Originally Posted by Danalysd

North Temecula and Murrieta will make the drive to Camp Pendleton 10-20 mins longer I believe especially in the afternoon rush hour. The traffic starts to back up on the 15N before the first Temecula exit (Temecula parkway) during the afternoon rush hour (4pm to 6pm). To go 5 miles it might take 20 extra minutes or so. I don't make this drive but others might and can offer some better Insight. I have driven from S. Temecula to N. Temecula or Murrieta during this time and it has taken 20 minutes

Originally Posted by RoadTripGurl

Welcome fellow east coater! I agree, I lived in Temecula almost 4 years, and it's hard to find what you are looking for in that price range anywhere but inland. The traffic does suck (which is why I moved), but you have a closer commute than I do so it should be OK for you. All of temecula is pretty much safe, but for your amenities I would stay in North Temecula or Murrieta. Do you have a real estate agent?

Originally Posted by Tool Shed

I found this for you. Not gated.
27535 Pinyon St, Murrieta, CA 92562 is For Sale | Zillow
32133 Duclair Rd, Winchester, CA 92596 is For Sale | Zillow
Both properties about 15-20 minutes from the Temecula mall. Fyi.
Good luck.

Originally Posted by Tool Shed

It's gonna be hard finding 3000+ sqft and 1/4 acre lot and gated community for $400,000. You can get a big house on a more regular sized lot and not inside a gated community for around that price though.

Originally Posted by Goin' Coastal

I agree with the above posters that Carlsbad is out of your price range, especially for the kind of house you're looking for.

We ended up in West Murrieta, and we also get the nice afternoon breezes in the summer, so I can give you a vote for this area. Our development, not gated, has some very nice houses that seem close to what you're looking for as far as square footage and lot size; however, the price range is higher than what you want to pay.

We found redfin.com