With its plentiful conveniences, reasonable home prices and charming parks and museums, Central Escondido is a top choice for those looking to move to San Diego’s North County. Originally founded in 1888 as a center for farming, the area has transformed over the years into a residential and commercial hotspot, serving the greater Escondido area with some of the best eats and shops, alongside historic housing districts and memorable green spaces. “It’s a great place to live, we have a lot of things here to pique your interest,” says Francine Cruz who has worked at the Escondido Public Library for 28 years. “There are lots of new buildings going up and plenty of places to live.”
Central Escondido
Homes
Central Escondido also offers some of the most versatile and affordable housing in North County. Thanks to a population boom in the 1970s, most houses still standing today are from this era, meaning vintage character is nearly guaranteed in the area’s countless bungalow-style homes. There are contemporary options as well, including newer-built apartments, condominiums and townhomes. Smaller homes and bungalows sell for between $600,000 and $800,000 while larger, newer homes are typically upward of $1,000,000. Condos and townhomes can be anywhere from $400,000 to $600,000.
Parks
Right off Valley Parkway and Broadway sits Grape Day Park, a historic, sprawling park featuring a century-old barn, blacksmith shop, and other significant buildings and monuments, all open for visitors to experience. “Escondido also has three lakes and plenty of parks so people love having options for hiking and fishing,” Cruz says. Small park options within the neighborhood include Westside Park and Grove Park.
Shopping and Dining
Central Escondido has an impressive collection of retail and dining options easily accessible from any of the area’s main thoroughfares. From streetside cafés to independent bookstores, craft shops and bargain home décor stores, locals have their pick. “We have Grand Avenue which has lots of restaurants and the mall is not too far. There are a lot of different stores and restaurants.” Burger Bench is a popular, family-owned spot known for its fresh ingredients.
Schools
Local students can attend Lincoln Elementary School, which received a B-plus rating from Niche. Mission Middle School is another option that received a C-plus rating from Niche. Classical Academy High School received an A rating from Niche and is known for its award-winning campus and highly personalized approach. “We have lots of elementary schools around here, a couple of junior high schools, high schools and academies too. We have everything we need and they’re good schools too,” Cruz says.
Events
The neighborhood has regularly scheduled events like the Tuesday afternoon Farmer’s Market and Friday night “Cruisin’ Grand” vintage car show. The California Center for the Arts and Children’s Discovery Museum attract visitors from throughout the city for their enriching, interactive exhibits and programs. “There’s so much to do here. The library has lots of free programs each month, and there are concerts and a zoo,” Cruz says.
Transportation
Central Escondido residents have easy access to Interstate 15 which heads south into Downtown San Diego, 30 miles away.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Jerry Linney
First Team Real Estate
(619) 773-0841
59 Total Sales
1 in Central Escondido
$627,000 Price
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Adel Hamad
Lifetime Realty Inc
(424) 396-0586
12 Total Sales
1 in Central Escondido
$295,000 Price
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OB Juncal
ERA Ranch & Sea Realty
(760) 576-2427
73 Total Sales
1 in Central Escondido
$430,000 Price
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Frances Mouser
eXp Realty of California, Inc
(442) 273-1675
243 Total Sales
1 in Central Escondido
$785,000 Price
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Jennifer Bergman
Keller Williams Realty
(858) 956-7418
45 Total Sales
1 in Central Escondido
$785,000 Price
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Anthony DeGasperis
DeGasperis & Associates Real Estate
(858) 221-9768
97 Total Sales
2 in Central Escondido
$450K - $620K Price Range
Schools
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Transit
Central Escondido Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Escondido, Escondido sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Escondido, Escondido over the last 12 months is $465,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Open Houses
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Sunday, Aug 311am - 3pm
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Saturday, Aug 21 - 4pm
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Sunday, Aug 31 - 3pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
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Education and Workforce
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Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
Some Transit
Transit Score®
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