Realtors

If you’ve ever taken in the mountain-top view from Double Peak Park in San Marcos, then you’ve noticed the remarkable master-planned community of San Elijo Hills. Cyclists, runners and motorists who make the trek regularly up the winding road to the peak are rewarded with a bird’s eye-view of San Elijo’s various neighborhoods, along with the Pacific Ocean six miles to the west.

Aside from its spectacular lofty location, San Elijo Hills’ appeal is primarily its small-town feel: The community hosts concerts in the town square, an Oktoberfest celebration and movie-nights, where projection screens show family movies in the park to hundreds. When not chatting in their front yards or near the mailbox, neighbors can take advantage of the 18 miles of hiking and walking trails throughout the community alone.

Buyers interested in San Elijo Hills can still take advantage of new construction homes in the hillside neighborhoods of Altaire, Belmont, Bella Vista and the newest gated collection, the Estates, perched atop the highest point in the community.

Altaire and Belmont released their final phases in February.

Altaire, by builder D.R. Horton, features distinctive Craftsman, Old World and Spanish Colonial architecture, floor plans up to 6 bedrooms and range from 2,627 to 3,469 square feet. Prices start at the mid $700,000s. Call (760) 744-2740.

Belmont by Lennar, features three- and four-bedroom detached homes from 1,459 to 2,072 square feet and are a part of the Lennar ‘Everything’s Included’ program, which means many features that have historically been upgrades are included in the purchase price, which starts in the upper $400,000s. Call (760) 798-1176.

Bella Vista by Ryland Homes features three home models with unique floorplans offering 5 bedrooms and ranging up to 3,776 square feet. Each home was thoughtfully designed to flow into large outdoor entertaining areas. Prices begin at the low $800,000s. Call (760) 798-1765.

The exclusive $1 million Estates collection opened Feb. 15. Offered by Davidson Communities, the Estates consist of 10 luxury custom and semi-custom residences, ranging from 4,638 to 6,007 sq. ft. and featuring up to 5 bedrooms along with master retreats, teen/bonus rooms and a media room option. Call (760) 736-3100.

For more information on any of these neighborhoods, take a virtual tour at http://www.sanelijohills.com/. A visit in person to the visitor center is best, though, for a true appreciation of this unique hillside collection.