San Diego Real Estate Blog

Living the Good Life in Carlsbad

Just 35 miles north of downtown San Diego is the fabulous suburban community of Carlsbad, featuring seven miles of gorgeous beaches, fascinating lagoons, world-class golf and the vibe of a European village. Over 105,000 residents enjoy the good life in Carlsbad – shopping, touring and resort living. A booming high-tech industry is situated nearby, including names such as Genoptix, Life Technologies and MaxLinear. Getting around is no problem: the community is served by the McClellan-Palomar Airport, light rail and bus service, and encourages a bike-to-work program. If you are looking for San Diego homes for sale, note that the average listing price for single family homes is about $737,000, and multi-million dollar homes abound. Less expensive homes, condos and townhouses are available in neighborhoods such as Calavera Hills.

Education

Four school districts serve the greater Carlsbad area:

• Carlsbad Unified School District
• Encinitas Union School District
• San Dieguito Union High School District
• San Marcos Unified School District

Together, these districts operate two high schools, three intermediate schools and 14 elementary schools, all public. In addition, there are seven private schools. The community is served by two libraries: Carlsbad City and Georgina Cole.

Amenities

• Beaches: Most of the local beaches are owned by the California State Parks Department. The most important are South Carlsbad State Beach, Carlsbad State Beach and the North Carlsbad beaches. Beaches feature lifeguard service, picnic areas, restrooms and parking lots. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches.
• Trails: The trail network includes 38 miles of open space trails and 48 miles of bike lanes that run adjacent to local roadways. Another 20 miles of city trails are contemplated. Leashed dogs are welcome.
• Lagoons: The three Carlsbad lagoons, Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda and Batiquitos, occupy over 1,000 acres and include nature preserves, water recreation area and hiking trails.
• Golf: There are four golf resorts in the Carlsbad area featuring world-class facilities and GPS-equipped golf carts.
• LegoLand: A large theme park containing rides, shopping, a water park and aquarium. A full visit will require you to set aside at least two days.
• Arts and Culture: There are three live theater venues in Carlsbad as well as an annual music festival in September, an art gallery and a Jazz in the Parks program.
• Spas: You can choose from any of 15 world-class spas in the Carlsbad area. Massage, skincare, nutrition and spirituality are all available to visitors and residents.
• Shopping: A favorite pastime of residents, shopping is upscale and plentiful. Choose from art galleries, jewelers, garden shops, boutiques, a farmer's market and just about anything else you can think of.

Serra Mesa Offers Affordable Urban Housing and Proximity to Hospitals

The Serra Mesa neighborhood of San Diego sprouted up in the early 1950's due to the construction the Cabrillo Heights housing project by the US Navy. Today, it’s a thriving urban community with many restaurants, grocery stores, retail stores, dentists and other services. The Serra Mesa Planning Area also includes the communities of Birdland, Mission Village, Abbots Hill and the Village at Sera Mesa. Serra Mesa is located between Interstates 15 and 805. It is named after Father Junipero Serra, a Spanish friar who built the Mission San Diego de Alcala.

The area today is home to about 24,000 residents. The median sales price for homes in Serra Mesa is $356,000, which is relatively affordable by San Diego standards. Listing prices average around $305,000, which represents an 18 percent jump, year-over-year. Housing stock consists mostly of single family houses, but there also many apartments that are set up as condominiums or rentals. An annual fare occurs in October and features local food, carnival rides, crafts and live music.

Parks

Nature lovers are drawn to the 84-acre Ruffin Canyon Open Space Preserve that runs through Serra Mesa and drains into the Mission Valley to the south. The Friends of Ruffin Canyon are restoring and maintaining this important home to native habitat such as Coastal Sage Scrub.

Serra Mesa has a community park with a ball field, two playgrounds and basketball courts. The park's recreation center provides children with after-school activities. The Serra Mesa Community Garden and Orchard is in the active planning stage and will feature community plots that will help support the local food pantry.

Institutions

The adjoining Birdland community is home to several medical facilities:

• Donald N. Sharp Memorial Hospital
• Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns
• Rady Children's Hospital
• Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion
• Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

There are also many schools in Serra Mesa under the supervision of the San Diego Unified School District, including:

• Jones Elementary
• Juarez Elementary
• Angier Elementary
• Wegeforth Elementary
• Cubberley Elementary
• Taft Middle School

Residents usually attend Kearny High School in nearby Linda Vista. There is also a private Catholic school, St. Columba. The area is supported by the new Serra Mesa/Kearny Mesa Public Library.

Point Loma Combines Elegance with Natural Beauty

If you are looking at San Diego homes for sale and value life in a beautiful natural environment, Point Loma is for you. This oceanfront community resides on a peninsular surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, with the San Diego River running through it. Old Town lies to the east and downtown San Diego is only ten miles distant. The hilly land affords awesome water views and supports a population of approximately 50,000 residents. Condos and private homes often run over a million dollars in Point Loma, though of course more modest properties are also available.

Point Loma is graced by hundreds of jacaranda trees. The military represents a significant proportion of the community, thanks to the local naval base, a fort (Fort Rosecrans) and Marine Corp training depot. The iconic Old Point Loma Lighthouse was retired in 1959 but is a popular tourist spot.

The Point Loma community is composed of a several neighborhoods, mostly geared towards single-family homes:

• Point Loma Village is the commercial center, featuring many possibilities for dining and shopping. Local activities include sport fishing and yachting.
• Shelter Island, actually a sandbank built up from dredged materials, is accessed from Point Loma Village by a causeway. This area boasts of marinas, hotels, restaurants and parks, and the area is under control of the Port of San Diego. There are no private residences on Shelter Island.
• Liberty Station is a new neighborhood, developed at the former site of a naval training center. Its waterfront location lies on a boat channel, where many historical buildings survive and have been adapted to new uses. The Promenade is a cluster of older buildings repurposed to display art, culture, science and technology. The residential area, composed of row houses, townhomes and single family houses, is considered a top retirement location.
• The Midway District contains a few multi-family residences, but is mostly purposed for commercial and industrial uses.
• La Playa is a bayside residential area with some of the priciest homes in all of San Diego, many featuring private piers. Two yacht clubs serve the needs of the upscale residents.
• Sunset Cliffs overlooks the Pacific and borders Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Sunset Cliffs Blvd. is the main drag and is surrounded by many custom homes. Sunset View is the local public elementary school; Warren-Walker is a nearby private elementary school.
• Roseville-Fleetridge are a pair of adjacent communities. Roseville was originally settled by Portuguese fishermen a hundred years ago, whereas Fleetridge was developed in the early 1950's and contains large custom homes on winding streets.
• Loma Porta is home to several public schools, Plumosa Park, a branch library and a retail business center along Voltaire Street. The area is primarily residential, and is well known for its holiday decorations.

Normal Heights is an Abnormally Attractive Place for Homebuyers

Normal Heights is situated in San Diego's mid-city region and boasts of popular restaurants, pubs, book stores, coffee houses and a vast community of artists. This urbane community is named after the Normal School, which later became San Diego State University. Homebuyers are attracted to the area by its proximity to many city amenities, its mix of nationalities, and its wealth of art and antique shops. Median home prices hover around $240,000, which is up about $60,000 over the last year – so homes in this area have been a very attractive part of the San Diego real estate market. The community's residential market features a mix of townhomes, condos and single-family homes.

Normal Heights is nestled in the San Diego hills surrounding Mission Valley, north of Balboa Park. Adams Avenue is the main street for neighborhood businesses.

Neighborhood Events

• Art Around Adams: This is a music and art walk covering two miles along Adams Avenue. The event is free and welcoming to the whole family. All sorts of business display art work or host performances during the event.
• Adams Avenue Street Fair: This huge fair occurs in late September and features over 400 vendors of food, crafts and art. There are three beer gardens, over 70 musical acts, and carnival rides for the kids.
• Adams Avenue Roots Festival: A musical bonanza of blues, folk, jazz and country. The festival occurs over the last weekend of April every year, and presents an international mix of British, Latin, European and American music.
• Adams Avenue Unplugged: Another April weekend music festival, featuring over 170 live acoustic music performances.

Amenities

There are two local elementary schools (K-5) run by the San Diego Unified School District, Adams Elementary School and Normal Heights Elementary. Nature lovers can enjoy the Vera House Community Garden and the Friends of the Normal Heights Canyon. The garden is completely organic and has 11 individual plots plus a community plot for herbs. There may be a waiting list. The Friends of the Canyon is a volunteer group that advocates for preservation and restoration of local habitats. It offers trail plans and guided tours.

There are several parks in and near Normal Heights, including:

• Adams Park
• Mini-Park
• 39^th Street Park
• Trolley Barn Park
• Teralta Park

Besides the many eateries, pubs and antique shops, there is the Adams Avenue Farmers Market every Wednesday afternoon during the warm months. In addition to fresh produce, baked goods, meats and cheeses, you can enjoy the offerings of local craftspeople, artists and musicians.

Have San Diego Home Prices Hit Rock Bottom?

Zillow.com reports that home values across the nation last month enjoyed their largest gain in six years. San Diego real estate had the fourth-best forecast in the US, raising the prospect that now is the time to buy a San Diego home for sale before prices start rising.

 

The report shows that, of the 30 largest metro areas surveyed by Zillow, 19 have "either hit a bottom or will by the end of 2012". San Diego is predicted to have a 1.7 percent price increase in the next 12 months. To arrive at that number, Zillow used past home value trends, current prices and inventory, and economic factors like unemployment. Nationwide, the Home Value Index jumped 0.5 percent from February to March. The last time an increase like this occurred was in May 2006, which was before the peak in home values. The big winners are predicted to be Phoenix, with a forecast of a 6.5 percent gain, and Miami, with a forecasted price boost of 5.6 percent.

Dr. Stan Humphries, the Chief Economist at Zillow, said "For people who have been waiting to time their home purchases close to the market bottom, it’s time to start shopping." Continued growth may be hesitant, but it doesn't appear that experts are anticipating another housing dip in the next year.

Zillow rates San Diego's near-term fate as "still uncertain", making short-term predictions difficult. But for buyers with a mid- to long-term horizon, it appears that San Diego is now flashing a screaming buy signal. The typical pattern is that home buyers who have been sitting on the fence waiting for a positive signal may now be motivated to get moving. This will cause a tightening of inventory as homes start to be snapped up, which will put a floor under prices and eventually push them up.

Zillow's Real Estate Market Report follows home prices in 165 metropolitan areas in the US. Of these, 70 had higher home prices in the first quarter of 2012. An exciting statistic is that 18 markets showed both a quarterly and annual price increase – a bullish sign. At the same time, foreclosure activity turned down significantly in March. The current national foreclosure rate is 7.4 out of every 10,000 homes. Our advice is to check with us to see which San Diego Zip Codes are experiencing recovery – they probably represent the safest bets in an increasingly attractive market.

University City is a Smart Place to Buy a Home

San Diego's northwestern community of University City is dominated by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and Rose Canyon. Local residents include university employees, students and professors, especially north of Rose Canyon, which bisects the community. The vibe of the northern part, known as UTC (for University Towne Center) attracts young professionals and UCSD graduates. Its real estate market is dominated by apartment complexes, townhouses and condominiums, and is sometimes referred to as "The Golden Triangle".

The southern half is an older section featuring many single-family homes and a quieter lifestyle. There is a large senior population, in part due to a retirement community.

Overall, University City housing prices average around $500,000 with a range of $300,000 to over $1 million.

University City is bordered by Sorrento Valley, Miramar, La Jolla and Clairemont Mesa. The area features canyons and mesa, including the aforementioned Rose Canyon, as well as San Clemente Canyon and the finger canyons. This geography supports many endangered species of birds and plants, making the community a favorite for residents who want a mix of nature-loving and urban lifestyles. Many parks dot the community, including:

• Rose Canyon Open Space Park
• La Jolla Colony Park
• Doyle Recreation Center
• Standley Recreation Center and Park

In addition, golfers enjoy the University City Golf Course.

Institutions

Besides UCSD, there are several public schools located in University City:

• University City High School (San Diego)
• Curie Elementary School
• John D. Spreckels Elementary School
• Doyle Elementary School
• Standley Middle School

Three libraries grace the community:

• San Diego Public Library
• North University Community Library
• University Community Library

There are also two hospitals:

• Scripps Memorial
• Thornton

Shopping and Dining

The large University Towne Center dominates the shopping scene in northern University City. Standout dining is available there at the Bluefin Fusion Japanese Restaurant. There is also the Costa Verde Center featuring the Bristol Farms Gourmet Market. If you are looking for outstanding restaurants, you will want to sample the fare at:

• Donavan's Steak & Chop House
• Roy's
• Truluck's
• Fleming's
• Melting Pot
• Harry's Bar and American Grill

For those of you inclined towards kosher food, try Renaissance Catering.

Hip or traditional, University City offers buyers looking for San Diego real estate a wide selection from which to choose.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea is Ideal for Walkers and Surfers

Charming Cardiff-by-the-Sea, commonly called Cardiff, offers small-village amenities in walking distance for most residents combined with popular surfing beaches such as Cardiff Reef, Pipes and Swami's. This suburban community, 25 miles north of downtown San Diego, is home to about 12,000 residents. It lies between Solana Beach and Encinitas, bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean. It is renowned for its cool evenings and warm, sunny days throughout the year. Ocean breezes moderate temperatures along the 2.6 miles of immaculate coastline.

The median home cost in Cardiff is just over $670,000, but more modest apartments and townhomes are available for considerably less. Homes with ocean views, which can be spectacular, sell for a premium. The community was developed in the early 20^th century on an agricultural site, and was named by the English wife of the developer. The community has remained relatively small, and residents can easily walk to the beach, the local lagoon, and the shopping area. The heart of the town is Restaurant Row, where seafood restaurants and other assorted eateries offer a wide variety of dining options. Nearby are the post office and local library, as well as retail shops.

Schools

The Cardiff School District boasts two award-winning schools and ranks among the top districts in California. Both are California Distinguished Schools:

• Cardiff Elementary: A school for K through second grade, plus a multi-age classroom for grades one through three. Enrollment of 375, extended daycare is offered.
• Ada Harris School: Grades three through six, also with about 375 students. Features two special education teachers, music and physical education teachers, reading lab specialists and many other special teachers.

Older students attend the nearby San Dieguito Union High School District.

Amenities

Residents can take advantage of beaches, playgrounds and parks, as well as boutique shopping. Activities include jogging, hiking, boating, swimming, hang-gliding, biking and golfing, among others. Some important amenities are:

• San Elijo Park and Campground: Features 171 campsites, each with a fire ring and picnic table.
• Cardiff by the Sea Lodge: For those looking for a spectacular ocean view, peaceful garden and elegant lodging.
• San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve: State bird sanctuary and wildlife preserve, home or stopping place for over 300 species annually. Public and school education programs are offered.
• Cardiff Sports Park: Great place to picnic, featuring softball and soccer fields, basketball courts and handicap access.

 

San Diego Housing Inventory Falling, Prices Rising

San Diego County is one of the stronger housing markets in the U.S. according to the latest statistics. Both the county and the nation as a whole are seeing a lower level of inventory overhang along with some firming of prices. The number of San Diego homes for sale in March dropped 8 percent from the previous month and 38 percent from a year earlier, according to the San Diego Association of Realtors. There were 7,400 active listings in San Diego County in March. Nationally, inventories are 21.8 percent lower than last year, with a 1.3 percent drop in March. So it looks like buyers are more active than sellers this spring.

Zillow reports that San Diego March home price figures show a 0.8 percent increase compared to a month earlier, and the quarter-over-quarter gain is 0.2%. These numbers indicate a halt in the fall of home prices and perhaps the beginnings of a recovery.

What forces are in play here?

1)    Housing prices have been weak for a long time, so homeowners have been reluctant to sell. This has caused inventory to dry up.

2)    Banks have cut down on foreclosures in the wake of the documentation scandal that rocked the industry. This means that fewer foreclosed houses have been put on the market.

3)    Over the last two years, investors have been renting properties instead of flipping them. Rented property is off the sales market, reducing inventory.

Of the three reasons for tight inventory, the third might be the most important (or, least transient).

San Diego didn't have the same glut of foreclosures that plagued Florida and Nevada. Therefore, housing prices didn't have the same precipitous fall as other, harder-hit parts of the country. Now, San Diego home prices appear to have reached an equilibrium point and may be flat or higher in the months ahead. Because San Diego didn’t get creamed as badly, it is not expected to have the kind of price gains that rising-from-the-ashes markets like Miami and Phoenix are now experiencing. Miami home values are up 2.7 percent for the quarter; Phoenix is up 3.5 percent. Big bubbles mean hard landings, followed by trampoline recoveries. But, and this is a big but, it remains to be seen whether places like Miami and Phoenix will be able to sustain their growth in home values for the rest of the year.

Bankers Hill Offers Classic and Modern Homes for Sale

Bankers Hill is an affluent downtown residential community that features fine Victorian homes juxtaposed with charming older courtyard apartments and brand new condominiums. The vibe is definitely sophisticated, with a range of age groups from young professionals to empty-nesters. Its proximity to Balboa Park, Little Italy, Midtown and Downtown has spurred new construction of condos over the last several years. Some of the nicest condo buildings have gone up on 6^th Avenue facing the park, and can range in price from $250,000 for a one-bedroom to over a million for luxury apartments such as those at Casiola, Bankers Hill Tower and The Lodge. You can also find magnificent single-family homes in Bankers Hill with prices starting at $1 million.

Because of the high density of professionals working and residing in Bankers Hill (which is sometimes referred to as Park West), it is not uncommon to find a single family home that has been reconfigured as office space for lawyers, dentists and doctors. Residences predominate to the west of 5^th Avenue and south of Laurel Street. As you travel further west, the vista opens up to provide lovely views of:

• San Diego Bay
• Mount Soledad
• San Diego Airport
• Coronado
• Harbor Island
• The rest of Downtown

Buyers looking for vintage San Diego homes for sale will love the Victorian homes from the late 19^th century that grace the Bankers Hill community. Famous architects such as Irving Gill and Richard Requa designed homes in this area.

Schools

There are a few schools very conveniently located in or near Bankers Hill:

• Balboa City School: A private school for grades K through 12, featuring small classes that emphasize clear communications and development of latent talent.
• City Tree Christian School: Sponsored by the Presbyterian Church for grades K – 8, plus pre-schooler ages two through five. The 250-student school is socially, economically and ethnically diverse.
• Museum School: A charter elementary school that emphasizes community service. Offers special classes such as ceramics, sculpture, martial arts and self-defense.
• St. Paul's Lutheran School: For children from preschool through eighth grade. Combines academic and religious education with social service.

Amenities

The neighborhood abounds with small restaurants and community favorites, including:

• Bertrand at Mister A's
• Bankers Hill Bar & Restaurant
• Busalacchi's
• Hob Nob Hill Restaurant

Shoppers have convenient access to Hillcrest, Mission Valley and Horton Plaza. It's just a short walk to Balboa Park's museums and theater.

Scripps Ranch Boasts High Community Spirit

Scripps Ranch is an affluent, tightly-knit bedroom community in San Diego County. It features upscale homes and mature landscaping – the stand of eucalyptus trees along Pomerado Road is a local landmark. The 1200-acre community in the northeastern portion of the city lies north of the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station and just south of Poway. It is 16 miles from downtown San Diego.

Almost half of the 20,000 households in Scripps Ranch earn over $100,000 a year, with median household income reaching almost $145,000. The vibe is definitely affluent, secluded and private. Typical three-bedroom single family homes for sale range in price from $335K to $558K; a 4-bedroom 3,100 square foot home may sell for $750K or higher. There are also less expensive townhomes and condos available.

Amenities

A great deal of Scripps Ranch open space has been set aside for nature trails, wildlife preserves, ball fields and neighborhood parks. Parks include Hendrix, Jerabek, Hoyt and Lakeview. Scripps Ranch encompasses Lake Miramar, an important reservoir and site for fishing, boating and swimming. The Community Center can be rented out by individuals and organizations. Residents enjoy the Symphony in the Park Program throughout the summer months.

Schools

Scripps Ranch public schools are served by the San Diego School District and include the following:

• Miramar Ranch Elementary
• Jerabek Elementary
• E.B. Scripps Elementary
• Dingeman Elementary
• Thurgood Marshall Middle School
• Scripps Ranch High School

There are also several private schools, including the St. Gregory Catholic School, Chabad Hebrew School, two Montessori schools and the Renaissance Village Academy. For higher education, there is the John Paul Catholic University and the Alliant International University. The Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center serves the community with a circulation desk, computer lab, children's area and bookstore.

Community Events

The Scripps Ranch Civic Association (SRCA) serves as the de facto town council, coordinating community events throughout the year, including:

• Run/Walk – a four mile route down Pomerado Road
• Independence Day Parade – features children's activities and a food court
• Community Fair and Concert – sponsored by the SRCA, you'll encounter local performers and food, children's rides and a wine garden
• Annual Community-Wide Yard Sales – attracts thrifty buyers from all over San Diego
• Holiday Tree Lighting – second week in December, featuring a Toys for Tots collection and a visit from you-know-who
• Recognition Night – awards to volunteers for their work with schools and the community
• Taste of the Ranch – fine food at a school auction, sponsored by the Scripps Ranch High School Foundation