Hi there, we're from Oregon and moving to the San Diego Area. DH just got a job in Poway and starts in about 3 weeks. I'm freaking out but super excited. I've never lived anywhere outside of the Portland metro area. I'm a stay at home mom with three kiddos, ages 5, 3 and 3 months. We need to find a place to live (he'll be staying with family until we get an apartment or something). We're interested in possibly building a house but need recommendations for builders and realtors to buy some property. And apartment/rental rec's for the interim. Poway looks SO expensive. Any recommendations for the outlying areas that might be more affordable AND that are in a good school district? I'm so lost, I've never even been to San Diego before! We'll need Dr.'s Dentists, a salon that can handle the kiddos. Park recommendations etc. Are there any Mom's Clubs that you would recommend? We also need a church, Christian and non-denominational preferred but if its Christian and super fun with a great children's program we're game

Please don't hold back and shoot me any/all advice you've got. I need it! TIA!
Re: We're moving to San Diego, please Help!
Good luck!
The good news-- Poway does have great schools.
The bad news- Poway IS an outlying area. It's the burbs of San Diego.
San Diego is very expensive. I bought my home in 1997 and it's more than trippled in value, even after the recession.
Why so expensive? It's always a beautiful day.:)
There is a lot of fun stuff to do with children up in the Poway area. Close to the Wild Animal Park and there's a place called "Java Mama" that you'll really enjoy. Coffee house for moms with kids classes and play area. The 3 and 5 year-old will also likely enjoy the nearby Flying Leathernecks Marine Aviation Museum, especially if they are little boys.
Lots of nice hiking trails nearby there, although it's inland and hot in summer, so you need to start early this time of year. Nice community centers nearby with amazing pools and toddler water-play areas-- super fun! I strongly recommend you join The Parent Connection. It's an invaluable resource for parents of young kids. It's a non-profit sponsored by Scripps Hospital that helps parents find and/ or create playgroups, puts on fun events for families and offers discounts on a lot of the local attractions and theme parks. I've found lots of great recommendations for local services from other members, too, like contractors, nannies, peds, etc.
I have my own children's class studio, Baby Garten Studio, that offers children's classes down in central San Diego, but you'll find similar, but closer, offerings through Java Mama and The Parents Connection.
I can recommend an excellent contractor. He just built a house on my block and did my kitchen and back deck remodel.
Monta Briant
Author- Baby Garten Studio
Owner- Baby Sign Language Basics
I recommend The Rock Church! It is Christian, non-denominational. Website for more info: sdrock.com
Congrats on the move!
Poway is a great area of town. Known for great schools, strong community, and low crime. If you can afford the Poway area, I highly recommend it.
My OB is part of the Scripps network of doctors, but he is in Carmel Valley - not too far from Poway. I highly recommend him: Dr. Jonathan A. Dunn. He is accepting new patients.
The Rock Church is awesome!