Torrey Highlands
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Neighborhood Link
About Torrey Highlands
Torrey Highlands is one of the most desirable neighborhoods along the 56 freeway. While it’s officially part of the 92129 ZIP code and considered by some to be part of Rancho Peñasquitos, Torrey Highlands is a distinctive residential neighborhood with a lot to offer prospective home buyers.
Situated to the east of Carmel Valley and south of Santaluz, Del Sur, and 4S Ranch, Torrey Highlands marries the feel of a large master-planned community with an intimate neighborhood setting. The population of Torrey Highlands is less than half that of neighboring communities! Built primarily during the 2000’s, the homes in Torrey Highlands boast modern floorplans that appeal to today’s home buyer – particularly those working from home or balancing multi-generational living.
Torrey Highlands boasts an overall A-rating from Niche.com, thanks to its top-scoring public schools, family-centric feel, and abundance of outdoor recreation. It’s also our personal favorite neighborhood here on Off the 56. Just fifteen minutes from the beach and easy to get anywhere you want to be in San Diego County, Torrey Highlands is one neighborhood you don’t want to miss. Situated about halfway between I-5 and I-15, it’s the ideal location for those who want to live in the suburbs, but still have a manageable commute to work downtown or up in Carlsbad.
Torrey highlands Schools
Torrey Highlands public schools are part of the desirable Poway Unified School District (PUSD). While it is the third largest school district in San Diego County, the PUSD teacher and staff support is incredible. Year after year, PUSD earns top awards for both its student achievements and its educators. Black Mountain Middle School was named a California Distinguished School in 2021, while Westview High School ranks in the Top 5 of San Diego High Schools. Adobe Bluffs Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2020, which recognizes a school’s academic achievements. The Poway Unified School District also received the Golden Bell Award from the California School Board Association in 2021 for its inclusive special education program. Teachers, counselors, and other staffs are routinely recognized by local and national organizations. No matter where you buy a home in Torrey Highlands, you can be confident that your children will receive an excellent education through the public school system.
Torrey Highlands Real Estate
Homes in Torrey Highlands tend to be large. Four, five, and six-bedroom floorplans are common with many homes also boasting a dedicated home office, upstairs loft, bonus room, guest casita, or some combination of the above to create generous, highly livable floorplans. Many homes have a bedroom and full bath on the main floor, which is a great option if you have people of different ages and generations living together. Some casitas also have a separate entrance, which can make that in-law suite feel extra private.
Torrey Highlands offers mostly single-family homes, with some condo and townhome options available. As most properties were completed in the last two decades, you may find that Torrey Highlands home you’re considering has a Mello-Roos fee in addition to HOA dues. Not from California? The Mello-Roos fee is a special tax that applies to newer homes in order to pay for roads, schools, and other infrastructure needs. Mello-Roos fees typically expire after thirty years, with some expiring sooner.
For a single family home in Torrey Highlands, the median home price is $1,452,910. For a condo or townhome it is $1,210,000.
Merge 56 Project
One of the biggest changes coming to the Torrey Highlands area is the completion of the long-awaited MERGE56. In the works for years, MERGE56 is a mixed-use development nestled in the hills south of the 56. Located directly across from Torrey Highlands and adjacent to Rancho Peñasquitos, you can expect new housing options along with office space, restaurants, retail, and more. With MERGE56’s focus on creating a dynamic community with public gathering spaces, this project should also bring additional things for Torrey Highlands families to do in the form of annual events and festivals.
Interested in purchasing a new construction home at MERGE56? It’s important to hire your own representation, rather than working with the builder’s representative. We would love to help you look at your options and get you into one of these new homes. Just reach out to start the conversation!
Torrey Highlands Lifestyle
Ideally located along the 56 freeway, Torrey Highlands residents love how easy it is to get to the beach, airport, downtown, and even the mountains! The 56 corridor provides convenient access to two of San Diego’s major freeways, I-5 and I-15. Yet, Torrey Highlands offers a peaceful, suburban atmosphere. Quiet neighborhood streets, shady sidewalks, grassy parks, and miles of trails are just a few of the things you can expect when you buy a home in Torrey Highlands.
If you enjoy being outside (and who doesn’t, with the fabulous San Diego weather?), you’ll love being right around the corner from Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve and Black Mountain Open Space Park. Los Peñasquitos Canyon encompasses over 4,000 acres of beautiful open space park, with meandering trails, rich biodiversity, and a hidden waterfall among the riches you’ll discover inside! Black Mountain offers residents a challenging hike with panoramic views from the top and a local place to go mountain biking. In addition, Torrey Highlands is dotted with area parks that often host block parties to celebrate the major holidays like 4th of July and Labor Day.
Torrey Highlands Weather
Love the coastal lifestyle, but not a fan of San Diego’s May Gray and June Gloom? Torrey Highlands is close enough to the beach that it never gets too hot, but just far enough away that the fog from the ocean tends to burn off early in the day. Plus, world-class surfing and beautiful beaches are only a fifteen-minute drive away!
Torrey Highlands Shopping & Local Businesses
The main shopping center in Torrey Highlands is anchored by a Vons just off the 56 freeway at Camino Del Sur. It features restaurants like PizzaRev, Pita 22, and Vittorio’s Italian Trattoria. Across the way, you’ll find Cotija’s Taco Shop and Fresco Pizzeria. Owing to the community’s central location, you’re also just a short drive from the Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch which has a Trader Joe’s, Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken, Breakfast Republic, and more. Heading east, Ranch Peñasquitos boasts several shopping centers with a wide variety of businesses, eateries, and services.
Ready to start your search for your next home in Torrey Highlands? Click here to get started or give us a call for personalized help right from the start!
