Before you buy in Eastlake, know these three things
HOAs, Mello-Roos and schools come up in almost every Eastlake purchase. Here's the insider version from someone who has lived here since 1987.
Eastlake has three separate HOAs, not one
The Eastlake master-planned community is split into three associations. Each has its own amenities, fees and rules.
| Association | Neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Eastlake I | Eastlake Shores, Eastlake Hills |
| Eastlake II | Eastlake Greens |
| Eastlake III | Eastlake Trails, Trails North, Eastlake Vistas, The Woods |
Many homes also have a smaller sub-association on top of the master HOA. Always ask for the HOA documents and the total monthly dues before you write an offer.
Some original Eastlake neighborhoods no longer pay Mello-Roos
Mello-Roos is a special tax, collected through a Community Facilities District (CFD), that helped pay for Eastlake's schools, roads and infrastructure. It is separate from your HOA dues and your regular property tax.
When we bought in Eastlake Hills in 1987, we paid Mello-Roos for 25 years. Today our neighborhood no longer has it. Newer districts can last longer, so never assume.
How to check any home
- Look at the property tax bill for line items labeled "CFD" or "Mello-Roos"
- Ask the agency listed on the bill when the district ends
- Contact the San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector to confirm
- Or just ask me. I'm happy to look it up with you
The homes came first. The schools caught up.
Eastlake was promised brand-new neighborhood schools, but families arrived faster than the schools could open. Today the community is served by the Chula Vista Elementary and Sweetwater Union High school districts.
School boundaries can change, so always confirm the assigned school for a specific address with the district.
- 1987First families, including mine, move into Eastlake. No neighborhood school yet.
- 1989EastLake Elementary opens.
- 1992Eastlake High School opens.
- 2003EastLake Middle School opens, about 16 years after the first residents.
Get the insider answers before you write an offer
Tell me what you're looking for. I'll share which neighborhoods fit, what the total monthly cost looks like with HOA and Mello-Roos, and homes that match, including ones coming up soon.