Back from Carlsbad (San Diego) (Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe: to rent, home, neighborhood)

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by pll

Donna7 Thanks for sharing your observations of San Diego. Carlsbad is a nice area isn't it? Are you looking at any other areas?

I don't know if you are originally from CA but it is amazing how the winter months can drag on for people that struggle with SAD. I never experienced it until I left San Diego many years ago. My whole family had it pretty bad when we lived in Seattle. Hopefully, the sun lifted your spirits.

We would love to hear what you decide to do. We are considering returning to CA next year as well so please continue to share your adventures.

Thank you, pll - so nice hearing from you. We are basically from here (I was born in Europe - came to the U.S. in 1968 when I was 6). We lived in Orange County, CA in the early 80's when we were really young, I mean, REALLY young. We were SO young that we left NE OH in a new pick-up truck with all of our worldly possessions and drove West without knowing where we were heading to. We took out an atlas and put our finger on a spot and it turned out to be Anaheim, CA. We lived there for a few years and then came back as I was expecting with #1 and we wanted to raise our child(ren) amongst family. Husband got his pharmacy degree, I got my accounting degree (now I own my own business), and we had a large family. Oh, I do miss those behomenian years - ha ha! Those were the days! Now, 25 years later, it is time for another chapter (even though we're still raising the younger ones).

I hope that you get to move back to CA as I know that your family lives there and that's where your heart still is.

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by whynot1986

Thanks for the nice post. I particularly enjoyed your use of the word "galavanting" which I don't know if I've ever seen on forums, ever (the ones I visit, that is). My mother used that word a fair bit to describe her naughty children's activities!

LOL - "galavanting" - are you saying that I'm OLD??!! Just kidding-absolutely just kidding. I know what you mean, I find myself saying some words that my kids say they've never heard before - LOL! Stay happy.

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by aztoga

Nice job, Donna. Nice to hear that you felt "at home". That's important. I was really hoping to feel taht way when I did a day trip there a few weeks ago. Maybe my trip was just too fast- I had a hard time getting my bearings (so many winding streets and hills). Anyway, I'm interested to know if you learn any specifics about schools, specifically Saint John's Catholic School.

Hi Aztoga, I will stay in touch and let you know how things progress. From various things I've read here, people seem to really like St. John's in Encinitas. There was a poster who was from NE OH as well (I haven't seen him post for a few months) who really recommended the school; I think that his wife might have even worked there.

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by WannaBeinBoston

I too will be there in less than a few weeks to "scout" out the area. Great post and observations. Thanks for sharing.

WannaBeinBoston: Sounds great! I hope that you have an amazing time - enjoy everything. The coastline was so beautiful (as you can imagine) and it was really great to see so many people out and about walking, jogging, exercising. That all comes to a standstill for the most part (except for the very dedicated) in the winter in the colder states. I mean, I can still walk, etc., even in the 30's, but in the 20's and lower, it's really COOOLD. I also really liked the bike lanes and also nice to see people making use of them. Let us know how you enjoy everything, what your thoughts are.

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by Encinitan

"One more thing to add, I drove down (South) from Carlsbad all the way to the car rental drop-off on Pacific Highway and it was interesting to see the various coastal towns in the daylight and the unique appearance of them all. I realize that I only saw the very tip of all that is there, but even with that, it was quite fun. "

It's my favorite area of San Diego. (Carlsbad to Del Mar). Each one is different and cool in its own way.

Encinitan, very nice to hear from you. Yes, I really loved that stretch as well. I hope that you can fill in with more of your thoughts and feedback to all of us newbies/hopefuls (LOL! - we really enjoy reading feedback from those that are already there (and have been there to see everything - the good and the bad).

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by Percy82

Nice advice!!! It helps as I'm moving to SD!

Percy82; when are you moving? Any area in specific? Keep in touch - let us know your thoughts. It really helps to hear others who have moved, whether it be good or bad. I wish you the best!

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by JakeInSoCal

i know some peeps tht live in a nice neighborhood my the cifss but its not mega rich like but still nice called poinsettia heights.

Hi Jake: Nice to hear from you too. I know that you've been there for a while; so please chime in with your thoughts as well. Pointsettia Heights? What area is this exactly (what streets, etc.). I stayed about .3 miles from Poinsettia Village (I believe that's the name of the shopping area at Avenida Encinas and Poinsettia). I really liked that shopping area. I stopped there (believe it or not) to experience El Pollo Loco - yes, what a newbie I am! The young guy behind the counter must have thought that I was a bit batty when I seemed so excited to be there! LOL!

[pll]

Originally Posted by fishwiz

maybe this should be another thread- but when I look at houses on realtor.com- there are always more listings in Carlsbad and for less than Encinitas. What causes this difference?
thanks!

I lived in Encinitas for 4 years. I'm guessing that there are fewer homes available in Encinitas because there are less people are leaving that area. When I compare Encinitas to Carlsbad I consider Encinitas to be more family orientented and more established community. Just my humble opinion. Both areas are nice though.

[WannaBeinBoston]

Donna, I sent you a PM.

[dweej]

Originally Posted by pll

I lived in Encinitas for 4 years. I'm guessing that there are fewer homes available in Encinitas because there are less people are leaving that area. When I compare Encinitas to Carlsbad I consider Encinitas to be more family orientented and more established community. Just my humble opinion. Both areas are nice though.

I would add that Encinitas is smaller than Carlsbad, so fewer homes to choose from overall. Oh, and of course, any town that's closer to SD is going to be a little pricier than one that's further....as you drive from SD through north county to Camp Pendleton, the further you go, the less expensive it gets (in general). My hubby always says that if we had all the money in the world to afford a nice home and he didn't have to commute to work, he'd like to have a big ol' house in Carlsbad, right near the beach. That would be awesome . If only we could swing $2400 per month for rent.....