Quieter neighborhoods for young retirees? (San Diego, Orange: condo, houses, established neighborhood)

[modernglobal]

My husband and I are moving from the East Coast to San Diego. We're probably not ready for a 55 and over community but would like a house in a quieter neighborhood. Our home in the burbs of NYC is in a more established neighborhood without a lot of young kids and we like the peace and quiet. We notice the houses in SD are super close together, so there's some worry about noise levels.

Other things we would like:

a house which is 5-6 miles from coast, 800k or 900k, if possible, North of SD

good air quality and low wildfire risk (the TV reports from last May re: fires freak us out a bit)

Any good reccs? Thanks for your input!

[Legend98]

Do to drought in CA and when the Sana Ana's blow it get very dry and very hot so wild fires will be appart of the equation reguardless. If you have to money to get a house near the coast do it!!! The traffic is one thing I don't like about San deigo but if your from NYC then it will probably be old hat to you best of luck!!!

[oddstray]

Apart from low wildfire risk (not gonna' happen except maybe right at the coast), Rancho Bernardo seems like could have what you want.

[The Flying Dutchman]

San Diego isn't the bedroom community it used to be. So bear that in mind.

[NYSD1995]

I would look at the old, more stablished parts of Carlsbad, la costa area for example? Too speedy for families with young kids and no tract home feel.

[The Flying Dutchman]

For 800-900 k?

[echo42]

San Elijo Hills which is technically San Marcos. Olivenhain and Elfin Forest. If you were willing to go up another 100k or so it would open up a lot more opportunity.

You are right on track with looking at something 5-6 miles from the beach. That really is the best microclimate in San Diego. Anywhere from 5-8 miles inland has the best temps, especially if it has some elevation. You miss the fog, haze, and coastal eddy most of the time and if it does hit it will burn off way quicker than the immediate coast.

Fires are a reality here and I am worried about the upcoming season. I spend a lot of time in the back country and the vegetation is thick and dry- it is coming. Learn about the term "defensible space".

[LuvSouthOC]

You really should also consider Orange County OP.

[Encinitan]

Carlsbad, more specifically the La Costa area, the Village Park area of Encinitas and San Elijo Hills/San Marcos seem to offer most of what you're looking for.

[skelaki]

A bit further south, check out University City (just East of La Jolla). But at your price point in most of the areas you are looking at a Condo or maybe a smaller, older home.