Large North County city with charming downtown near mountain vineyards
Spread across an inland valley surrounded by mountains, Escondido is one of San Diego County's oldest cities. It's also one of the largest in North County, with a population of around 150,000. Nearly 40 square miles of developed communities still hold an "out there" tranquility, a landscape that's bordered by small, rural neighborhoods rather than large cities or bustling coastline. Escondido means "hidden," and while the city is easily found, locals enjoy a modern ambiance while living among avocado groves, wineries and regional hidden gems like the wild San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the artsy Queen Califia's Magical Circle. At its heart is Old Escondido Historic Downtown, where well-preserved homes date back to the city's incorporation in the 1880s.
"It's a super diverse market," says Kimberly Collings, Realtor with Compass since 2016. "People can live in a city environment downtown or feel like they're in the country just a few miles away." Escondido caters to many preferences, from commuters looking for more space to those wanting to settle down within walking distance of shops and galleries. Warm summers and mild winters encourage walking and biking, whether throughout the city or on miles of hilly trails. The city's Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce greenhouse gases, includes installing more than 180 electric vehicle charging stations and planting nearly 3,000 trees by 2030.
Employers cluster in business parks in the Vineyard neighborhood, including Palomar Medical Center Escondido — North County's only designated trauma center. Baker Electric, Escondido Public Works and Henry Avocado headquarters are all part of Escondido's thriving footprint in a remote, picturesque landscape. Downtown San Diego buzz and beaches from Torrey Pines to Oceanside are within a 30-mile drive.
North Broadway is a suburb of the city of Escondido to the south.
Kit Carson borders the San Pasqual Valley and is home to many vineyards.
Bamboo House is a local favorite which serves authentic Chinese cuisine.
Escondido Antique Mall is one of many thrift stores that can be found along Grand Avenue.
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One of the most diverse home markets in San Diego County
Residential variety ranges from condos, townhouses and small starter homes to multimillion-dollar custom builds, with a median around $840,000. "This is still one of the more affordable markets in north San Diego County, but prices are rising," says Collings. The Old Escondido Historic Downtown is one of the city's most notable neighborhoods, spanning a few streets south of Central Escondido , where vintage styles from Craftsman to Queen Anne ask between $600,000 and $1 million. North Broadway and Country Club follow a similar price range, including small ranch-style homes, bungalows and Mission Revivals. Farther north in Jesmond Dene , homes can reach over $1 million and hillside haciendas in southwestern communities like Felicita can fetch up to $2 million.
Spanish Colonial homes sit high above the valley in Lake Hodges.
Newly built Tract homes lined in neat rows are common in Vineyard.
This California Modern style home has been recently rebuilt in Vineyard.
Large custom built homes sit along the hillside in Lake Hodges.
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Play at city parks, fish Lake Dixon, visit California Center for the Arts
City parks, including Grape Day, Rod McLeod, Jesmond Dene and the nearly 300-acre Kit Carson offer amenities from pools and playgrounds to courts and fields. Queen Califia's Magical Circle, the only sculpture garden in America by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle, is a city treasure. Boaters enjoy Dixon Lake, located in the Daley Ranch neighborhood. Some nature lovers trek trails through Daley Ranch Park and Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve.
Escondido's vibrant downtown art scene includes the California Center for the Arts, a world-renowned concert hall, theater and art museum. Just a block over, kids have fun exploring the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum.
Washington Park's skatepark is well appointed and well attended.
Dixon Lake is popular for its handful of fishing piers and mountain views.
Waterfowl gather frequently on the banks of Escondido Creek in Kit Carson.
Paddle boat rentals can be fun for the day at Dixon Lake in Daley Ranch.
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Highly rated Escondido Union High School District
Escondido Union School District gets a B-minus on Niche, and the Escondido Union High School District earns an A-minus overall and an A-plus for college prep. Eligible grads can be guaranteed admission to the California State University San Marcos, just a few miles west. San Pasqual High, which gets an A-minus, fields a championship-winning soccer program.
Stroll historic downtown, relax at wineries and breweries
Escondido's charming downtown is the hot spot for restaurants and boutiques. It's easy to pop in and out of shops then walk to get a drink at a café or wine bar. Retailers and restaurants also fill the indoor North County Mall in Kit Carson , known locally as North County Fair, and the Escondido Promenade outdoor plaza. Delights from donut shops to overstuffed burritos and birria pepper the city with local flavor.
More than a dozen wineries thrive in the fertile hills southeast of Escondido, including the mom-and-pop Cordiano winery/pizzeria and the woman-owned Altipiano. Forgotten Barrel Winery in the city has a vine-trellised tasting room and Stone Brewing, one of the nation's most recognized craft breweries, is set within a garden venue.
Beautiful gardens and excellent beer selections at Stone Brewery in Vineyard.
Belle Marie Winery in Escondido serves many visitors a day for wine tastings.
Orfila Vineyards and Winery offers stunning views and local wines.
The Tony Pepperoni Pizzeria in Downtown Escondido has a large selection of craft beers.
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Celebrate winemaking at Grape Day
Since 1908, Grape Day Park has hosted Escondido's oldest and most beloved event, Grape Day Festival. Every September, thousands attend to celebrate Escondido's winemaking roots with local vendors, entertainment and a Grape Day 5K.
Close to Interstate 15 and McClellan-Palomar Airport
Commuters can drive 30 miles south to reach downtown San Diego or the San Diego International Airport, or hop on the SPRINTER Hybrid Rail at the Escondido Transit Center. SPRINTER connects Escondido to Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista. For domestic flights, McClellan-Palomar Airport is 15 miles west.
Risk of wildfire, lower property crime rate
San Diego County, which includes Escondido, has a high risk of drought and wildfires. Water conservation is sometimes state-mandated, and the Escondido Fire Department maintains an online Rural Emergency Preparation plan.
According to FBI data, the city's violent and property crime rates are substantially lower than the national figures. Between 2022 and 2023, Escondido's violent crime rate rose slightly, and the property crime rate declined. While the city's violent crime rate is similar to San Diego, Escondido's property crime rate is lower.
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