Anyone here live in Rancho Bernardo? (San Diego, Escondido: HOA fees, student loans, house)

[hellzbellz]

If so, what do you think of it? If not, any opinions?

I realize most of it is 55+ with moderate/low HOA fees but the neighborhoods look really clean and the homes are pretty affordable. I'm retired and my partying days are over so I'm looking for quiet and peaceful neighborhoods.

Pros or cons?

Thanks

[loveautumn]

I dont live there but I know people who do...and really like it alot. It's a nice area esp if you are older and want something quieter. alot of places have really great canyon views.

[HappyTrish]

I lived in RB for two years and LOVED it! Super nice people and you'd be surprised by the average age. Yes, there are a good number of 55+, but there are families too. I now live just 3 miles down the road (RB Rd turns into Espola when heading east) in Poway and enjoy this too. Good hiking/biking/walking trails in both areas. Unless you are a "downtown" kind of person, I can't imagine that you wouldn't love it here!

[whiteboyslo]

Grew up there (which is to say I lived there from middle school up through my early post-grad years). There's nothing really bad about RB. Neighborhoods are great, people are great, amenities are great. There are a lot of blue-hairs that can make driving a bit of an adventure, but that's about it.

However, seeing as RB is within PUSD limits, you will find that the housing costs are a good deal higher than surrounding non-PUSD areas. If you don't have grade-school-age children, I would look somewhere outside the PUSD area so that you're not paying a premium for something you're not using. Scripps Ranch, for example, has some very fine areas that, from what I've seen, are just a wee bit cheaper than RB. Same with certain parts of Escondido. And if you get out of North County Inland, I'm sure there's a bunch more I don't know about.

Mike

[oddstray]

Originally Posted by whiteboyslo

... However, seeing as RB is within PUSD limits, you will find that the housing costs are a good deal higher than surrounding non-PUSD areas. If you don't have grade-school-age children, I would look somewhere outside the PUSD area so that you're not paying a premium for something you're not using. Scripps Ranch, for example, has some very fine areas that, from what I've seen, are just a wee bit cheaper than RB. Same with certain parts of Escondido. And if you get out of North County Inland, I'm sure there's a bunch more I don't know about.

For homeowners, even if they don't have kids using the good schools, it's also worth considering. It adds noticeably to the price at which the house can be sold further down the line. It's a better investment for anyone to buy in an area with good schools.

[oddstray]

I live in Penasquitos, but work in RB. I agree that it's all-around a good area, but with some ... "interesting" drivers.

Another neighborhood you might look at is Bernardo Heights, near to RB. A colleague moved there from Penasquitos, and later told me she thought she had found a hidden treasure of a neighborhood.

[hellzbellz]

Ah yes, taxes for schools....argh! I keep forgetting about the high (to me) property taxes out there. Every time I think I've found a nice house in a nice area those taxes, melloroos, hoa and other assorted "fees" jump out and bring me back to reality.

I really appreciate the input from all of you and will keep looking.

Just wondering if there is a place in San Diego that doesn't pay taxes for schools such as Sun City. We just paid off our daughters student loans so I'm definately not against money for good schools, just looking to keep them to a minimum.

[skeke]

I lived in RB for a few years. It was very clean and lovely. I enjoyed my time there. No shopping to speak of but a nice, attractive safe place to live with a great school district.

[pamelakrn]

I just moved to RB with my three teenagers and we love it. The area is nice and everyone seems to keep their properties nice. Plus you feel like you are in the middle of everything. Shopping is close and beautiful views. It is a nice quiet area.