With many attractive choices today for young families seeking their first home, what made Shannon and Mark Dobbs choose Pardee Homes' Cherry Hill? The answer is simple.

"These homes and the master-planned community of Moorpark Highlands offered more of what we were looking for in a home and community than anywhere else, so we were happy when our broker introduced us to Cherry Hill," said Shannon, an at-home mom who works part-time as a credentialed psychologist. "We looked at new and resale homes, and nothing else compared to the overall value here."

Situated in a gated area of Moorpark Highlands, Cherry Hill homes are priced from the $700,000s, and include three two-story designs, distinguished by Tuscan, French and Early California styling. Plan sizes range from approximately 2,607 to 3,479 square feet. Downstairs master suites, lofts, workshops and secluded guest rooms or dens are among room options, depending on plan selected. Each home also provides an attached garage.

"Cherry Hill has a nice community feel and a quiet country setting, yet it's a quick trip to pick up some milk or go to the dry cleaners," said Mark, an acquisitions specialist in commercial real estate. "We also appreciate all the parks in Moorpark, having the beach so nearby and being able to visit local farms to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. This is an ideal family-oriented location."

Mark and Shannon selected Cherry Hill's Plan Two, a spacious and beautifully appointed home with plenty of room for their growing family, which includes a toddler daughter and an infant son. "Having the large loft adjacent to the two upstairs secondary bedrooms provides a nice children's wing with a perfect playroom/media room," Shannon said.

"This home is also great for entertaining," she said. "When I'm busy in the kitchen, I can still visit with our guests in the family room." Shannon added that her new home even easily accommodates the twice-a-month playgroup she hosts for friends and neighbors — an event that sometimes draws as many as 15 moms and 17 children.

Mark noted that home purchase was a pleasure with Pardee Homes. "Our sales person, Diane Huchingson, was simply amazing with extensive knowledge and the diligence that helped us make our home purchase happen," Mark said. "She was always there to answer questions and calm our nerves. And after we moved in, any customer service needs were handled quickly and efficiently."

Now comfortably settled in, Shannon and Mark make frequent use of the recreation center that serves their area of Moorpark Highlands. It features a swimming pool, spa pool, barbecue with seating, a lawn area and other amenities. "The pool area has a great view, and we joined neighbors there to watch the fireworks last year on the 4th of July," Shannon said. "There's so much more here for families. We're delighted that we found Cherry Hill."

Moorpark Highlands also includes Waverly Place, a stylish collection of townhomes with approximately 1,136 to 1,819 square feet of living space in three designs that provide three to four bedrooms and two to three baths. Each home provides an attached garage, and features a private deck or yard. Priced from the high $300,000s, Waverly Place features a completed recreational center with furnished tot lot, swimming pool and deck, a spa and gazebo.

All homes at Moorpark Highlands are built to Pardee Homes' EnergySmart standards, with features and systems that help reduce home energy consumption.

To learn more about the latest opportunities at Moorpark Highlands, prospective buyers are advised to register on Pardee Homes' prospective Homebuyers List at http://www.pardeehomes.com or by visiting any model home center.

All model center sales offices are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Monday, when hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Call Cherry Hill at 805-530-1508; and Waverly Place at 805-529-7621 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

To reach Moorpark Highlands take Highway 118 to Los Angeles Avenue; exit and head west into Moorpark. Turn right on Spring Road and continue past Charles Street, following signs.