Most of ya'll know we've been pretty back and forth between the whole housing situation. At first, I was completely gung ho about wanting to buy right now and having a place lined up when we got there. I figured if we found the right place, hubby could fly out there ahead of time to close on the house and tie up any loose ends with paper work and such that we can't handle from here. We'd try to time it to where we'd close on a house around Oct 1st-15th sometime.

When I was completely gung ho about it, Jason didn't show a lot of interest. He wasn't really digging any of the homes I showed him and just didn't show much positive interest. So, I kind of gave up a little and just decided that we'd shoot for military housing at first, then eventually look into buying once we get out there and I can talk him into doing some walk throughs with me which would get him more motivated.


Well, now he's been talking with these guys at his work who have basically completely talked him into moving WAY north to the Temecula area. A bunch of the families from his command live there and do the ride share thing four days a week for like $35, then they only drive on Friday b/c it's a short day for most people or on duty days if they can not catch the ride share van. They've basically told him he's crazy if he keeps waiting around and doesn't buy right now with the market the way it is. So, he's completely gung ho about buying a home up there.

And now I'm the one that's sort of not quite as on board with the idea. :nutts

It just seems SOOOOOOOO far. It's like 50 miles each way from most of the homes we've been looking at. That's 100 miles of commute each day and that just seems SO far to me :nutts We're only 20 something miles from base right now and that already seems far to me :lol

The plus sides of being in that area are:

WAY WAY WAY more for our money. We can actually afford a NICE, big house with a nice yard up there.

MUCH better schools, for the most part.

MUCH better neighborhoods, for the most part.

As far as the type of home and the type of area we want, it's spot on.

The downsides are:

Commute, commute, commute, commute, commute.

Gas money won't be as huge of a factor b/c he will be definitely doing the ride share at least some of the time. Plus he has his motorcycle for when he couldn't do the rideshare.

But still... it is SO far. We haven't driven up there before so I'm not sure what exactly the commute is like but it looks like a long commute when I google map it.

I'm not sure what to do. Jason really wants to look at houses up there and since so many of the people in his command live there, of course they are giving me their wive's phone numbers and wanting me to get in touch with questions and such. But I just don't know... I'm really nervous about being that far. I mean, I guess my biggest fear is being so far from all of my san diego friends, honestly :lol Is temecula even a military community? I don't want to be lonesome and in the middle of nowhere with no friends like I am here :sadeyes

But having my kids in outstanding schools and being able to afford a nice home in a nice neighborhood is so important to us.

What are your thoughts? Would you ever under any circumstances consider moving that far from base?

A big part of me says I want to look into it but I think the more conservative part of me is not going to let it happen b/c I'm too nervous about being that far away. I did tell Jason I'd at least look around and consider, but he knows how nervous I am about it so I think he's sort of counting on me just wanting to go into housing.

I know alot marines that live in temecula for Pendleton and since it is so close to Pendleton I would imagine it is a military friendly community.

We have looked into it's just too far for us too. My dad lives there, and from OUR house to his house, it takes an hour. You know where we live (roughly) and he lives in Wildomar. I would say it's more like 1.5 hours WITHOUT traffic to base from that area (although maybe shorter for Temecula, as that is the most southern city)...

Also, it's seriously like 20 degrees HOTTER there than here. My dad watched his thermometer and he said it was .5 degrees hotter per mile. :roflmao But seriously, on a normal day, check the weather of SD and then of Riverside, Temecula, Wildomar, etc. So AC would be a MUST.

There are some NICE ass houses there though!!! I mean really nice! You can get like 3 car garage, 5 bedrooms, sweet ass kitchen, etc. You also have to remember the commute. Plus, that would probably put you at the care of Camp Pendleton. I have never been there, but haven't heard too much great stuff there, especially about the maternity ward (although you wouldn't have to worry about that).

But the area is also booming... there are malls, Targets, tons of food places out there. Plus you would be like 45 minutes away from Disneyland and Anaheim area too. :tu

You also get outside of SD County (it's Riverside County) and that will save you a ton on taxes too!

if he is stationed at any navy bases here in san diego he is goin to be driving for a min. cuz i live in housing and its about 15 mins away from base and temecula is around 30 to 45 mins away depending on traffic. so i say that i would fight to live somewhere else if u arent up for the drive and stuff... and him car pooling is okay.. but idk.. i would say no if it was me

i would come stay in military housing for a few months and have some time to really look at the different places up there and around base and everything. just to make sure youll be completely happy with it. theres no need to rush, right?
i like the idea of that area though, for the nicer homes and neighborhoods and things like that.

edit! i personally would probably do it. i never really need to go on base for anything anyway, and i shop at sams club, not the commisery. lol. as for the hotter weather, it wouldnt bother me at all.. but i did grow up in vegas and arizona.. at least the nicer homes will come with good ac untis!

i would come stay in military housing for a few months and have some time to really look at the different places up there and around base and everything. just to make sure youll be completely happy with it. theres no need to rush, right?
i like the idea of that area, for the nicer homes and neighborhoods and things like that.

That is what I am really pushing for also. I'd like to get there, have the chance to actually drive up there ourselves to see if it's something we could live with, see the homes in person before even getting worked up about any of them in particular, THEN go from there.

He's told me his main issue with that is that he doesn't want to move AGAIN (we will have moved like 6 times in 3 years) once we get settled and he's also worried that the market will not be as good.

If that's the case though, I guess we'd just stay in housing then. I just don't think I'm up for closing on a major purchase of almost 300,000 and then not being absolutely thrilled with it when it's all said and done.

I'm willing to sacrifice but I think I'd rather sacrifice having as nice of a home with a shorter commute, honestly... b/c the commute is something we will have to deal with EVERY DAY.

The boy I babysit, his family lives in Temecula. Dual Military both stationed at Miramar. Sucks for them because they work different shifts commands so 2 cars a day 5 days a week :faint

But the main thing they complain about at night is the commute home. Ash gets off at 4 here at my house by 430 and then doesn't walk in her front door till 6 630 on a good day.

It's all a matter of preference. I have another friend stationed at Miramar. They live in Murietta. Hubbie drives a F250 lifted that drinks gas faster then we can breath air and he doesn't mind the drive. IN the 3 yrs they have been up there he hasn't bitched once that I've know bout it. She on the other complains bout the gas since it eats away at the restaurant eating out fund :giggle

I personally wouldn't do it. Too far. The commuter thing sounds great, but what if that option isn't always there. Even on a motorcycle the commute would be long and with the way traffic is it would be mentally draining as well. There are constantly accidents on the 15 and the freeway gets backed.

My dh did the commute just from Vista for a year and it just sucked, which is why we ended up moving closer to the bases. I would love to still live in Vista and be closer to my mom and sister, but it just wasn't fair to my dh. On fridays coming home it would take anywhere from 1 1/2 - 2 hours to get home...most other days it was about an hour or maybe just a bit longer. That's just from Coronado to vista...I can't imagine what it would have been like to Temecula or farther.

That is far and believe me the drive is not smooth....there is traffic! I have to do the drive almost every friday and Sunday to pick up and drop off DH's kids. Its a really nice town (wine country) but Im sure the drive would get old fast....

Thank you so much for your posts. I am pretty sure that the leary side of me will just not let it happen, at least not until we can physically drive there ourselves and see exactly what the drive is like. Jason's not a great commuter and I hate commuting also, so I just don't think it's going to be something we can live with. Oh how I WISH he were at pendleton though :lol I really think I will just push for housing at first, then go from there. As much of a pain in the ass as it will be to move again, IF we buy a home, the extra move will be worth it. And if we can't find anything decent after we get situated, then we just won't move :dunno Housing isn't a bad option there, so I don't think we'll be unhappy if we decide against buying for right now.

If you don't like commuting, do NOT move there. It is a FAR commute, with horrendous traffic. I lived there from 5th grade through 12th grade and it was a decent place to live. Then DH and I lived there for a couple of years and did the commute thing to San Diego - it was horrible! We have considered doing it again but have since decided not to because of the commute. It takes too much time away from family and it's too expensive.

MY GOLLY. thats insane, I would not be on board. I'm totally against long commutes! TOTALLY! And being in san diego, and knowing what the drive is.. ugh.. he will soo regret. sooooon regret. Hilll CANYON hillll CANYON... COPS EVERYWHERE! i'd say whatever you're saving in HOUSING you're using in GAS so either way, which is more important to you?!

Ya know what I think Bradni? I think you will truly like Temecula/Murrietta/Fallbrook the whole area up there. But I think since you unfortunately have no clue about the commute etc it is a scary ass thing to commit to before you have tried it.

I think once you get here, maybe have Jason spend the night up there for a week or so with one of the guys on the ship and let him experience the commute himself. Morning commute and evening commute both suck ass but have their ups and downs. ya know?

With as close to delivering as you are, try to not stress so much over buying and deciding whether or not the drive is right. It will work itself out for you guys. Sometimes even in the middle of all chaos.

Ya know what I think Bradni? I think you will truly like Temecula/Murrietta/Fallbrook the whole area up there. But I think since you unfortunately have no clue about the commute etc it is a scary ass thing to commit to before you have tried it.

I think once you get here, maybe have Jason spend the night up there for a week or so with one of the guys on the ship and let him experience the commute himself. Morning commute and evening commute both suck ass but have their ups and downs. ya know?

With as close to delivering as you are, try to not stress so much over buying and deciding whether or not the drive is right. It will work itself out for you guys. Sometimes even in the middle of all chaos.

EXACTLY. I can tell just from pictures and researching the area that it is EXACTLY what we're looking for. From the actual area to the homes and neighborhoods, it's exactly what we want. It's just not worth it to me to take that chance of trying to guess whether we'll be miserable with the commute or not and whether or not it will be worth it. So, I think we definitely need to get there first, then actually do the commute a few times and see if it's something we could live with. My honest opinion is that he won't want to deal with it. He's not a good commuter and I already know that about him :lol But we'll see. I just want to get there first without being 100% committed to a home purchase when we're not even 100% sure about whether we can live with that kind of commute./

But, really, thank you again to everyone who helped with this. YOu all really did help a lot and you confirmed what I already pretty much guessed. I appreciate the answers. (L)

We know a lot of people that live in Temecula and Murrieta and LOVE it. They commute back and forth. Its not horrible. Their houses are very nice. You know about that 15 freeway carpool they have...well the other portion that runs from Carmel Mtn. Road to the 78 is in its finishing stages now!!! I just saw today they put up the new sign for it. I seriously would give it some thought. We have actually been thinking about it too. Right now DH is still in Ventura stationed but will be back down here in a year. Thats awsome about the commuter thing that helps a lot too. And yes the schools up there are great. You can also go to drs. out in town. We do.

Brandi,

I lived in Temecula for about 3 years about ... oh, 10 years ago. It's .... nice, with the vineyards and Casinos and stuff, and there are very good schools.
My parents own a home in nearby Menifee, and my sister owns a home in Murrieta. Believe me, we all almost got into fights because they wanted us to move out and buy a home out there. Not for anything, I wouldn't allow my husband to do it.

Quite frankly, my husband has labeled it (along with the rest of Riverside County) as the armpit of hell, and I just cannot blame him. Temecula itself is about 50 miles away, but depending on the area, you can add another 10-15 miles to the commute. The 15 North during rush hour is MISERABLE, and the weather is the fucking pits. Brittle, dry, dusty heat to the point that you get burned if you have to leave your house to even go to the grocery store. Trust me, it is not pleasant.

It seems like your price range is close to what ours was, and honestly, I was able to find a lot of lovely affordable homes to rent in lovely areas of SD--my DH was just hell bent on living in Coronado, which is why we ended up here.
I personally would not buy a home past Rancho Bernardo, but I could at least understand Escondido. I cannot understand why anyone would willingly move to Temecula Valley.

If you can get into housing you should do it, that way you won't have to lock yourself into a lease if you find a home you might want to buy. San Diego real estate is still pretty pricey, and it's not dropping as hard and as fast as Riverside County properties, but it IS coming down in price. Give it another year, and you will probably find something perfect for you and your family.

That is REALLY far!!! I worked with a gal in Mira Mesa/Sorrento Mesa. Her husband was Navy and worked at 32nd street. They lived in Temecula and absolutely hated the commute to 32nd St. They had bought a home in Temecula...

We know a lot of people that live in Temecula and Murrieta and LOVE it. They commute back and forth. Its not horrible. Their houses are very nice. You know about that 15 freeway carpool they have...well the other portion that runs from Carmel Mtn. Road to the 78 is in its finishing stages now!!! I just saw today they put up the new sign for it. I seriously would give it some thought. We have actually been thinking about it too. Right now DH is still in Ventura stationed but will be back down here in a year. Thats awsome about the commuter thing that helps a lot too. And yes the schools up there are great. You can also go to drs. out in town. We do.

Wow, really??????? That's awesome! I was just there about a week ago and it looked like it was getting near! That will be such a huge help!

WOW! Temecula is so far away to have to drive. I live about 20 miles from base and I think that's pretty far... especially with gas. Maybe you guys could try living in housing for a little bit so that you both can go look at the houses you are interested in. Maybe you can try the drive from Temecula once and see how you like it. It has a lot of nice areas but for me, it just seems secluded from everything.

Brandi,

I lived in Temecula for about 3 years about ... oh, 10 years ago. It's .... nice, with the vineyards and Casinos and stuff, and there are very good schools.
My parents own a home in nearby Menifee, and my sister owns a home in Murrieta. Believe me, we all almost got into fights because they wanted us to move out and buy a home out there. Not for anything, I wouldn't allow my husband to do it.

Quite frankly, my husband has labeled it (along with the rest of Riverside County) as the armpit of hell, and I just cannot blame him. Temecula itself is about 50 miles away, but depending on the area, you can add another 10-15 miles to the commute. The 15 North during rush hour is MISERABLE, and the weather is the fucking pits. Brittle, dry, dusty heat to the point that you get burned if you have to leave your house to even go to the grocery store. Trust me, it is not pleasant.

It seems like your price range is close to what ours was, and honestly, I was able to find a lot of lovely affordable homes to rent in lovely areas of SD--my DH was just hell bent on living in Coronado, which is why we ended up here.
I personally would not buy a home past Rancho Bernardo, but I could at least understand Escondido. I cannot understand why anyone would willingly move to Temecula Valley.

If you can get into housing you should do it, that way you won't have to lock yourself into a lease if you find a home you might want to buy. San Diego real estate is still pretty pricey, and it's not dropping as hard and as fast as Riverside County properties, but it IS coming down in price. Give it another year, and you will probably find something perfect for you and your family.

I second what your husband said about the armpit of hell. Lol.

I second what your husband said about the armpit of hell. Lol.

His reasons for hating are valid but I think the horrible weather just makes it difficult for him to consider it's good qualities even a little bit.

Like I said, I lived there but there was just a general vibe about it that I don't like, and I couldn't wait to leave.

I recently read a book about wines, and California vineyards and Temecula was highlighted--it showed me a lovely, serene part of the Valley that I guess I took for granted, or never fully explored; which is often the case with locals.

There are good schools and low crime there, and it's a nice, family centric um ... religious community. Which is probably why I didn't fit in there at all.