Relocating to San Diego from LA area (Long Beach, El Cajon: houses, transfer)

[pvmom2]

My husband was recently transferred to the Pt Loma area of San Diego for his job, and we are in the process of trying to relocate. We will be moving from the Palos Verdes peninsula, and I was hoping for some suggestions on areas, other than Poway, that would be similar to PV and commutable to Pt Loma. We have three kids and a very large dog, so a fairly large house on a large lot, with an excellent school district is really important. I will also be looking for a new position (I work in IT), and once we move, the location has to commutable for myself as well. Any suggestions will be very much appreciated. Many thanks!

[sschibuola]

Mmmmm . . . I don't know PV vry well but my wife is from Long Beach and we've visited friends in that area a few times. Based on that limited impression I'm not sure there's anything in San Diego that's an exact match in terms of large lot/large house AND sea-side location.

Mt. Soledad probably comes closest, if the budget is doable. I would imagine the schools are good but never researched it - too rich for my blood.

Pt. Loma/Sunset Cliffs have a similar dramatic setting, but generally small houses on small lots. the limited househunting we did there (houses too small in our price range) indicated schools were hit-and-miss

Mt. Helix has dramatic views and large houses/lots and has a similar mid-century vibe as PV . . .but not coastal . . .schools are good if you are generally on the eastern flank of the mountain . . . commute to Pt. Loma might be tough; I-8 can back up . .

[GuyInSD]

What is the budget for this?

[moved]

Not just budget, how many rooms, sqft, etc. What do you call a "fairly house on a fairly large lot?" Many more details are needed to give you more information.

[pvmom2]

Thank you for the replies so far. Yes, PV is pretty unique in a lot of ways, and I know we won't be able to match what we have here, in San Diego, and that's ok. San Diego has other things to offer. We also know that compromises will need to be made in whatever property we end up buying. Ideally, we would like a 5 bedroom house, around 4000 sq ft, with a 3 car garage, on a lot zoned for horses. Right now, we'd like to keep it around a million, but if I can get a job, then that changes. However, if I'm working full time, then realistically, I can't take care of the horses, which then eliminates the requirement for horse facilities!

[GuyInSD]

Originally Posted by pvmom2

...a 5 bedroom house, around 4000 sq ft, with a 3 car garage, on a lot zoned for horses. Right now, we'd like to keep it around a million...

The part about keeping it around a million could be hard to achieve, unless you like more desert-y climes and don't mind being a bit removed from populated areas

[shmoov_groovzsd]

OP, you should look in Olivenhain, Bonita and Rancho Santa Fe (RSF.) These are unincorporated parts of town that are about as close as you can get to the coast and known for being equine friendly. But 1MM in RSF might be on the lower end if you are willing to compromise house size. Houses can range from single story ranches to impressive mansions, but its gorgeous and full of rural character just minutes from the coast. THe general toppgraphy and size of the lots in that area lends itself to a good amount of privacy as well if that is important to you.

sschibuola is also right about looking a little further east as well in the unincorporated parts of La Mesa or El Cajon. Some incredible properties out there. Even further is another horse country called Ramona. Naturally that would be adding to any commute near the bases.

I really couldnt tell you about the school quality. RSF and Olivenhain are in some of the more exclusive and expensive parts of town. I am sure greatschools can give you more info in that regard.

If you scratch the idea of having stables or enough room for a horse, then your options near the base and good school will increase dramatically.

[Encinitan]

Originally Posted by shmoov_groovzsd

OP, you should look in Olivenhain, Bonita and Rancho Santa Fe (RSF.) These are unincorporated parts of town that are about as close as you can get to the coast and known for being equine friendly. But 1MM in RSF might be on the lower end if you are willing to compromise house size. Houses can range from single story ranches to impressive mansions, but its gorgeous and full of rural character just minutes from the coast. THe general toppgraphy and size of the lots in that area lends itself to a good amount of privacy as well if that is important to you.

sschibuola is also right about looking a little further east as well in the unincorporated parts of La Mesa or El Cajon. Some incredible properties out there. Even further is another horse country called Ramona. Naturally that would be adding to any commute near the bases.

I really couldnt tell you about the school quality. RSF and Olivenhain are in some of the more exclusive and expensive parts of town. I am sure greatschools can give you more info in that regard.

If you scratch the idea of having stables or enough room for a horse, then your options near the base and good school will increase dramatically.

If the OP can find what she's looking for in Rancho Santa Fe for $1 million, I'd love to see it. I'd say double that in the Ranch and maybe. Olivenhain isn't much cheaper for the size and amenities the OP is seeking.

[oddstray]

All of the areas you're suggesting are a non-trivial commute to Point Loma.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Originally Posted by Encinitan

If the OP can find what she's looking for in Rancho Santa Fe for $1 million, I'd love to see it. I'd say double that in the Ranch and maybe. Olivenhain isn't much cheaper for the size and amenities the OP is seeking.

Yes this is true absolutely, thanks for the correction.
I have seen a few and far between (not more recently) and more needle in a haystack which I should have mentioned. Any that I have seen have been snapped up for under 1MM, were older and smaller but the condition of the homes was not so great. They turned out to get flipped.

Most of the homes there are pretty massive as noted and in terms of raw PPSF somewhere in the mid $600 range. The prices have gone up over the past few years, thats for sure.

If the OP can go over the 1MM into 1.3+ it looks like that is where a good chunk is. As far as the horse aspect, I dont know of any cities in SD County that allow them.

Here are the listings for RSF
http://www.sdlookup.com/Real_Estate-...For_Sale-92067

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS_Map-Ranc...Fe-Homes-92091