Camarillo vs. Poway/Rancho Bernardo (Los Angeles, San Diego: apartments, rent, how much)

[Lisabet]

Hoping some of you have experience living in both Camarillo area and Poway/Rancho Bernardo area.
We will be moving to either one of these areas this summer. My husband works from home and I stay home with the kids.

I like both of these areas because they seem far enough removed from the big city, yet close enough to access them for events and stuff. We are looking somewhere in the 650-750ishk range. Or we may possibly rent for a bit.

I'm drawn to Camarillo because I lived in Ventura as a kid, but prefer Camarillo(Mission Oaks area) for our family due to the better schools and safer, more clean feel of the community. We like the access to Ventura because it still has the downtown vibe and charm that we like. And of course the beach. We'd like to be within 25 min of the beach. We have friends who live in Poway and really like it. I liked Ranch Bernardo when we drove though it, once. Ha! But what do I know? Lol

I'd really appreciate any help with this before we go down next month to check things out. Or if there is another hidden gem I'm unaware of that meet our needs, Im open to suggestions.

Which has worse traffic? My husband will have an occasional meeting with clients here and there.
Which has more walking/biking paths, trails?
Some parts of North San Diego seem to have a lot of wealth. Is Poway/Rancho Bernardo just the same? Full of the prestigious type or is it more regular down to earth type?
Do any of these have a community feel? Or historical character charm part of town?
Better beaches?

Thank you!

[volosong]

Camarillo? Poway? That's a tough choice. Both are "special". But I must admit that it has been a long, long time since I lived in Poway. It has grown considerably since. Depending on where you husband needs to go when meeting clients, traffic can be difficult in both places. (Sorry, can't tell you much about Rancho Bernardo with any authority. We moved from one side, Poway, to the other side, Escondido.)

Poway has San Diego in its favor. Wonderful, vibrant, and exciting place. However, I would have to give the nod to Camarillo, primarily because of its proximity to the ocean and the more moderate weather. Poway can get pretty hot at times. Camarillo not so much.

As an alternate, take a look at Carpinteria. Another one of those "special places".

[nightlysparrow]

Re: Camarillo and traffic

Be aware that more than 3,000, and as many as 5,000 new apartments are on tap to be built in Woodland Hills/Warner Center, so imagine how much more freeway traffic that will generate (figure 2 cars for each apt) on the 101. You are going to want to be away from that freeway as much as possible; unfortunately, it's the only freeway that Camarillo has to use. Mentioning because you wanted access to Los Angeles. The knot in traffic going east has always been the grade going into Calabasas and Woodland Hills. Now traffic can get backed up to Westlake Village.

[Lisabet]

Those are good things to consider. Thank you volosong and nightlysparrow

Anyone else have thoughts on these areas?

Sense of community, character to the town, outdoorsy activities...