carlsbad or poway? (San Diego, Oceanside, Orange: appointed, for sale, real estate)

[LMP317]

We are planning a move to CA and would like to get some information about Carlsbad and Poway re: neighborhoods, schools, rent prices, etc. We have two kids ages 6 & 3, we would like to rent a house in a nice family neighborhood with good schools for 2000-2500 a month. Is this possible? I would also like to get some feedback about the schools and if there are areas within Carlsbad or Poway that are better/worse or if there are cities not too far inland that would be a better bet. My husband is an airline pilot and will need to commute either in traffic or by train to either the san diego or orange co. airport a couple times a week. Thanks for your help!

[sav858]

I would go with Carlsbad since it's along a commuter rail line and Amtrak. There are two Coaster stations in Carlsbad that you can take to Oceanside then transfer to a Metrolink train for travel to OC. Or go to Solana Beach or Oceanside and take Amtrak straight up to OC. Also the Coaster can take you to downtown SD then a shuttle bus to the airport. Poway doesn't offer rail service or pretty much anything in the way of public transit.

[dweej]

I second Carlsbad for you. It will also let you maintain the SD experience. Poway's a little far from the beach .

[quepaso]

Easily Carlsbad.

[septocaine_queen]

Carlsbad all the way between the two. I personally think Poway is too hot. Traffic can be bad if you are travelling downtown when everyone else is. Carlsbad is known for their schools. A lot of people I know take the train to go downtown for work. What about areas closer like 4S ranch or Carmel Valley?

[Daf898]

Although Poway is a very nice place to live, Carlsbad is hands down the best run city in all of San Diego County, and they have the best beaches. Poway adds 30 to 45 minutes to your trip to Orange County. I found a great Home Search tool to search for rentals and homes Carlsbad, CA Search Homes For Sale - High Bluff Realty Real Estate

[tande1n5]

I'd me much more interested in Carlsbad if I were you, but Poway's a good choice. Better temps, closer to the beach, better natural beauty, still good schools, and you're already right on the 5 freeway for a straight shot to KSAN and KSNA... hopefully he won't be going to KSNA too often though.

[j760]

Personally I think within your budget you'll find a better deal in Poway. So your not close to the beach, not everyone has time to go to the beach everyday anyway. Your still within driving distance if you want to go there. Poway has the best school district in the county in my opinion, you will not be disappointed there.

The heat is exaggerated, yes it will get warmer than Carlsbad, but I lived in Phoenix for a few years and trust me when I say the heat in Poway is not that bad and you will adapt to it, and of course it's mainly during late spring to the early fall, other then that the heat is a non-factor there.

I believe Poway is also a better place to raise children, not that Carlsbad can't be, but Poway seems to be a little more focused on family values.

Bottom line is do what's best for your family, you really won't go wrong with either choice and you've received some good suggestions so far, but if it were me I'd choose Poway.

[LMP317]

Thank you all for your replies! We are coming from Phoenix, and a huge draw is to get out of the heat. I've heard that the schools in Carlsbad are different depending on the area. Is that true? Are Poway schools much better? Thanks again!!

[j760]

Originally Posted by LMP317

Thank you all for your replies! We are coming from Phoenix, and a huge draw is to get out of the heat. I've heard that the schools in Carlsbad are different depending on the area. Is that true? Are Poway schools much better? Thanks again!!

Yes, for the most part they have good schools. The older schools though like Jefferson Elementary for example are not good at all. Poway I feel has the better all around school district.

If you decide on Carlsbad you'll find the better schools to be away from the downtown Carlsbad areas, more into the residential areas. Very good parent involvement in schools such as Calavera Hills for example.

Good luck in whatever you decide.