How bad is bad when talking about the streets of San Marcos? (San Diego: houses)

[Kirkson]

Hi Everyone,

Recently looking to buy a house right in everyone's "do not live here" and "avoid this area" of San Marcos. That's right this house happens to be off of Rancho Santa Fe Road...a couple blocks up from the also very famous Bradley Park. The other houses on this road appear to be middle class families. Of course we have noted the general rule is to park in your driveway behind a gate or safe in your garage. However the cars aren't junky, the lawns are average, and even the houses are cute, but the general voice says ---not safe.

Being as my fiancee and I are young and optimistic we thought since we don't see ourselves making friends with trouble then it shouldn't find us...but we also don't want to live in fear. Is there hope for this neighborhood or should we dream of owning a piece of San Diego elsewhere?

Thanks!

[Sambazon]

I'm sorry, but who is feeding you with such details? I've lived close by my entire life and while that particular neighborhood may appear a little less up to par with surrounding ones, it's far from dangerous. Practice common sense and exercise your best judgment of course (i.e., don't leave valuables [exposed] in your vehicle, etc.), but overall you'll be totally fine. San Marcos in more recent years has spruced up, if anything--especially "Little T.J.," the once somewhat drab community off of Mission Rd near Palomar College.

[sdhkshdcny09]

I literally just read this article before I saw this thread
EXCLUSIVE: Gang bust gives rare glimpse of Mexican Mafia's grip on North County

I'm surprised to see the boss lives in one of the decent parts of San Marcos. Overall, San Marcos is a safe city. I don't mean to offend the previous poster, but the area you are considering is one of the poorer sections of the city and has more crime. The area is safe, it's just a more working class, hispanic neighborhood with many people who do not speak english. The area has improved significantly in the past decade and it appears to be headed in a good direction. Most homeowners upkeep their yards and the locals are nice as well. Bradley Park has a bad reputation, but their is a gang injunction on the park, so they stay away from it. It's a safe park, night or day, as long as you are around people. Youth baseball, softball, and arena soccer all play there, so it's usually not deserted. The newer park, Sunset Park, is an awesome addition to the community.

I actually attended the local school (Alvin Dunn) and had an great experience.....great teachers and special attention/coursework because a lot of students are just learning english. You can always transfer your kids to Carrillo or another SM Unified school- the district is lenient with people living in the Alvin Dunn service area.

Honestly, I would say go for it. If you decide not to go with that area, then be sure to look into eastern San Marcos for reasonable prices and nice neighborhoods.

[Kirkson]

Just wanted to thank both of you for your insight. After taking the time to read a lot online, going up there on the weekends at night, and talking with some friends we decided it is just not the right fit for us. I am sure our house is out there, just not sure where yet

[novabrite]

Of course the gang leader lives in the nice area! I mean, if you're making big bucks as a drug czar, wouldn't you use it to buy yourself a nice place? LOL

[sdhkshdcny09]

Well, I guess my comment was misleading because I was more surprised he lived in San Marcos than the fact he lived in a nice area.