Good schools, bike to town? (San Diego, Oceanside: condos, townhouse, public schools)

[bc1230]

We are relocating to the San Diego area from Northeast MA this summer. Kids are 12 and 10.

Of course we want a community that has good public schools and lots of kids, but more importantly, we are coming from a town that is setup around shops and restaurants and so our oldest can ride his bike with friends to get a slice of pizza or a burrito. We love that! Can we find something similar in the San Diego area? Housing budget is 900Kish, we have a boat so we'd like to be within 45 minutes of the beach/boating. My husband works from home so commute isn't a huge part of the conversation. I welcome any input, thanks!

[Encinitan]

Originally Posted by bc1230

We are relocating to the San Diego area from Northeast MA this summer. Kids are 12 and 10.

Of course we want a community that has good public schools and lots of kids, but more importantly, we are coming from a town that is setup around shops and restaurants and so our oldest can ride his bike with friends to get a slice of pizza or a burrito. We love that! Can we find something similar in the San Diego area? Housing budget is 900Kish, we have a boat so we'd like to be within 45 minutes of the beach/boating. My husband works from home so commute isn't a huge part of the conversation. I welcome any input, thanks!

Your wish list and price range sound like you should at least check out the coastal village sections of Encinitas and Carlsbad.

[Cardiff Kook]

Encinitas, Carlsbad, and maybe even Solana Beach depending on house size requirements!

[sprez33]

You might also check out Carmel Valley. The "town centers" are in the form of malls rather than a downtown street but that's where the kids hang out after school, etc. It's a master planned community with walking/biking lanes built through the community.

$900K is at the bottom of the range for a SFH but well within range for a large townhome.

Carmel Valley is likely the most kid/teen focused community with the best public schools in the county and a plethora of activities such as sports, scouting, music, dance, etc. Our kids are 12 and 14 and we love it here.

Good luck with your move!

[RosieSD]

Check out Coronado (Home | Coronado Visitor Center). It ticks off everything on your checklist: family oriented, excellent schools, walking/biking distance to restaurants/parks/shops, safe, and boat marinas at your doorstep on San Diego Bay (you also have ocean access on the other side of Coronado. May be a little outside your budget, but since it ticks off so much on your list, and is a very nice place to live, it might be worth it.

Point Loma would be a similar area, although some areas are less walkable/bikeable. Mission Hills might be another good option to investigate if you want quick access to your boat.

Good luck!

[someguy10]

I don't think Coronado is going to work unless their budget has a lot of room (like +20% or more). On Zillow, I see only two 3 BR SFH/Townhome/Condos at or under $1mm and they're condos in the same building priced at $950K and $1mm. I do agree that it ticks most or all of their other boxes, though.

[eastcoastbias]

Coronado home of golf carts, bikes and if you are lucky hybrid cars.

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by someguy10

I don't think Coronado is going to work unless their budget has a lot of room (like +20% or more). On Zillow, I see only two 3 BR SFH/Townhome/Condos at or under $1mm and they're condos in the same building priced at $950K and $1mm. I do agree that it ticks most or all of their other boxes, though.

Yes, that is why I said that it may be out of their budget. But, since it ticks off everything on their checklist, from good schools to boat marinas to walkability, it definitely should be considered if their budget can be stretched. And, if boating is their thing, you can't get any better than a place like this, where you have a boat slip in your backyard: http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale...t/11_zm/0_mmm/ (Of course, the Coronado Keys aren't walkable to downtown Coronado, but it is the type of place where kids bike everywhere).

Frankly, $900,000 anywhere in San Diego these days won't get you as much as it will get you in most of Massachusetts, so they might have to "stretch" anyhow if they are firm about everything on their list. So it doesn't hurt to give them more options to consider in San Diego County to investigate.

[someguy10]

Originally Posted by RosieSD

Yes, that is why I said that it may be out of their budget. But, since it ticks off everything on their checklist, from good schools to boat marinas to walkability, it definitely should be considered if their budget can be stretched.

Frankly, $900,000 anywhere in San Diego these days won't get you as much as it will get you in most of Massachusetts, so they might have to "stretch" anyhow if they are firm about everything on their list.

There are a number of 3+ BR SFH and townhomes in the Carlsbad Village area in the $700-$1000K range. I think that area would tick all their boxes and be within budget. A couple are even west of I5.

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by someguy10

There are a number of 3+ BR SFH and townhomes in the Carlsbad Village area in the $700-$1000K range. I think that area would tick all their boxes and be within budget. A couple are even west of I5.

True. I guess their options for their boat in Carlsbad would be either Oceanside or driving down to San Diego and a marina there? Or are there other marina options in North County?

Of course, we don't know what type of "boating" they want to do. From Oceanside, I guess you're pretty much going to head out to the open seas. If they want calmer waters, then they'll need a slip or launch in downtown, Point Loma, Coronado or perhaps the south bay or Mission Bay. That will be a bit of a drive of a drive from Carlsbad, but on the weekend it will be within their stated preference for a 45 minute drive time to boating. Still, for a serious boater, having a slip in your backyard might make a townhouse in Coronado attractive, especially if it checks off other things on the list.

(As an aside, if they plan on trailering their boat to a launch every weekend, they'll want to pay attention to boat storage regulations in any CC&R communities and plan for accordingly)

They'll certainly have some decisions to make, but plenty of good options to explore throughout the county. And more options if there is wiggle room in their budget.