200 New Homes; 14,000 Interested Buyers

A large new master planned development in San Diego offers another anecdote about the state of the real estate market in 2021.

1 minute read

May 21, 2021, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"The first homes at San Diego’s newest residential community haven’t even been built yet but the interest list is growing by the minute," reports Philip Molnar.

The 3Roots development will add 1,800 homes on a former quarry in the Mira Mesa neighborhood. While the full amount is excepted to be complete until 2025 or 2026, 200 homes from that total are expected to open this year. The interest list for those 200 homes includes already more than 14,000 households, reports Molnar.

The developers have a gold-plated problem — who gets to buy? At the moment, they say they are still trying to figure that out. New home builders across San Diego County have relied on lotteries or very long wait times for a home after an initial deposit to select residents. Would-be buyers at 3Roots don’t seem concerned about the development’s prices, which start around $600,000 for townhouses and into the millions for single-family homes.

Real estate analysts cited in the article blame the high demand and the ensuing high prices on a shortage of homes available in the region.

This development is also doing a lot to attract potential buyers, according to the article. "The 413-acre 3Roots project has a mix of condos, townhouses, single-family homes and subsidized rentals," reports Molnar, and includes amenities like zen gardens, an extensive trail network, and other recreation facilities.

Wednesday, May 19, 2021 in The San Diego Union-Tribune

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

7 hours ago - Zachary Whalen

Overlapping highways

The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin

People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.

September 8, 2026 - Benjamin Schneider

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A cluster of wind turbines beneath a stormy sky, above a forest where the leaves are beginning to change colors.

5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project

Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.

3 hours ago - Inside Climate News

People boarding a bus on Maryland's Orange Route.

Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project

The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.

4 hours ago - Mass Transit

A brick building with a circular sign with the Airbnb logo hanging off of it.

Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin

The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.

5 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.