometimes people ask, “My whole house appliance budget is $7500, what should I get”? You’ll see lots of replies and opinions…sometimes too much!

Good luck!

[carli]

Hi Oxford,

Having done several major house renovations, I’ve learned a lot about appliances. Most importantly, you can’t count on any one brand to deliver consistent superior quality (well, maybe with the exception of Miele) so you’re right when you say everyone hates everything!

I’m one who likes to research everything before I buy, and I’m pretty frugal, but I also love to cook, so I’m usually willing to splurge in the kitchen. Even with splurging, I’ve still had just as many problems with the higher-end appliances as with the mid-range ones so don’t think price equates to quality. Also, I have an online subscription to Consumer Reports and usually check it before I make a major purchase but more often than not, the CR ratings don’t mean much or don’t even include the model I’m looking at.

Anyway, for what it’s worth, I’ve had decent experience with GE Monogram refrigerators (although lots of people bitch and moan about them); I’ve had terrible experience with a DCS range and a Thermador cooktop, I’ve had great experience with a Kenmore Elite washer/dryer, I’d give wonderful high marks to the Waste King disposals (1hp model sells on Costco.com for $99), and I will only buy Miele dishwashers from now on (they’re the only ones with a built-in water softener – the SD water hardness trashes all my glasses) although I’ve also had good experiences with Bosch dishwashers.

Here are the places where I usually buy my appliances: 1) Pacific Sales (they generally have the best prices if you’re doing a whole house and they will pass on contractor discounts to homeowner; don’t forget to also ask for floor models or last year’s models), 2) Sears outlet store on Sherman Way (I think that’s the name of the street) off Morena Blvd. They have lots of good stuff, some without any noticeable defects or scratches. All different brands, most midrange but also some high end stuff, 3) Costco – they are great for lower/mid range appliances, and don’t forget to check costco.com for things not found in their stores. I bought tons of stuff online from them during my last house renovation (they sell tile, flooring, vanities, toilets, even nice doorknobs, which were $38 at Costco for same quality as $58 Baldwins, and when you’re buying 30 doorknobs, that adds up). Also, their no-hassle returns and no restocking fee is a big plus.

There are also lots of other online retailers for most of this stuff, but for appliances, I would stick with the 3 mentioned above. The other online appliance retailers (ABT and AJ Madison are two of the major ones) haven’t beat Pac Sales overall price for a whole house of appliances.

Also, for advice on which appliances to choose, it may not be statistically significant, but I like to check out the random advice on this website -www.thathomesite.com. Click on “forums” and then go to “appliances”. Lots of anecdotal advice and opinions on where to buy and what to buy. Some/most of it tends to run towards the higher end things, but you’ll find lots of opinions and you can even pose a question asking, for example, what’s the best dishwasher (or whatever) for X dollars? Or sometimes people ask, “My whole house appliance budget is $7500, what should I get”? You’ll see lots of replies and opinions…sometimes too much!

Good luck!

[carli]

Hi Oxford,

Having done several major house renovations, I’ve learned a lot about appliances. Most importantly, you can’t count on any one brand to deliver consistent superior quality (well, maybe with the exception of Miele) so you’re right when you say everyone hates everything!

I’m one who likes to research everything before I buy, and I’m pretty frugal, but I also love to cook, so I’m usually willing to splurge in the kitchen. Even with splurging, I’ve still had just as many problems with the higher-end appliances as with the mid-range ones so don’t think price equates to quality. Also, I have an online subscription to Consumer Reports and usually check it before I make a major purchase but more often than not, the CR ratings don’t mean much or don’t even include the model I’m looking at.

Anyway, for what it’s worth, I’ve had decent experience with GE Monogram refrigerators (although lots of people bitch and moan about them); I’ve had terrible experience with a DCS range and a Thermador cooktop, I’ve had great experience with a Kenmore Elite washer/dryer, I’d give wonderful high marks to the Waste King disposals (1hp model sells on Costco.com for $99), and I will only buy Miele dishwashers from now on (they’re the only ones with a built-in water softener – the SD water hardness trashes all my glasses) although I’ve also had good experiences with Bosch dishwashers.

Here are the places where I usually buy my appliances: 1) Pacific Sales (they generally have the best prices if you’re doing a whole house and they will pass on contractor discounts to homeowner; don’t forget to also ask for floor models or last year’s models), 2) Sears outlet store on Sherman Way (I think that’s the name of the street) off Morena Blvd. They have lots of good stuff, some without any noticeable defects or scratches. All different brands, most midrange but also some high end stuff, 3) Costco – they are great for lower/mid range appliances, and don’t forget to check costco.com for things not found in their stores. I bought tons of stuff online from them during my last house renovation (they sell tile, flooring, vanities, toilets, even nice doorknobs, which were $38 at Costco for same quality as $58 Baldwins, and when you’re buying 30 doorknobs, that adds up). Also, their no-hassle returns and no restocking fee is a big plus.

There are also lots of other online retailers for most of this stuff, but for appliances, I would stick with the 3 mentioned above. The other online appliance retailers (ABT and AJ Madison are two of the major ones) haven’t beat Pac Sales overall price for a whole house of appliances.

Also, for advice on which appliances to choose, it may not be statistically significant, but I like to check out the random advice on this website -www.thathomesite.com. Click on “forums” and then go to “appliances”. Lots of anecdotal advice and opinions on where to buy and what to buy. Some/most of it tends to run towards the higher end things, but you’ll find lots of opinions and you can even pose a question asking, for example, what’s the best dishwasher (or whatever) for X dollars? Or sometimes people ask, “My whole house appliance budget is $7500, what should I get”? You’ll see lots of replies and opinions…sometimes too much!

Good luck!

[carli]

We sold our house in Del Mar (near the beach) not quite a year ago, and it sold in the price range you’re talking about.

During the approx. 8 months our house was on the market, we received several wonderful, full-price offers, but they were contingent on the buyers’ sale of their own home. We turned them all down because being in the midst of trying to sell, more than most, we were acutely aware of how long it actually takes to sell a home these days, especially if you have an emotional connection to the home and/or are constantly being told you should not sell your house below a certain price, which was the case with us.

Obviously, this is just one seller’s experience, but to answer your question – no, I can’t imagine that many sellers in this area would take a contingent offer these days. Clearly, the real estate pros on this site have broader experience, but my thought is why would someone take a contingent offer? What’s in it for them? Chances are good that the seller realizes there’s not much upside…it’s very likely that the potential buyer will back out after a couple months when they finally find out that it takes foreeeeeeever to sell a house. Either that, or as prices continue to soften, especially in the high end, the buyer will come back and try to renegotiate a lower price, even if/after their house sells. Also, it takes a lot of time/energy to have your house on the market, and although it’s very tempting to take it off the market, most people realize that if the contingency falls through, it’s a major hassle to have to ramp up again to get your house back on the market.

The only way you might have luck is if your offer is on the high side and the seller has unrealistic hopes and expectations about the selling price of his/her home, and in the midst of their wishful thinking, they agree to your contingent offer…but in that case, obviously you will be overpaying.

As you’ve found, there are plenty of prime places in the Crosby, RSF, Olivenhein and the other areas you mentioned that are available now, and will continue to be available, at prices you’ll find very attractive…and, as they say, if you like the price today, you’ll love the price in several months, or whenever your house is sold! Don’t worry…you’re not going to miss out. Any perceived bargains, especially in the high end, are going to keep getting better. It’s not as if one day the prices will shoot sky high, and all of a sudden the houses you love will be unaffordable.

Best of luck to you in both selling your home and buying another, and welcome to the area!

[carli]

We sold our house in Del Mar (near the beach) not quite a year ago, and it sold in the price range you’re talking about.

During the approx. 8 months our house was on the market, we received several wonderful, full-price offers, but they were contingent on the buyers’ sale of their own home. We turned them all down because being in the midst of trying to sell, more than most, we were acutely aware of how long it actually takes to sell a home these days, especially if you have an emotional connection to the home and/or are constantly being told you should not sell your house below a certain price, which was the case with us.

Obviously, this is just one seller’s experience, but to answer your question – no, I can’t imagine that many sellers in this area would take a contingent offer these days. Clearly, the real estate pros on this site have broader experience, but my thought is why would someone take a contingent offer? What’s in it for them? Chances are good that the seller realizes there’s not much upside…it’s very likely that the potential buyer will back out after a couple months when they finally find out that it takes foreeeeeeever to sell a house. Either that, or as prices continue to soften, especially in the high end, the buyer will come back and try to renegotiate a lower price, even if/after their house sells. Also, it takes a lot of time/energy to have your house on the market, and although it’s very tempting to take it off the market, most people realize that if the contingency falls through, it’s a major hassle to have to ramp up again to get your house back on the market.

The only way you might have luck is if your offer is on the high side and the seller has unrealistic hopes and expectations about the selling price of his/her home, and in the midst of their wishful thinking, they agree to your contingent offer…but in that case, obviously you will be overpaying.

As you’ve found, there are plenty of prime places in the Crosby, RSF, Olivenhein and the other areas you mentioned that are available now, and will continue to be available, at prices you’ll find very attractive…and, as they say, if you like the price today, you’ll love the price in several months, or whenever your house is sold! Don’t worry…you’re not going to miss out. Any perceived bargains, especially in the high end, are going to keep getting better. It’s not as if one day the prices will shoot sky high, and all of a sudden the houses you love will be unaffordable.

Best of luck to you in both selling your home and buying another, and welcome to the area!

[carli]

We sold our house in Del Mar (near the beach) not quite a year ago, and it sold in the price range you’re talking about.

During the approx. 8 months our house was on the market, we received several wonderful, full-price offers, but they were contingent on the buyers’ sale of their own home. We turned them all down because being in the midst of trying to sell, more than most, we were acutely aware of how long it actually takes to sell a home these days, especially if you have an emotional connection to the home and/or are constantly being told you should not sell your house below a certain price, which was the case with us.

Obviously, this is just one seller’s experience, but to answer your question – no, I can’t imagine that many sellers in this area would take a contingent offer these days. Clearly, the real estate pros on this site have broader experience, but my thought is why would someone take a contingent offer? What’s in it for them? Chances are good that the seller realizes there’s not much upside…it’s very likely that the potential buyer will back out after a couple months when they finally find out that it takes foreeeeeeever to sell a house. Either that, or as prices continue to soften, especially in the high end, the buyer will come back and try to renegotiate a lower price, even if/after their house sells. Also, it takes a lot of time/energy to have your house on the market, and although it’s very tempting to take it off the market, most people realize that if the contingency falls through, it’s a major hassle to have to ramp up again to get your house back on the market.

The only way you might have luck is if your offer is on the high side and the seller has unrealistic hopes and expectations about the selling price of his/her home, and in the midst of their wishful thinking, they agree to your contingent offer…but in that case, obviously you will be overpaying.

As you’ve found, there are plenty of prime places in the Crosby, RSF, Olivenhein and the other areas you mentioned that are available now, and will continue to be available, at prices you’ll find very attractive…and, as they say, if you like the price today, you’ll love the price in several months, or whenever your house is sold! Don’t worry…you’re not going to miss out. Any perceived bargains, especially in the high end, are going to keep getting better. It’s not as if one day the prices will shoot sky high, and all of a sudden the houses you love will be unaffordable.

Best of luck to you in both selling your home and buying another, and welcome to the area!

[carli]

We sold our house in Del Mar (near the beach) not quite a year ago, and it sold in the price range you’re talking about.

During the approx. 8 months our house was on the market, we received several wonderful, full-price offers, but they were contingent on the buyers’ sale of their own home. We turned them all down because being in the midst of trying to sell, more than most, we were acutely aware of how long it actually takes to sell a home these days, especially if you have an emotional connection to the home and/or are constantly being told you should not sell your house below a certain price, which was the case with us.

Obviously, this is just one seller’s experience, but to answer your question – no, I can’t imagine that many sellers in this area would take a contingent offer these days. Clearly, the real estate pros on this site have broader experience, but my thought is why would someone take a contingent offer? What’s in it for them? Chances are good that the seller realizes there’s not much upside…it’s very likely that the potential buyer will back out after a couple months when they finally find out that it takes foreeeeeeever to sell a house. Either that, or as prices continue to soften, especially in the high end, the buyer will come back and try to renegotiate a lower price, even if/after their house sells. Also, it takes a lot of time/energy to have your house on the market, and although it’s very tempting to take it off the market, most people realize that if the contingency falls through, it’s a major hassle to have to ramp up again to get your house back on the market.

The only way you might have luck is if your offer is on the high side and the seller has unrealistic hopes and expectations about the selling price of his/her home, and in the midst of their wishful thinking, they agree to your contingent offer…but in that case, obviously you will be overpaying.

As you’ve found, there are plenty of prime places in the Crosby, RSF, Olivenhein and the other areas you mentioned that are available now, and will continue to be available, at prices you’ll find very attractive…and, as they say, if you like the price today, you’ll love the price in several months, or whenever your house is sold! Don’t worry…you’re not going to miss out. Any perceived bargains, especially in the high end, are going to keep getting better. It’s not as if one day the prices will shoot sky high, and all of a sudden the houses you love will be unaffordable.

Best of luck to you in both selling your home and buying another, and welcome to the area!

[carli]

We sold our house in Del Mar (near the beach) not quite a year ago, and it sold in the price range you’re talking about.

During the approx. 8 months our house was on the market, we received several wonderful, full-price offers, but they were contingent on the buyers’ sale of their own home. We turned them all down because being in the midst of trying to sell, more than most, we were acutely aware of how long it actually takes to sell a home these days, especially if you have an emotional connection to the home and/or are constantly being told you should not sell your house below a certain price, which was the case with us.

Obviously, this is just one seller’s experience, but to answer your question – no, I can’t imagine that many sellers in this area would take a contingent offer these days. Clearly, the real estate pros on this site have broader experience, but my thought is why would someone take a contingent offer? What’s in it for them? Chances are good that the seller realizes there’s not much upside…it’s very likely that the potential buyer will back out after a couple months when they finally find out that it takes foreeeeeeever to sell a house. Either that, or as prices continue to soften, especially in the high end, the buyer will come back and try to renegotiate a lower price, even if/after their house sells. Also, it takes a lot of time/energy to have your house on the market, and although it’s very tempting to take it off the market, most people realize that if the contingency falls through, it’s a major hassle to have to ramp up again to get your house back on the market.

The only way you might have luck is if your offer is on the high side and the seller has unrealistic hopes and expectations about the selling price of his/her home, and in the midst of their wishful thinking, they agree to your contingent offer…but in that case, obviously you will be overpaying.

As you’ve found, there are plenty of prime places in the Crosby, RSF, Olivenhein and the other areas you mentioned that are available now, and will continue to be available, at prices you’ll find very attractive…and, as they say, if you like the price today, you’ll love the price in several months, or whenever your house is sold! Don’t worry…you’re not going to miss out. Any perceived bargains, especially in the high end, are going to keep getting better. It’s not as if one day the prices will shoot sky high, and all of a sudden the houses you love will be unaffordable.

Best of luck to you in both selling your home and buying another, and welcome to the area!

[carli]

There are several misconceptions here –

1) Torrey Pines HS is THE default high school for Carmel Valley so your kids WILL be able to attend TPHS if you live in Carmel Valley, in any part of Carmel Valley serviced by the Del Mar Union School District (the elementary school district). You can easily verify this information and the district map on the school website, http://www.sduhsd.net. Maybe you’re defining Carmel Valley differently than I am. There are neighborhoods farther east that some people still consider Carmel Valley close to Santaluz that are actually in the Poway school district (obviously, also an excellent district).

2) Canyon Crest Academy (CCA) is not at all a less desirable choice for residents of the district. To the contrary, many people prefer to have their kids attend CCA for a variety of reasons, never fearing that the academics are inferior. The CCA API scores are at the same level as TPHS (I think the API total is literally within one point), and the advantage to many kids is that CCA is a smaller school. There is a great focus on arts and sciences, with an arts conservatory program. There is no football team, which can be a plus if your kid is not an uber-athlete/jock type or a yay-rah cheerleader type. Still, their athletic teams are topnotch. It’s also on the 4×4 class schedule, allowing kids to concentrate more on certain subjects and/or take a variety of electives. This can be very intense, but many kids love it. Just depends on what’s best for your kids. Either school is great and CCA has just been open for 5 years (hence, they have amazing new facilities) and so their reputation is not yet as wide-reaching as TPHS.

[carli]

There are several misconceptions here –

1) Torrey Pines HS is THE default high school for Carmel Valley so your kids WILL be able to attend TPHS if you live in Carmel Valley, in any part of Carmel Valley serviced by the Del Mar Union School District (the elementary school district). You can easily verify this information and the district map on the school website, http://www.sduhsd.net. Maybe you’re defining Carmel Valley differently than I am. There are neighborhoods farther east that some people still consider Carmel Valley close to Santaluz that are actually in the Poway school district (obviously, also an excellent district).

2) Canyon Crest Academy (CCA) is not at all a less desirable choice for residents of the district. To the contrary, many people prefer to have their kids attend CCA for a variety of reasons, never fearing that the academics are inferior. The CCA API scores are at the same level as TPHS (I think the API total is literally within one point), and the advantage to many kids is that CCA is a smaller school. There is a great focus on arts and sciences, with an arts conservatory program. There is no football team, which can be a plus if your kid is not an uber-athlete/jock type or a yay-rah cheerleader type. Still, their athletic teams are topnotch. It’s also on the 4×4 class schedule, allowing kids to concentrate more on certain subjects and/or take a variety of electives. This can be very intense, but many kids love it. Just depends on what’s best for your kids. Either school is great and CCA has just been open for 5 years (hence, they have amazing new facilities) and so their reputation is not yet as wide-reaching as TPHS.

[carli]

There are several misconceptions here –

1) Torrey Pines HS is THE default high school for Carmel Valley so your kids WILL be able to attend TPHS if you live in Carmel Valley, in any part of Carmel Valley serviced by the Del Mar Union School District (the elementary school district). You can easily verify this information and the district map on the school website, http://www.sduhsd.net. Maybe you’re defining Carmel Valley differently than I am. There are neighborhoods farther east that some people still consider Carmel Valley close to Santaluz that are actually in the Poway school district (obviously, also an excellent district).

2) Canyon Crest Academy (CCA) is not at all a less desirable choice for residents of the district. To the contrary, many people prefer to have their kids attend CCA for a variety of reasons, never fearing that the academics are inferior. The CCA API scores are at the same level as TPHS (I think the API total is literally within one point), and the advantage to many kids is that CCA is a smaller school. There is a great focus on arts and sciences, with an arts conservatory program. There is no football team, which can be a plus if your kid is not an uber-athlete/jock type or a yay-rah cheerleader type. Still, their athletic teams are topnotch. It’s also on the 4×4 class schedule, allowing kids to concentrate more on certain subjects and/or take a variety of electives. This can be very intense, but many kids love it. Just depends on what’s best for your kids. Either school is great and CCA has just been open for 5 years (hence, they have amazing new facilities) and so their reputation is not yet as wide-reaching as TPHS.

[carli]

There are several misconceptions here –

1) Torrey Pines HS is THE default high school for Carmel Valley so your kids WILL be able to attend TPHS if you live in Carmel Valley, in any part of Carmel Valley serviced by the Del Mar Union School District (the elementary school district). You can easily verify this information and the district map on the school website, http://www.sduhsd.net. Maybe you’re defining Carmel Valley differently than I am. There are neighborhoods farther east that some people still consider Carmel Valley close to Santaluz that are actually in the Poway school district (obviously, also an excellent district).

2) Canyon Crest Academy (CCA) is not at all a less desirable choice for residents of the district. To the contrary, many people prefer to have their kids attend CCA for a variety of reasons, never fearing that the academics are inferior. The CCA API scores are at the same level as TPHS (I think the API total is literally within one point), and the advantage to many kids is that CCA is a smaller school. There is a great focus on arts and sciences, with an arts conservatory program. There is no football team, which can be a plus if your kid is not an uber-athlete/jock type or a yay-rah cheerleader type. Still, their athletic teams are topnotch. It’s also on the 4×4 class schedule, allowing kids to concentrate more on certain subjects and/or take a variety of electives. This can be very intense, but many kids love it. Just depends on what’s best for your kids. Either school is great and CCA has just been open for 5 years (hence, they have amazing new facilities) and so their reputation is not yet as wide-reaching as TPHS.

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