Prior to construction of the 4s Ranch Neighborhood, the area used to just be open land, with a few agricultural reserves and business parks. Prior to 2000, the owners of the land plot were mainly preparing the region for development. Thus, up until that point, the area was very quiet and unpopulated.
The biggest change happened in the very early 2000's – this was when housing development began. A shopping center called the 4s Commons was built, as well as many more homeowner association-sponsored amenities like parks and pools. It seemed like more homes and stores popped up every year, and this rapid trend only stopped a few years ago. Linda constantly saw new small communities finish construction and hold open houses, which brought a lot of new families. To attract more people, a high school and a middle school were built that only residents of 4s Ranch could attend. Most recently, due to overwhelming demand, a new K-8 school finished construction. There is now a lot more traffic in the area, and it is as busy as any other San Diego town.
Linda used to see this place as a peaceful landscape that she could look out at or take a walk in when she wanted to reflect. Rancho Bernardo, where she lives, had everything she needed in terms of shopping centers and daily activities. She lives right on the corner of what is now the 4s Ranch neighborhood, but 20 years ago, there was nothing to do there except observe.
Now, she has made a lot of friends in the new region. They are different from friends in Rancho Bernardo who have lived there for a very long time. The new homeowners in 4s Ranch are often young, very successful professionals. There is a lot more traffic in Rancho Bernardo because people from 4s Ranch will often go to their shopping centers as well. She sent two of her kids to the new high school because she had the option, as she lived right in between the two neighborhoods. Unfortunately, she has to go much further to go hike or take a walk in open land, which she used to do in the undeveloped neighborhood.