Rancho Del Oro Oceanside (Vista, Carlsbad: townhomes, neighborhood, purchasing)

[evieamie]

From what I understand Oceanside can be very sketchy depending on the area. What about the Rancho de Oro area? Photos of this area are really nice, and home prices are generally higher than in other areas of Oceanside. Plus there is a good elementary school in the neighborhood (Ivey Ranch), which is great considering most Oceanside schools are pretty crappy. Does anyone know this neighborhood or the Alacima townhome development right around there? Would you recommend it?

[libbykt]

I don't know anything about those particular townhomes, but RDO is a nice development, and in a good central location in Oceanside. When we lived in North County we looked at several homes in RDO before purchasing in an adjoining, older neighborhood (Henie Hills) because we wanted a bigger, more private yard but the neighborhood itself is great, especially for families. We are considering moving back to the area, and now that I have a toddler RDO is on my short list of where to live if we can't afford Carlsbad.

If I remember correctly, some homes in RDO go to Oceanside schools and some go to Vista, but that could have changed in the last couple of years. I think that it's in the El Camino High School district, which is preferable to Oceanside High School.

All in all, though, it's a great area.