Another in our Better Know a Neighborhood series, today we feature Scripps Ranch Crown Collection. Rumor has it that the neighborhood was given this name as it was the last of the builder's projects in Scripps Ranch and, therefore, their crown jewel. Of course, then came Stonebridge Estates.

The Crown Collection is another of the many McMillin-built communities in Scripps Ranch. Constructed between 2000 and 2001, the Crown Collection is located at one of the highest points in Scripps Ranch. Prominently perched high on a hill, many of the lots are located strategically to afford amazing long distance views of the mountains to the north and east, the ocean to the west and views to downtown San Diego and beyond to Tijuana, Mexico to the south.

Lots sizes are generous, at least by Scripps Ranch standards, with many containing custom pools and spas, and the homes are designed in a contemporary Mediterranean style. There are four floor plans in the Crown Collection, all with 3-car garages. Plan 1 is a single-story home featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 baths in approximately 2,507 square feet (per Builder). With the shortage of newer single level homes in Scripps Ranch, this model has proven to be extremely popular. The Plan 2 home includes 4 bedrooms plus a den and 2.5 baths within approximately 3,108 square feet. This two-story model contains a rare first floor master bedroom with an adjacent retreat that may also be converted to a 5th bedroom. The Plan 3 is a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath (or optional 3rd bath) home with approximately 3,300 square feet. The Plan 4 is the largest model at approximately 3,590 square feet, containing five to six bedrooms and 3.5 or 4 baths. Both the Plan 4 and Plan 5 models were designed to allow for flexibility to convert one of the bedrooms to a bonus room, if desired.

The Crown Collection is located within Scripps Ranch Villages. As such, they have an active Homeowners Association, and fees are $37 per month as of this writing. And, not to worry. The Homeowners Association has seen that the missing "C" from this photo taken earlier this year has been safely returned to the monument sign.

These homes are also within the Mello Roos assessment area. Local children attend Scripps Ranch schools, part of the San Diego Unified School District. Current assignments are Miramar Ranch Elementary School, Marshall Middle School, and Scripps Ranch High School. Over the past year in the Crown Collection (7/14/06 – 7/14/07), the lowest sale price was $897,000 (Plan 1) and the highest sale price was $1,350,000 (Plan 4). Of course, homes with view lots command a premium. If you enjoy plenty of space within great floor plans and appreciate view homes, the Crown Collection may be the perfect move-up home for you.