Poway calls itself "The city in the country," which might sound far-fetched with North County San Diego's growing cities and suburbs just a few miles away. However, Poway feels far removed from metropolitan life with its Old West town center and its miles of preserved open space. "The privacy is amazing here. You can live in a community on a few acres and be completely unbothered," says Realtor Nino Kiria with Caldwell Banker West, who's been selling the area since the early 2000s. Having this rural privacy mixed with tons of nearby shopping, biotech employers and highly touted schools makes Poway one of the most desired areas in San Diego. "When it comes to residential living in San Diego, Poway has it all," says Kiria. "You have the great homes and schools, and it takes full advantage of the amazing outdoor activity we have here."
Discover Poway’s Wild West spirit through shops adorned with classic western-style facades.
Goodan Ranch Preserve in Poway is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Surrounded by endless hiking
Poway has community parks, but its main amenity is the almost 5,000 acres of open space and over 70 miles of trails around the city. Expansive nature preserves and recreation areas border the city's east and south sides. Lake Poway is one of the most popular spots on the east side for kayaking and hiking. Its 7-mile Potato Chip Rock Trailhead leads deep into the mountains to the famous Potato Chip Rock — the thin peak of Mount Woodson. Blue Sky Ecological Reserve is just north of the lake, and miles of trails wind through its 700 acres. Goodan Ranch's 2,200 acres of brush-covered mountains lie south of the city. If the thousands of acres of hiking space aren't enough, Torrey Pines State Beach is just 15 miles west. Like most of San Diego, Poway is sunny almost year-round. However, it's slightly hotter than the breezy coastal cities.
Explore Lake Poway and enjoy fishing, boating, and scenic trails in a picturesque setting.
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve in Poway offers peaceful trails and breathtaking nature views.
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Suburbs and spacious gated communities
The city's desirability comes with a median single-family home price close to $1.5 million. Most homes reside in suburban developments around Old Poway or in spacious communities on the north side. "Anything off Community Road is probably a smaller house on a smaller lot, but a mile north, you've got communities where homes have a two-acre minimum," says Kiria. Old Poway is the only neighborhood that offers walkability to shops and restaurants. Its smaller ranch-style homes can start around $1 million. Larger Spanish-style suburban homes outside Old Poway can cost around $2 million. Poway's north side is occupied by uber-private gated communities, such as the Grove, where expansive mansions on multiacre lots can cost around $3 million. Palatial estates in the hills around the city can reach around $7 million.
Old Poway homes blend vintage charm with the appeal of a close-knit community setting.
Homes in Poway with multi-acre lots provide privacy and limitless outdoor living potential.
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The second-best school district in San Diego County
"The number one priority for most people here is the school district," says Kiria. The city is served by the Poway Unified School District, which is rated an A-plus by Niche and ranked as the No. 2 best school district in the San Diego area. It is also ranked in the top 20 school districts in California. Poway encompasses 20 A-plus rated schools, so students will likely attend at least one A-plus school during their journey through elementary, middle and high school.
Midland Elementary School provides a supportive environment where young learners can thrive.
Poway High offers academics, athletics, and arts for a well-rounded student experience.
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The Old West is alive in Old Poway
Yes, Poway is known for its quiet lifestyle and abundance of natural space, but the city isn't lacking in commercial activity. Old Poway is the city's heart, and it keeps the Old West train town aesthetic alive. Old Poway Park preserves this history with a functioning early-1900s train depot, where visitors can ride on a period steam engine. The businesses in Old Poway have the same wood-boarded facades, from the Pilates studios and corner markets to staple restaurants like Smokin J's BBQ. Old Poway's main artery, Midland Road, closes for the Poway Farmers Market every Saturday Morning. Poway City Centre is just down the road and provides options for groceries and other weekly necessities. Even more big-box retail is clustered on the city's west side.
Old Poway Park’s train rides and historic charm create a perfect escape into the past.
Poway City Centre provides groceries and essentials nearby for your weekly convenience.
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Appreciating the arts and Poway's cultural heritage
The city takes great pride in the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts over 100 professional and community performances year-round in its 800-seat theatre. The Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretative Center looks back at the region's first inhabitants. Its archaeological site offers a collection of Native American artifacts and educational exhibits of how the Kumeyaay people lived and worked in the Poway Valley, or what they called "Pauwai." Today, Poway's community spirit thrives through various events, from Poway Days, the largest citywide event celebrating its heritage with a parade and weeklong festivities, to Summer Concerts at Lake Poway. The annual Poway Rodeo is one of the only events of its kind in the county and lives up to the city's country reputation.
Experience music, theater, and more at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts in Poway.
The Kumeyaay-Ipai Center in Poway offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Poway.
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Work in Poway or commute to Sorento Valley
Despite Poway's country aesthetic, it does have a few large employers. Palomar Medical Center is a prominent healthcare facility on the city's west side, and the business park on the city's south side is home to many manufacturers and biotech labs. Sorento Valley, North County San Diego's main biotech hub, is just over 10 miles south on Interstate 15, running down Poway's west side. Commuters can also take the 15 to downtown San Diego and San Diego International Airport, less than 25 miles south. When it comes to around town, Poway is a mostly car-dependent city. However, residents of Old Poway can walk or take the bus around the neighborhood.
Low crime rates and concern for wildfires
Poway is known for having one of the lowest crime rates in San Diego. According to FBI data sourced from the Poway Police Department, both the city's property and violent crime rates have remained considerably lower than U.S. and California rates since 2015. Poway's main concern is for wildfires. The entire east side of the city, which is mostly open space, is most at risk of wildfires. The warm and dry climate makes these brush-covered hills ideal fuel for a fire. It's crucial for residents to have an established evacuation plan, and homeowners living in and near this open space should perform precautionary maintenance, such as creating a defensible space by removing dry brush from the perimeter of their property.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Cammell
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kip Boatcher,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Poway, CA sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Poway, CA over the last 12 months is $1,169,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
RUN DON'T WALK! Pride of ownership, first time on the market since 1992. Meticulously well maintained SINGLE STORY 4 BED, 2 BATH HOME IN POWAY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT! Located on a quiet cul-de-sac street with no neighbors behind you, this home is loaded with upgrades: ***NEW ROOF with 50-year warranty ***OWNED SOLAR ***WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTRATION AND SOFTENER ***THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED
Welcome to the delightful Casa Real community in Poway. This desirable single-story home with 1,069 sf, offering 3 bedrooms 2 baths, complimented by a 210 sf screened Sunroom. The backyard includes a variety of fruit trees; avocado, pomegranate, nectarine, peach, lime, orange and mulberry along with several herb beds, utility shed, patio and firepit. Owned solar, newer roof, fresh exterior
Views, Views, Views! This gorgeous, fully remodeled, turn-key home in an amazing location! Step inside the front door and be greeted by brand new flooring, freshly painted walls, and a thoughtfully updated kitchen. Two spacious bedrooms downstairs, updated bathrooms, head upstairs to a spacious primary bedroom with a completely redone bathroom, a large balcony overlooking the backyard, and a
Beautifully Renovated 3 Bed / 2 Bath Home in Poway's Premier All-Age Community! -and Never Pay Property Tax Again! This stunning, newly renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of modern upgrades and comfortable living. Enjoy the warmth of luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, custom tile countertops and backsplash in the kitchen, energy-efficient dual-pane windows, a
Charming single-story home on an expansive lot in Poway! Designed for year-round enjoyment, the backyard is a true retreat featuring a sparkling pool, tropical beach with palapa, turf, custom playground space, storage shed, and spacious covered patio with seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The open-concept interior is filled with natural light and offers a flexible layout ideal for entertaining or
RUN DON'T WALK! Pride of ownership, first time on the market since 1992. Meticulously well maintained SINGLE STORY 4 BED, 2 BATH HOME IN POWAY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT! Located on a quiet cul-de-sac street with no neighbors behind you, this home is loaded with upgrades: ***NEW ROOF with 50-year warranty ***OWNED SOLAR ***WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTRATION AND SOFTENER ***THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED
NOW OPEN! West Village Poway Apartments puts you in the middle of all the action with our prime location on Poway Road. Take advantage of our communitys blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that maximize your San Diego living experience without ever leaving home. Inside, our studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments embody the spirit of Poway with sophisticated design centered on intricate details and
Enjoy peaceful living in the desirable Poway community! Nestled among rolling hills, this home features an updated kitchen, large windows that bring in plenty of light, a bright and airy feel, tile flooring, remodeled bathrooms, full-size laundry, and an entry door through the kitchen. It also boasts a large patio, an end-unit location, and a storage closet. Assigned parking is included, and the
Life at Pacifica Poway combines all the best lifestyle features in one incredible Poway, California 55+ active adult living community. With a serene and inspiring indoor setting, youll have endless options to have fun, make friends, and relax.Those seeking Active Adult 55+ accommodations and senior apartments will find a wonderful community in the heart of Poway. You get the best of both worlds,
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