San Diego Country Estates
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8/12/2007
Ramona means the Valley of the Sun and the name fits the area. Ramona is a small quaint town with main street with antiques and small restruants that are in keeping with the old time motif of the town.Beautiful equestrian community, approximately 5,000 homes spread out in beautiful, natural environment, people riding horses down trails, joggers, hikers, golf carts and tennis courts, basketball, biking. Really there is something for everyone here. Quiet community with one village store, dry cleaners, etc. Town of Ramona is about 6 miles away with limited shopping, fast food, etc.
You must drive 30 to 40 minutes to larger cities with malls, libraries, etc.
The only real hard downside is the traffic, with only 2 one lane roads in and out of the Estates. And everyone commutes to jobs in San Diego and other local communities.
International Equestrian Center and Casey Tibbs Western Center are available for boarding, events, and arenas, lots of trails to ride. Some owners choose to broad their horses in the own backyards (min. 1/2 acre). There is a golf course and recreational area with basketball, tennis courts, community swimming pool, clubhouse and restaurant, there is an Inn for guests and condos for lease and purchase.
You can throw a rock without hitting a cop or firefighter so many of them live here. It is a safe place to raise a family. SDCE provides 24-hour security that patrols areas.
Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $595,200
(it was $245,000 in 2000)
San Diego Country Estates $595,200
California: $477,700
We love it here (husband in law enforcement, of course), board three horses at the Western Center at special rates for residents of SDCE - $80.00 per month per each horse. We provide our own care, but you can usually hire people to do feeding, mucking, etc. Most stables are around $350 - $400 at a minimum and this is not full boarding, you still must care for all your horses needs.
People watch out for each other here and are generally friendly. Security will call you at 2 a.m. to tell you if your horse is down (sick), so you can get a vet out here.
I guess the only other thing I hate is the dry, dusty environment, some people love the desert-like environment. The San Diego Estates Association takes excellent care of the common grounds, many flowers and trees, nice landscaping. I hope this description helps others, feel free to post.
Susan | Ramona, CA