Where to live near San Diego (Carlsbad, Encinitas: renting, homes, job transfer)

[gillison77]

Hi,

We are relocating to Southern California due to a job transfer to San Diego. Generally speaking, my requirements are that I need to be close to a good Montessori school for my two kids, a Whole Foods or good farmers market, and it has to be a safe area.

Can someone recommend neighborhoods that we would want to consider either in San Diego or in some towns north of there? I'm really looking for areas that have other families with young children.

Also, if anyone has ever done a relo with their company to this area, please let me know if there are any special things we should be sure to include in our relo package.

Thanks!

[Sampaguita]

I'll pipe in with North County - Encinitas, Leucadia, South Carlsbad - good schools (some of my friends send their kids to a Montessori in the area but I'm blanking on the name) in a very good school district, safe area and Henry's supermarkets (1 in Encinitas and 1 in LaCosta). There is a Whole Foods planned/being built in Encinitas, too.

I know that Clairemont also has a very good Montessori school - Maria Montessori - pre-k thru 6th grade. The closest Whole Foods to Clairemont would probably be in LaJolla off of Noble Drive. Clairemont is more centrally located within San Diego. Another good area would be University City which would be easy access to the Maria Montessori school.

If commuter traffic is a concern, you may want to stick to the Clairemont/UC areas. I'm sure there are other good areas to live in but these are the Montessori schools I've heard feedback on.

Good luck!

[RD5050]

I also agree, Clairemont is a nice area to live.

And it's a very short drive to the beach or Mission Bay (for fun).

Consider renting initially. Or spend a week in San Diego before you move here.

Then drive around all of San Diego to see which area is best for your family.

There are many different types of neigborhoods within San Diego County, so it pays to familiarize yourself with entire area before you pick a permanent place to live.

And talk to residents as you drive through the neigborhoods to get their opinions.

[BNB]

We're in Clairemont too...and we love it here...though our kids are teenagers and older...and I have no idea about montessori schools...I don't know anything about them in our area, we are happy here. North county is also a great area to live...just more yuppy and less laid back than here.

Clairemont is middle america meets the hippie movement...laid back, cool and fun. Being a baby boomer, I feel at home here. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

[KQSellsHomes]

You should also look into the San Carlos area.

[gillison77]

Thanks everyone for the helpful feedback.

[LHudson]

We're looking at Tierrasanta for a move this summer - in fact, my husband is in SD now on business AND to look at properties. Could those who feel qualified compare Tierrasanta to Clairemont? For example, in terms of location, diversity, schools, etc.

What makes Tierrasanta really attractive to me is that it's centrally located and you don't have to get onto a freeway to do the daily tasks such as gym, cleaners, grocery, mail, etc. That's a big draw for me. But now, based on this thread, perhaps I should investigate Clairemont.

Thanks!

[NYSD1995]

Originally Posted by LHudson

We're looking at Tierrasanta for a move this summer - in fact, my husband is in SD now on business AND to look at properties. Could those who feel qualified compare Tierrasanta to Clairemont? For example, in terms of location, diversity, schools, etc.

What makes Tierrasanta really attractive to me is that it's centrally located and you don't have to get onto a freeway to do the daily tasks such as gym, cleaners, grocery, mail, etc. That's a big draw for me. But now, based on this thread, perhaps I should investigate Clairemont.

Thanks!

Tierrasanta has better schools (especially high school) and is a higher income area. Properties there are newer and many are covered by HOA's. Mostly developed in the late 60's-90's. Clairemont is more 40's-60's ranch homes, some areas in great shape, some not, no HOA's, good elementary but poor high schools.

[eric7778]

Why do you need a Montessori school??? I don't understand why people would pay tens of thousands of dollars per year for education that you can get in the relatively good public school system here in San Diego. If you really need a Montessori school, a brand new one just opened in the Santaluz area (north san diego). Try to GOOGLE it for more info. The Santaluz area is absolutely beautiful, but if you can afford a Montessori, you can probably afford the homes in Santaluz too.

[Sampaguita]

Originally Posted by eric7778

Why do you need a Montessori school??? I don't understand why people would pay tens of thousands of dollars per year for education that you can get in the relatively good public school system here in San Diego. If you really need a Montessori school, a brand new one just opened in the Santaluz area (north san diego). Try to GOOGLE it for more info. The Santaluz area is absolutely beautiful, but if you can afford a Montessori, you can probably afford the homes in Santaluz too.

Some people really value the kind of education that comes out of Montessori.

As for people who can afford Santa Luz homes can afford Montessori: Santa Luz homes are in the 900k-millions dollar range. I know a lot of families who send their children to Montessori and they certainly do not live in million dollar homes nor do they pay "tens of thousands of dollars" per year in tuition.

Now, if you were talking about Bishop's yearly tuition...that's another story!