Are you interested in buying a Florida condo? If you are, you are urged to examine the Miami area, if you haven’t already done so. Miami, Florida is often referred as one of the best places to live or vacation in the state of Florida. One of the many reasons for that are the places that you can reside. If you are interested in buying a Florida condo, in the Miami area, you are urged to examine beachfront condos, as they tend to come highly rated and recommended.

As with just about everything else in life, there are certain things that are perfect for one individual, but not for another. For that reason, you may be wondering whether or not a Miami beachfront condo is really in your best interest. If that is the case, you are urged to examine the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Miami condo that is located along the coast.

Perhaps, the greatest advantage or perk to owning a Miami beachfront condo is the beauty. It is no secret that areas along the coast are popular and highly sought after, just for their beauty and the breathtaking views. If you could imagine yourself waking up everyday to the beautiful ocean waters or if you could find yourself regularly frolicking on the beach, owning a Miami condo along the beach may just be the perfect living arrangement for you.

One of the few downsides to owning a Miami beachfront condo is popularity. As it was previously mentioned, coastal properties, including beachfront condos, are highly sought after. For that reason, there tends to be increased competition for Miami beachfront condos. That is why it is advised that you regularly examine the Florida condo real estate market. Since many of these beachfront condos, once they are listed for sale, are quickly snatched up, you will want to make sure that you have an option to buy.

Although the popularity of Miami beachfront condos may cause you some difficulty, when it comes to buying one, it could also work out to your advantage, especially if you are not planning on living in your Miami condo all year long. If you are only planning on using your Miami condo for business trips or regular vacation trips to Miami, there is a good chance that your condo may spend a good portion of the year unoccupied. In some cases, you may be able to make money off of that emptiness. As previously mentioned, Miami is considered a popular vacation destination in Florida. Many tourists would love, and pay good money, to rent a Miami beachfront condo for their vacation. Renting out your empty condo is not something that you have to do, but it is something that you may want to look into.

In addition to being potentially difficult to find a quality Miami beachfront condo for sale, you may also have a problem with the price. Many Miami condo developers and condo owners know that they have a potential goldmine with a beachfront condo. That is why beachfront condos can be considered relativity expensive, especially when compared to Florida condos or Miami condos that are located further inland. If you have unlimited financial resources, the cost of a Miami beachfront condo may not be an issue for you, but you are looking to buy a condo on a budget, a beachfront condo may be out of your reach, financially.

After a close examination, you may very well find yourself wanting to buy a Miami beachfront condo. If, by some chance, you decide that a beachfront condo isn’t for you, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still own a Florida condo. In Florida, including the Miami area, it is possible to find a number of condos that are located inland and available for a reasonable price. For information on all Miami condos, beachfront or not, you are urged to examine Condodomain.com.

Over the last few years it has become increasingly popular to choose to holiday in the UK. This has come about as a result of a number of changes in people’s attitudes toward long haul flights and paying for package holidays that don’t meet all of the customer’s expectations. The UK has many exciting places to visit and one of the most picturesque landscapes in the UK is in Devon. With many different natural features to boast of within the county there’s something to please everyone while you’re away and even more to discover.

There are many regions within Devon, each of which can offer different things to different visitors. Dartmoor is, for example, one of the most stunning places to visit in the whole of the UK and as a National Park is a perfect location for nature lovers. Of course, this varied and bustling county is also lucky enough to be surrounded on both sides (to the south and the north) by the sea and miles of spectacular coastline. So, if getting soft sand between your toes is the thing that you look forward to most when on holiday, choosing a holiday cottage in Devon that’s next to the incomparable Devon shoreline is a fantastic boon to any type of holiday whether you’re looking for an action packed break or some quality time with those who mean the most to you.

No matter what you want from your holiday in this fantastic county – or how many there are in your party – taking a holiday cottage in Devon allows everyone to settle in and feel at home before the adventures really begin. Staying at a holiday cottage in Devon rather than at a hotel gives you the freedom to explore this rich and welcoming county, and means you are not committed to any one else’s schedule. You and your party (even if it’s a party of two) can make your own agenda and truly experience the things you would like to explore without having to cut your day short in order to get back for dinner (and without having to cut your lazy morning short in order to get down for breakfast!)

Using a professional holiday cottage company is the best way to ensure your holiday cottage in Devon has all the features you and your party require and that it is a quality let. With most of the professional holiday cottage in Devon letting agents you can draw up a list of requirements that you and your party have so that you get the property you want, not just the property that’s available. Devon is a proud rural county after all but you don’t want to find your holiday cottage in Devon is actually more of a barn than a cottage with rustic charm or that the pool you wanted hasn’t been cleaned since last year!

Choosing a holiday cottage in Devon through a professional company means you can expect good quality and well-maintained facilities such as private grounds, tennis courts and – with holiday cottages in Devon that cater for larger parties – even a croquet lawn. You can also request romantic and serene settings for couples that range from gardens with fountains to locations only minutes away from the beach.

Selecting the right apartment is a challenging task. There are many ways to search for an apartment. Man people use a real estate agent, view newspaper classifieds, search apartment directories or drive around looking for apartment vacancies. There are some drawbacks to these traditional methods of searching for an apartment. Some of these drawbacks are listed below:

The Drawbacks of Traditional Search Methods

· Newspaper classifieds will not cover all the vacant apartments in a city. The scope of the newspaper classifieds is limited and usually confined to a particular location of the city.

· Because of limited ad space and expenses the classifieds give less information about a vacant apartment.

· Very few apartment guides and apartment search portals will give up-to-date information on the apartment vacancies. And sometimes they may not be available.

· An apartment real estate agent or an apartment locating specialist sometimes may show the vacancies in such apartments, which are advantageous or favorable for him. He may not consider showing an apartment that will generate less fees for him, though it is suitable for your needs and requirements.

· One of the best ways to find out how good an apartment complex or apartment building may be is to talk to the former tenants of that apartment and find out their experiences. But in most cases, it’s not possible to meet them and find out their opinion about the apartment.

The Benefits of Apartment Ratings and Reviews

A good way to avoid all these troubles is to search through online portals, which may give more information about the vacant apartments. Online search can be a good option because it provides ratings and reviews about a particular apartment in a particular neighborhood.

· Online Apartment Ratings:

Apartment ratings helps in selecting an apartment quickly and confidently. These ratings are given by the current and former tenants of an apartment, which are for the most part trustworthy. The ratings are based on various parameters such as parking space, safety, appearance, maintenance, unit condition, management, noise, location and neighborhood. As the ratings are given individually for each parameter, it is easy to determine whether an apartment is suitable to your needs or not.

The ratings on parameters will help in selecting a suitable apartment according to your needs and lifestyle. Parameters like management and maintenance are important for a happy stay. With these ratings, you will know what to expect from a particular apartment.

· Online Apartment Reviews:

Online apartment reviews makes it possible to read the reviews and experiences of the former and current tenants of an apartment. The reviews give you a good feel for sensing how good an apartment community may be and whether living experience will be good or bad. The apartments can be compared with each other and a suitable one can be found based upon the reviews and ranking points given to them.

The apartment reviews and ratings give ample insight about an apartment, which helps you in the selection process.

Based on the vacationers’ choice, Puerto Vallarta Condo Rentals are the most popular vacations solution. Condos allow vacationers to enjoy the comfort of home during vacations. Condos rental in Puerto Vallarta not only provides better accommodation options by offering more space as compared to average hotel rooms, but also offer vacationers a different experience of spending their holiday trips.

Puerto Vallarta Attraction for Tourists

Puerto Vallarta, an exotic tourist hot spot is a vacationer’s paradise. Throughout the year, there is rush of tourists into this nature’s wonderland. Condo rental in Puerto Vallarta is considered as the most popular vacations solution for vacationers who come here for their holidays.

Benefits of Condo Rental in Puerto Vallarta

Condo rentals provide a myriad of benefits especially for various groups of people and quench different wishes that they may have. Here are a few examples:



With plenty of space and all modern amenities, large families enjoy the luxury of home to accommodate all the members in an affordable budget. What’s more, the vacationers get the best view of their preferred exotic tourist locations!





Condo rentals are excellent vacation option for the travelers who invite their friends and relatives to go on vacations with them. Puerto Vallarta condo rentals are the large and spacious solutions that eliminate the need for people to book additional hotel rooms to accommodate their guests.





Parents who have small children won’t have to cancel their holiday trips anymore. They can bring their children and keep an eye on them by staying together in condo rentals.





For couples, condos provide ultimate privacy. They can indulge in perfect candlelit dinners or a hot tub bath without any disturbance.





For college students who are on a group trip, condo rentals in Puerto Vallarta are the ideal option. Several groups can be accommodated in a single condo and they can split the rent, which makes their vacations more affordable.



Hence, the condo rentals have proved to be perfect fit for everyone’s vacation needs.

Facilities of Puerto Vallarta Condo Rentals

Puerto Vallarta Condo rentals come in a multitude of sizes rates, providing options to fit every family size and budget. The basic Condo rental in Puerto Vallarta usually features sleeper sofas, stereos in the living room and full-to-king-sized beds in the bedrooms.

At least one balcony is present in every Condominium in Puerto Vallarta to provide a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Besides, well-equipped kitchens with all essential appliances are provided to prepare and serve meals.

Puerto Vallarta Condo rentals offer additional amenities apart from the basic services.

Those who have large families are always budget-conscious while planning their holiday trips. But with Condo rental in Puerto Vallarta, they can have a hassle-free holiday experience.



Firstly with spacious rooms, you won’t have to cramp your family into small hotel rooms.





Secondly, most Puerto Vallarta Condo rentals have more than one bathroom to make it more convenient for large families.





Thirdly, the kitchens in these condominiums allow vacationers to enjoy home-cooked meals even on their vacations. Families can make their own meals instead of eating out everyday.





Fourthly, most of the Puerto Vallarta Condo rentals have access to common pools and parking.



Another great asset of condo rental in Puerto Vallarta is the private “rooftop” terraces they have, which provide excellent views of either the ocean or of the city. In addition, many Puerto Vallarta condominiums have their private Jacuzzis, outdoor showers, outdoor rooftop kitchens, grills, dining and living areas.

Vacationers can take advantage of swimming pools and/or spas, fitness center, and laundry facilities which are included in Puerto Vallarta Condo rentals. Some condo rentals also offer children’s play areas and babysitting facilities for vacationing families.

How to Pick up Condo Rental in Puerto Vallarta

There are many well-established real estate agencies who offer Condo rental in Puerto Vallarta. Vacationers can choose from these wide varieties of rental packages based on their budget and the size of their family. If you are reluctant regarding the condo rental packages, the real estate agencies with years of experience in this respect can help you decide the perfect Puerto Vallarta Condo rentals as per your need.

 

An Atlanta apartment guide can help you get the best Atlanta apartment rental that is perfect for you. Everyone has different needs when they are seeking an apartment. You will want to use the Atlanta apartment guide to find an apartment that will be as close to perfect as you can possibly get. 

 

Of course you want your Atlanta apartment rental to be perfect for you.  After all, your Atlanta apartment rental is where you will spend a great deal of your time and even entertain friends. But with so many apartments for rent in and around the city of Atlanta, how can you be sure to find the perfect Atlanta apartment rental for you?

 

Using the internet, you can find the ideal Atlanta apartment rental by narrowing down your choices with an Atlanta apartment guide. An Atlanta apartment guide is not just a guide to give you the rent amounts of apartments. It can tell you everything that you need to know before you make your decision about where you want to live. 

 

Choosing an apartment can be very daunting. This is especially true if you are unfamiliar with the area. One of the best aspects about using an Atlanta apartment guide is that you can use it right online to let you know about the Atlanta apartment rental you are considering. You can use the guide to search the apartments in the area that you want and then, once you have located what appears to be an ideal Atlanta apartment rental, you can use the internet to pull up a map of the area where the apartment is located. This means that you can see what is close by. You may be interested in neighborhood stores, convenience areas, churches or community centers in the area. It is also important that you choose an Atlanta apartment rental that is close to where you work, or at least close enough to public transportation so that you can get to work. You can discover all of this on the internet. 

 

The first step towards choosing the right Atlanta apartment rental is to use an Atlanta apartment guide. This guide will be your first foray into apartment hunting in Atlanta. You can use this guide to figure out what you want as well as get an idea about what type of apartments are available in Atlanta for rent and the price. 

 

Once you have found a good Atlanta apartment rental, you can contact the management about the unit. You can also use other resources online to discover more about the area. You should not just choose one Atlanta apartment rental when you are looking at an Atlanta apartment guide, but several. That way you can have a choice when it comes to picking an apartment that you will be happy to call your home, is close to everything that you want and offers space and affordable conveniences for you. Using an online guide makes sense whenever you are shopping for apartment rentals in Atlanta. 

 

 

Hotels Dublin has a chain of hotels each providing quality service in its arena. All these hotels cater to the needs of the clients and ensure that the guests feel at home with their staff and services. All hotels in Dublin have bars. For a list of hotels in Dublin, Ireland, visit DublinEvents.com

Hostels Hostels in Dublin are available to provide warm service and accommodation to both students and travellers. They provide economical and budget accommodation to backpackers or to those who are on budget vacation. Hostels also provide an ideal accommodation for students, and have the facility of letting you choose whether you want to have a separate room or are comfortable in sharing a large room with other people. A list of popular hostels in Dublin, Ireland is given at Dublin Events.

Guesthouses Dublin has a wide variety of top class guesthouses each competing in providing the true Irish welcome to its guests. They are one fine option to ponder about when considering accommodation in Dublin. Some guesthouses boast of traditional décor suitably coupled with all the latest modern amenities for perfect leisure and perfect relaxation for the business and leisure guest. Find some great Guesthouses in Dublin, Ireland and book your stay with them on your next visit.

Townhouses Dublin’s townhouses are rightly boasted of being the finest in the country as each provides services which are second to none. Majority of the townhouses are situated in the heart of Dublin making easy reach possible to the city attractions. For a list of Townhouses in Dublin, visit Dublin Events

Apartments Dublin’s traditional Victorian inspired large houses are being replaced by the contemporary lifestyles of living, where people are now acquiring and living in apartments. These apartments are not only compact, but also hold all the required essentials for both travellers and residents. Find all information about apartments and shared houses in Dublin, Ireland online.

Bed and Breakfasts Dublin Bed n’ Breakfasts offer Romantic Vacations, accommodations for Business Travellers, venue for meetings, reunions, weddings and have many more things in the offering. Each Bed n Breakfast accommodation has distinctive style, which adhere to the highest standards of excellence in accommodations, facilities, culinary delights, and guest services. You will experience some real top-quality Bed n Breakfast experience in this part of Europe. To get a list of some of the Bed and Breakfasts in Dublin, check online at DublinEvents.com

Self Catering Apartments Self Catering accommodation offers a wide selection of self-contained properties ranging from apartments, holiday cottages, apartments and other holiday complexes. They are available for rental over a short or long period, and provide tourists with comfort and privacy. These self-catering accommodations are available in different price ranges depending on the services they have in the offering. Dublin Events lists some of the self catering apartments and accommodation available for rent in Dublin, Ireland.

These articles will help you choose an appropriate choice for your stay in Dublin based on your budget options, area/location where you plan to stay and your selection of living. For more detailed information on availability and online booking facilities for accommodations in Dublin, visit DublinEvents.com. Our accommodations resource will help you pick the best deal for your visit. You will also find some special deals on hotels and other accommodations as well as hot deals, and accommodation for major events like the upcoming Ryder Cup. Online booking facility is also available so that you can book your accommodation well in advance.

Have you dreamed of owning a beach house in the Bahamas but assumed only a mogul could afford one? If so, the bargains below will show you otherwise. In order to maintain objectivity, I have not included any properties in which I have a personal interest. Selections were based solely on exceptional value. For more information on a property, email me for the name of the relevant broker.

Great Abaco: 15 Acres with 630 Feet of Oceanfront

With scores of uninhabited cays and extraordinary fishing, yachtsmen consider the Abacos to be among the world’s finest cruising grounds. This parcel has 630′ of oceanfront on the Sea of Abaco, including a stretch of beach. For all of you yachtsmen, there is sheltered anchorage of 20′ depth in front of the property. One-acre harbor-front lots in the area routinely sell for $400,000. The subdivided retail value of this 15-acre parcel, therefore, is in the $5 million range. The asking price? $1.2 million.

Berry Islands: Four Bedroom Beachfront House

Before I wrote this article, I would have told you it was impossible to buy a beautifully maintained and landscaped four-bedroom house right on a secluded beach for under $1 million. Not only do I stand corrected, I stand double-corrected. This house on Sugar Beach, Great Harbour Cay, comes with two beachfront lots, for a total of 185′ of beach frontage and almost an acre of land. The price? $790,000. And if that’s too much for you, sell off the extra lot. There’s one on the market nearby for $300,000.

Berry Islands: Almost-on-the-Beach Lot for the Price of an SUV

This quarter-acre lot on Great Harbour Cay is right across the street from a beautiful white-powder beach. The sticker price of the lot is $45,000. Ocean and sunset views are included at no extra charge-a bonus you’re not likely to get with the SUV.

Cat Island: Beachfront Lot at Half the Price

Fifty miles long and with a population of 1600, Cat Island is a place for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of, for example, rural North Dakota. Cat has miles of deserted, pink-sand beaches, and you can buy 100′ on one of them for $179,900. How is that possible? This quarter-acre lot is actually 150′ back from the sea, but the parcel in front is a reserve that can never be developed. Walk right across it to the beach.

Eleuthera: Four Bedroom Duplex Overlooking the Atlantic

With sixty miles of beaches and only a few dozen hotel rooms, Eleuthera is a paradise for beach lovers who enjoy privacy and unspoiled natural beauty. Coral Reef is a two-story house on an elevated lot directly across the street from the Atlantic Ocean. Each floor consists of a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with a bright, modern interior and an open plan. Coral Reef, which was built in 1986, would cost at least $400,000 to build today, not including the price of the land. The asking price for the property is $250,000.

Freeport/Lucaya: Canal-Front Home for Half the Price

Fortune Bay is a stylish canal-front community a few minutes by car from the shops and restaurants of Port Lucaya. A typical three-bedroom house with a pool would sell for $1.2 million. The house I found for you has four bedrooms and sits on an oversized half-acre lot with 120′ of canal frontage. The kitchen and baths need updating, but the overall condition is excellent. $100,000 for interior upgrades and a pool would turn this into a million-dollar house. The asking price? $625,000.

Nassau: New Three-Bedroom Townhouse for $249,000

I had to put this price in the headline or no one would believe it. Renaissance East is a small gated development of a dozen 2 ½ story townhouses with a pool. The units have three bedrooms (including a large loft), 2 ½ baths, private patios, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. Construction on the islands costs upwards of $200 per foot and these townhouses have 1300 square feet of living space. There are only three units left, so I guess I’m not the only one who can divide $249,000 by 1300.

North Eleuthera: Private Island

Just because David Copperfield has a private island in the Bahamas doesn’t mean you can’t afford one, too. Located off the northeast coast of Eleuthera near Harbour Island, this 3.5-acre retreat is surrounded on three sides by deep water and on the fourth by a beach. A concrete pier and a wooden dock are already in place. Electricity comes from the main Eleuthera grid. David Copperfield paid $45 million for his island. The price for yours? $1.5 million.

Here’s the happs: Everybody wants to have a wonderfully pristine place to lay their heads. If cleanliness is next to godliness, than entering your new, clean abode should be like a religious experience. So what can you do to insure you’re about to move into a spotless apartment?

I’ve been through this about umpteen times, so I have some pretty solid advice for you. So listen up!

First and most important is a personal visit. Go on a tour of the actual apartment you’ll move into. Or as Kenny Rogers might suggest, “just drop by to see what condition their condition is in.” Any place that shows you an apartment that’s dirty should be a red-flag. Are the walls coated with a fresh coat of paint? Are the counter tops and kitchen floors so glisteningly clean that you want to eat off of them? Have the carpets cleaned? To see an apartment lingering with the stench of cigarettes and carpet that rivals turf after a rainstorm should concern you. You may want to steer your attention to a place that has carpet that makes you just want to take off those shoes, run your toes through it, and breath in that fresh new apartment aroma. That’s more like it!

Oh! Make sure to check out the exterior. Don’t be afraid to judge the book by its cover in this situation. Are the buildings freshly painted? Do stairways or fences need repair? What about the landscaping? If you drive-through at night, did they “leave the lights on for you?” Generally, a very well kept community contains incredibly kept apartments.

You’ve also should check with the people that have been there. Visit with the residents. Ask about their experiences and how management responds to issues or maintenance requests. Then be clear and concise with your future property manager. Ask straight forward questions regarding their cleanliness standards and turnaround time on maintenance requests.

Just an extra hint: If you’d like to have something changed or fixed before you move in, make sure to put it in writing, and give it to them in person. Always remember that when something is in writing, it is usually always remembered!

I’d even go so far as to check an online at

Apartment Home Living to see if anyone has posted anything about the place you may be about to call home.

So that’s about it. You follow those simple guidelines and I guarantee that you will end up living in a place that you will love laying down your head and calling “Home, sweet, home.”

Visit ApartmentHomeLiving.com for more information on apartments and living for fun!

School quality is one of the most important factors that parents consider when determining where to buy a home, condominium or townhouse. In the past, it was difficult to evaluate the quality of schools because no consistent evaluation standards existed between states, and sometimes between counties within a state. However, federal legislation such as No Child Left Behind (passed in 2002) sought to remedy this situation. But even before 2002, some states anticipated the need for greater consistency and accountability within their schools. For example, in 1999, legislators in California passed the California Public Schools Accountability Act (PSAA). Among many other requirements, the PSAA established a school performance metric known as the Academic Performance Index (API).

The API was designed to measure the academic performance and growth of schools. The API is reported as a numerical score that ranges from a low of 200 to a high of 1000. Schools in California are expected to achieve a score of 800 or higher. The API score is evaluated over a two-year cycle. This first year is considered the Base API Score, and the second year is considered the API Growth Score. To determine if a school has improved from the pervious year, simply compare the base score against the growth score.

In California, the API is calculated based on data from a variety of tests administered at different grade levels. These tests cover a broad range of academic topics such as: English, Writing, Math, History, Social Science, Language Arts, Science and General Knowledge. Results from each of the tests are consolidated and weighted to form the annual API score for a school, district, and county. These tests are administered annually and the API results are reported in late August or early September every year.

If you’re thinking of buying a home or any other type of real estate in San Diego County, you may be interested in knowing which are the best performing elementary, middle and high schools in the region.

Top 25 Public Elementary Schools in San Diego County (2006)

The list below ranks the top 25 elementary schools within the county based on their 2006 API Score. Also listed is the school’s district, their 2005 API score, and the number of students tested within the school. As mentioned above, scores range from 200 to 1000, with a minimum performance threshold of 800 or above.

1.Sage Canyon (Del Mar Union District). 2006 API = 966; 2005 API = 963; Students: 480

2.Creek Side (Poway Unified District). 2006 API = 961; 2005 API = 955, Students: 520

3.Ashley Falls (Del Mar Union Elementary). 2006 API = 958; 2005 API = 943, Students: 439

4.Carmel Creek (Solana Beach Elementary). 2006 API = 956; 2005 API = 946, Students: 288.

5.Solana Pacific (Solana Beach Elementary). 2006 API = 954; 2005 API = 945, Students: 452.

6.Torrey Hills (Del Mar Union Elementary). 2006 API = 952; 2005 API = 950, Students: 531.

7.Solana Highlands (Solana Beach Elementary). 2006 API = 949; 2005 API = 947, Students: 292.

8.Del Mar Heights (Del Mar Union Elementary). 2006 API = 947; 2005 API = 929, Students: 299

9.Deer Canyon (Poway Unified School District). 2006 API = 947; 2005 API = 924, Students: 403.

10.Bird Rock Elementary (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 943; 2005 API = 948, Students: 301.

11.El Camino Creek (Encinitas Union Elementary). 2006 API = 941; 2005 API = 928, Students: 653.

12.Park Village (Poway Unified District). 2006 API = 940; 2005 API = 917, Students: 560.

13.Flora Vista (Encinitas Union Elementary). 2006 API = 939; 2005 API = 912, Students: 346.

14.Olivenhain Pioneer (Encinitas Union Elementary). 2006 API = 939; 2005 API = 928, Students: 555.

15.Rancho Santa Fe (Rancho Santa Fe Elementary District). 2006 API = 939; 2005 API = 942, Students: 571.

16.Solana Santa Fe (Solana Beach Elementary). 2006 API = 938; 2005 API = 934, Students: 284.

17.Kelley Elementary (Carlsbad Unified). 2006 API = 934; 2005 API = 925, Students: 349.

18.Robert E. Dingeman (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 932; 2005 API = 930, Students: 554.

19.Mission Estancia (Encinitas Union Elementary). 2006 API = 925; 2005 API = 922 Students: 382.

20.Chaparral (Poway Unified District). 2006 API = 924; 2005 API = 894, Students: 529.

21.Jerabek (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 924; 2005 API = 928, Students: 545.

22.Scripps -Ellen Browning (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 924; 2005 API = 924, Students: 333.

23.Curie (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 923; 2005 API = 910, Students: 389

24.Painted Rock (Poway Unified). 2006 API = 922; 2005 API = 912, Students 450.

25.Hearst (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 922; 2005 API = 903, Students: 263

Top 25 Public Middle Schools in San Diego County (2006)

The list below ranks the top 25 middle schools within the county based on their 2006 API Score. Also listed is the school’s district, their 2005 API score, and the number of students tested within the school. As mentioned above, scores range from 200 to 1000, with a minimum performance threshold of 800 or above.

1.Carmel Valley (San Dieguito Union High). 2006 API = 941; 2005 API = 931; Students: 1,252.

2.Rancho Santa Fe (Rancho Santa Fe Elementary). 2006 API = 938; 2005 API = 933. Students: 101.

3.Warren (Earl) Middle (San Dieguito Union High). 2006 API = 908; 2005 API = 885. Students: 551.

4.Mesa Verde Middle (Poway Unified). 2006 API = 904; 2005 API = 895, Students: 1,355.

5.Diegueno (San Dieguito Union High). 2006 API = 896; 2005 API = 873; Students: 931.

6.Oak Valley (Poway Unified). 2006 API = 892; 2005 API = Not Reported, Students: 599.

7.Thurgood Marshall (San Diego Unified) 2006 API = 891; 2005 API = 888, Students: 1,075.

8.Bernardo Heights (Poway Unified). 2006 API = 877; 2005 API = 878, Studnets: 1,331.

9.Muirlands Middle (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 877; 2005 API = 860, Students: 1,010.

10.High Tech Middle (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 876; 2005 API = 865, Students: 348.

11.Coronado Middle (Coronado Unified). 2006 API = 874; 2005 API = 872, Students: 671.

12.Twin Peaks Middle (Poway Unified). 2006 API = 873; 2005 API = 868, Students: 1,505.

13.Aviara Oaks Middle (Carlsbad Unified). 2006 API = 872; 2005 API = 864, Students:761.

14.KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 858; 2005 API = 754, Students: 234.

15.High Tech Middle International (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 856. 2005 API = Not Reported, Students: 302.

16.Hillsdale Middle (Cajon Valley Union Elementary). 2006 API = 852; 2005 API = 835, Students: 1,492.

17.Oak Crest Middle (San Dieguito Union High). 2006 API = 852; 2005 API = 851, Students: 959.

18.Black Mountain Middle (Poway Unified). 2006 API = 844; 2005 API = 845, Students: 1,289.

19.Calavera Hills Middle (Carlsbad Unified). 2006 API = 840; 2005 API = 830. Students: 489.

20.Meadowbrook Middle (Poway Unified). 2006 API = 838; 2005 API = 845, Students: 1,370.

21.Mac Queen (Joan) (Alpine Union Elementary). 2006 API = 817; 2005 API = 803, Students: 781.

22.Valley Middle (Carlsbad Unified). 2006 API = 816; 2005 API = 800, Students: 1026.

23.Standley Middle (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 816; 2005 API = 838, Students: 1,297.

24.Wangenheim (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 816; 2005 API = 797, Students: 1,208.

25.Valley Center Middle (Valley Center-Pauma Unified). 2006 API = 815; 2005 API = 762, Students: 642.

Top 25 Public High Schools in San Diego County (2006)

The list below ranks the top 25 high schools within the county based on their 2006 API Score. Also listed is the school’s district, their 2005 API score, and the number of students tested within the school. As mentioned above, scores range from 200 to 1000, with a minimum performance threshold of 800 or above.

1.River Valley Charter (Lakeside Union Elementary). 2006 API = 888; 2005 API = 868, Students: 142.

2.Preuss Model School at UCSD (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 879; 2005 API = 861, Students: 681.

3.Canyon Crest Academy (San Dieguito Union High). 2006 API = 868; 2005 API = 842, Students: 824.

4.Coronado High (Coronado Unified). 2006 API = 851; 2005 API = 838, Students: 745.

5.San Dieguito High Academy (San Dieguito Union High). 2006 API = 836; 2005 API = 814, Students: 1,096.

6.Rancho Bernardo High (Poway Unified). 2006 API = 833; 2005 API = 832, Students: 2,059.

7.Torrey Pines High (San Dieguito Union High). 2006 API = 832; 2005 API = 821, Students: 2,145.

8.High Tech High (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 829; 2005 API = 792, Students: 373.

9.La Jolla Senior High (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 822; 2005 API = 834, Students: 1,235.

10.Westview High (Poway Unified). 2006 API = 820; 2005 API =809, Students:1,594.

11.Poway High (Poway Unified). 2006 API = 815; 2005 API = 829, Students: 2,235.

12.Mt. Carmel High (Poway Unified). 2006 API = 806; 2005 API = 824, Students: 1,620.

13.La Costa Canyon High (San Dieguito Union High). 2006 API = 805; 2005 API = 782, Students: 1,880.

14.School of International Studies at S. D. (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 797; 2005 API = 795. Students:349.

15.Dehesa Charter School (Dehesa Elementary). 2006 API = 793; 2005 API = 785, Students: 376.

16.High Tech International (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 789; 2005 API = 764, Students: 269.

17.Scripps Ranch High (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 789; 2005 API = 799, Students: 1,677.

18.High Tech Media Arts (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 777; 2005 API = Not Reported, Students: 159.

19.Carlsbad High (Carlsbad Unified). 2006 API = 775; 2005 API = 768, Students: 2,145.

20.Escondido Charter (Escondido Union High). 2006 API = 775; 2005 API = 755, Students: 533.

21.Mira Mesa (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 775; 2005 API = 758, Students: 1,795.

22.Julian High (Julian Union High). 2006 API = 767; 2005 API =726, Students: 154.

23.University City High (San Diego Unified). 2006 API = 766; 2005 API = 766, Students: 1,350.

24.Valhalla High (Grossmont Union High). 2006 API = 763; 2005 API = 739, Students: 1,437.

25.Steele Canyon High (Grossmont Union High). 2006 API = 748; 2005 API = 735, Students: 1,501.

The rankings above include only schools that were classified by the California Department of Education as specifically an elementary, middle or high school. Schools classified in the “small” school category (which have less than 100 students) or “alternate” schools were not included in this ranking. Readers should verify the accuracy of the ratings above by visiting the California Department of Education’s Web site.

With gas prices expected to shoot past four dollars a gallon this Summer, a housing market overwhelmed by foreclosures and rising unemployment rates throughout the country, now is the time to start thinking about how to save money and alternative ways to continue enjoying the lifestyle you are accustomed to.

1. Ask if you can telecommute to work 1-2 days a week. You know what they say about boiling a frog: “A frog can be boiled alive if the water is heated slowly enough — it is said that if a frog is placed in boiling water, it will jump out, but if it is placed in cold water that is slowly heated, it will never jump out.” Use the same psychology on your boss by asking to work from home for a day or two and then gradually increasing your request until you are working from home entirely.

The best way to ensure that this will work is by being way more productive at home than you are at work (this will happen automatically for most people). It’ll not only save on gas but it’ll save you the headache of having to talk about American Idol around the water cooler with that lady from Accounting. If you ARE that lady from Accounting then start participating in online telecommuter communities like Web Worker Daily to help fill your social void.

Technologies to help along the way: eFax, GotVMail and GoToMeeting.

2. Start buying your music through online services like iTunes and Amazon MP3. For absolute audiophiles, buy cds and DVD-audio through online retailers like Amazon and Overstock instead of traveling to retail stores.

3. Don’t buy big ticket items until the fiscal quarter reports for retail giants have been released. Familiar big box stores like Best Buy and Circuit City have been going through tough times lately and the first thing they are going to push for after a disappointing fiscal quarter are incentives to lure buyers into their stores.

This could include 0% interest for 24 months and hundreds of dollars off of retail prices. You can also find stellar deals on open box items ranging from tvs to computers and videogame systems after major holiday events like Christmas.

4. Rent movies using PPV/VoD services or through popular living room based online services like Amazon Unbox (TiVo), iTunes (AppleTV), Netflix and Xbox Live (Xbox 360). Less sporadic movie fans can take advantage of mail order dvd services like Netflix and Blockbuster Online which offer unlimited, 3 at a time, movie services for less than $20/month.

5. Shop at outlet centers during the week to find the best deals on clothing, accessories and shoes. Designer brands are still red hot among consumers but that doesn’t mean you should have to push through crowds just to find them at great prices.

By shopping at outlet centers during the week you will run into 75% less traffic, have more selection to choose from (trucks typically deliver goods to stores during the week to restock after busy weekends) and you won’t have a problem finding a parking spot closer to the storefronts. Stores may also offer weekday only incentives so be sure to check coupon books and in-store flyers before making any purchases.

6. Today’s bogged down real estate market has practically handed over great deals on a silver platter. If you’re in the market for a new or resale home, check to see how far mass transit options are from the homes. Most suburban towns offer train, bus and highway access to the closest major city and new home builders prefer to build communities within a few minutes of these locations.

7. While considering that new home be sure to consider the size of the home as well. Not only will you save money by purchasing a smaller home but you are more likely to find a larger backyard, amenities comparable to larger homes and a much more palatable monthly heating bill.

8. If you are looking for space AND amenities then you may want to consider newer townhouses which tend to range in sizes comparable to single family homes and they come with community amenities that you wouldn’t ordinarily find in a single family home community. For example, The Grove at New Windsor offers a state of the art fitness center, tennis court, lounge and outdoor swimming pool. Sure beats spending $80/month just to drive to and from your local gym!

9. Are you already on a first name basis with every gas station clerk in town? You might want to replace your current gas guzzler with a more exciting, yet fuel efficient, car. The Mazda3 and Honda Civic both offer impressive gas mileage while including all the creature comforts typically found in bigger cars like premium sound and navigation systems, xenon headlights and iPod friendly aux inputs. The best part about these cars? You’ll be able to afford them even if your job situation changes unexpectedly.

If the 22/29 mpg EPA ratings of the Mazda3 still aren’t high enough then look into the smart fortwo passion coupe. You will trade speed, space and handling for better gas mileage (33 mpg/40 mpg to be exact) but at least you can point and laugh as you drive by the stiffs filling their fuel hungry monsters in the cold.

10. Purchase all of life’s needs that you don’t need right away through internet juggernauts like Amazon where you will be able to buy in bulk, combine shipping and often pay less than retail. Better yet, the government still hasn’t figured out how to tax internet purchases so you might even save on the sales tax.

Unlike previous economic recessions, especially during the Great Depression, we have the internet to serve as alternative source of content/product delivery and as a remote connection to work. By trading our larger vehicles and homes for more efficient alternatives that still meet our needs we can not only lower the cost of maintaining those items but we can also promote a healthier lifestyle that doesn’t involve suffocating debt loads and mind bending 2 hour commutes.