Point Loma, Bay Park, Mission Hills or Del Cerro (Corona: buying a home, neighborhood)

[hmartinez714]

My husband and I live in La Costa. We are buying a home. We need to move closer for his work on Coronado.

We have a toddler and 60lb dog. Although school is not a concern now we would like an area with good schools when the time comes.

I'd like thoughts on Point Loma, Bay Park, Mission Hills and Del Cerro.

$450k is the top of our budget. I know what is on the market in each of these areas, and what we get for the price. I've driven through all but Bay Park.

What I want to know is crime, safety,and schools. Online stats only paint so much of the picture. What are people's personal thoughts.

We also like quaint downtown type streets with restaurants and boutiques. Like up here we love Carlsbad Village and Leucadia. Does Bay Park or Del Cerro have any near by other than driving into the city?

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Del Cerro is generally very safe, and in some places quite upscale--well beyond $450K. But if you've driven through, you'd know that it has no downtown as such. However, La Mesa is a short drive away across I-8, with a charming downtown with restaurants, an art gallery and antique stores.

[hmartinez714]

Thank you Clark.

We've narrowed it down to Del Cerro or Point Loma because of price.

We are leaning towards Del Cerro, since we can get a SFH versus a townhome. Most of Del Cerro looks well maintained for the age of the area. Does anyone know of any specific pockets or streets to completely stay away from in Del Cerro?

[hitman619]

Originally Posted by hmartinez714

Does anyone know of any specific pockets or streets to completely stay away from in Del Cerro?

None!
It's the Suburbs!
The elementary and jr high's schools in the area are very good.
The test scores are compable and even better than some of the Poway schools.

I was just at Hearst Elementary coaching softball the other day,looking around and Thinking "What a great neighborhood"


Kinda wondering what you're going to get for 450k? in Del Cerro
Hope that's a down payment!

[hmartinez714]

Thanks Hitman. I always ask about bad pockets because even in the suburbs you can have areas to avoid. That's been our experience after living in 5 states.

As for price, prices have fallen a lot. Average home in Del Cerro is $650k. We're looking at 1400-1900 sqft SFHs that are about $400-500k.

We spent the day driving around. Stopped at an open house. Hiked Mission Trails, shopped at Windmills, and had dinner at the taco shop. We really enjoyed the area, and can see our family here.

Love where we are in La Costa, but we need to cut the commute down.

Thank you both for the advice.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Originally Posted by hmartinez714

Thank you Clark.

We've narrowed it down to Del Cerro or Point Loma because of price.

We are leaning towards Del Cerro, since we can get a SFH versus a townhome. Most of Del Cerro looks well maintained for the age of the area. Does anyone know of any specific pockets or streets to completely stay away from in Del Cerro?

Hitman is right, Del Cerro proper is a safe and pricey neighborhood, but...it all depends on what your realtor calls Del Cerro. Anything within the Del Cerro zipcode is generally included, such as Allied Gardens and parts of San Carlos I believe. Not all of it is equally upscale, but overall it is a great place to go house hunting. Ask your realtor what he/she actually considers part of Del Cerro! One thing I'd keep in mind: The closer you are to Mission Trails/Cowles (1-2 blocks), the greater the fire danger every October, and the closer you are to rattlesnake country. But of course you're also closer to great hikes in a huge, gorgeous park...it's a tradeoff.

PS Just saw your post--looks like you're already familiar with Mission Trails! Good luck--sounds like you know what you want!

[hmartinez714]

Originally Posted by Clark Fork Fantast

all depends on what your realtor calls Del Cerro. Anything within the Del Cerro zipcode is generally included, such as Allied Gardens and parts of San Carlos I believe.

We are looking South of Navajo Rd, in 3 areas off College. Around Princess Del Cerro Park, Hearst Elementry, and Del Cerro Park.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by hmartinez714

We are looking South of Navajo Rd, in 3 areas off College. Around Princess Del Cerro Park, Hearst Elementry, and Del Cerro Park.

It's a great area, you really can't go wrong. Only downside is the freeway noise as you get closer to the freeway. Expect 450k to get you a house someone bought brand new in 1960 and then died there, never once upgrading it.

[hitman619]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

Only downside is the freeway noise as you get closer to the freeway. Expect 450k to get you a house someone bought brand new in 1960 and then died there, never once upgrading it.

This!
Couldn't agree more.

Edit: all cash offer on a repo will get you that price!

[MovingAloha]

Anyone familiar with the Levanto Townhomes on Adobe Falls Road. I see that it's close to the "8" and there are some other Multi-families in the area, but no SFH. Is this a decent area? And is this really Del Cerro?