info about Temecula-Murrietta CA???

Hi we are a military family relocating in the fall of 2015 from Quantico Marine Base in Virginia to Camp Pen. CA. We would like to move to a safe nice area with great schools. We have visited the Temecula/Murrietta area and lit seems to be a nice family area. What we're looking for in our home search is a (HOA)Newly Constructed two story 4 bedroom home 2+bathrooms, large Master suite, large kitchen, formal living/dining room with a Loft & home office in the $400,000 price range. I noticed most of the homes in the area were built rather close to one another. We Would like a home that is not so close to neighbors, with at least a 1/4 acre but not in a rural community, Preferably in a gated community. We heard you get more house and land in Murrietta???? Prefer a home with 3000+ sqft.living space.

I need to know what are the best communities to live at in Temecula/Murrietta? I've read several reviews about the West side of Murrietta being the best area and South Temecula. Personally I would rather be in North Temecula/Murrietta close to all the mall entertainment. We do not want to stay anywhere further than Temecula/Murrietta area due to my commute to CP. Also I am not really familiar with Carlsbad, but a couple of co-workers said its a nice area but expensive. Any info on Carlsbad would be appreciated too. Ex: safe, schools, home prices. Also if you have had any experience with home builders that would be great too. Also is it true that southern Temecula is cooler than the North in the evenings? Just seems bizarre...Thanks in advance.