$1,041,233Average Value$423Average Price per Sq Ft57Homes For Sale
Rural living outside Escondido
Valley Center is a census-designated place of inland North County San Diego, about 10 miles north of Escondido. Buyers look here for one reason: open space and privacy in the hills. “The reason people move out here is to have a bigger house with more acreage,” says Realtor Jenniffer Taylor with Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, who’s been selling in the county since the early-2000s. With only about 10,000 people in a 100-square-mile footprint, homeowners can expect lots of elbow room. “It’s very spread out, but that’s what people are looking for here,” says Taylor. “They don’t want to be near anything.” Multi-acre estates, vineyards and mountain views give the city its rural setting and make it feel far removed from any metropolitan bustle.
Valley Center is famous for the killing of a grizzly bear in 1866.
Enjoying time with the family in Harvest Park in Valley Center.
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Multi-acre lots are the standard
In Valley Center, ‘next door’ might mean a short drive away, with most homes sitting on spacious multi-acre lots. “For the most part, the smallest lot you’ll find is 2 acres,” says Taylor. “A lot of people have plenty of space for a little ranch or farm plot on their property.” The city’s median single-family home price is close to $1 million, which is normal for a midsize ranch-style home on a couple of acres. In areas with the clearest mountain views, such as Ridge Ranch in the city’s southern hills, Mediterranean-style estates on 5-acre lots can go for over $3 million. In recent years, some suburban developments have been added, with midsize homes on small plots costing around the median price.
Contemporary homes were built on a former dairy farm in Valley Center.
Planned communities have muscled into Valley Center.
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Hiking in the North County hills
Even though many residents have ample outdoor space on their property, they can still take advantage of thousands of acres of park space across the peaks and valleys in and around the city. Keys Creek County Preserve is a 190-acre nature preserve with a few hiking trails in the city’s residential area. The green hills to the south are part of Daley Ranch Park, a 3,000-plus-acre reserve offering more than 20 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails. Valley Center also has a few community parks and an 18-hole course at Native Oaks Golf Club. Like most of San Diego County, it’s almost always sunny and in the 70s. Although, without the ocean breeze, summers can be a bit warmer than on the coast.
Golfers play 18 holes at Native Oaks Golf Club in Valley Center.
A trail at the Helhole Canyon Preserve near Valley Center.
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Local wineries and restaurants
This is San Diego wine country, and the city is home to a few vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon is the grape of choice for local winemakers like Pauma Vista Vineyard and Hill Top Winery, as it is for most California wineries. Wine enthusiasts can visit these properties to sample different vintages while enjoying the mountain views. Aside from that, there are a few family-owned restaurants, general stores and farm shops around town. The closest large grocery store is a few miles northwest in Lilac. Retail shopping requires a 10-mile drive south to Escondido.
Enjoy a good meal at Portinos Restaurant in Valley Center
Enjoy the small-town vibe of mom-and-pop restaurants and shops in Valley Center.
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Ten-mile commute to Escondido
Most incoming buyers aren’t moving out here for work. However, the city does have a substantial agricultural industry, and the Valley View Casino on the San Pasqual Reservation southeast of the city brings commercial business. There’s more employment in Escondido, 10 miles south on Valley Center Road. Escondido’s Palomar Medical Center is the closest major healthcare facility. There’s also a growing biotech industry 30 miles west in Carlsbad. For general travel, Interstate 15 is a few miles west of the city, and San Diego International Airport is 40 miles south in downtown San Diego.
Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District
Local public school students are served by the Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District, which gets an overall B rating from Niche. The district only has eight schools, but this is plenty to cover the city’s small population of 10,000. Almost every school is on the city’s central thoroughfare, Cole Grade Road. There are highly ranked private options 10 miles south in Escondido, such as A-rated Escondido Adventist Academy.
The Valley Center Middle School in Valley Center.
The Valley Center High School in Valley Center.
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Preparing for brush fires
The area’s grassy hills are prone to brush fires during the warmer summer months. Most recently, the Keys Fire burned almost 20 acres northwest of the city in the summer of 2024. All residents should have a prepared evacuation plan in a fire-threatened area like this. Those on rural estates should take extra precautions, such as creating a defensible space by managing any overgrown brush around their property’s perimeter. The Valley Center Fire Protection District covers the city’s fire concerns. There’s also a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Station, better known as CAL FIRE, responsible for managing fires on state-owned land. One San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Station handles the city’s crime needs. Specific crime rates are not available for the city.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Joerg Boetel
Video By
Dan Mack
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Diane Conaway,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Valley Center, CA sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Valley Center, CA over the last 12 months is $962,500, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Luxury Live Auction! Bidding now to start from $775,000 traditional non-distressed property, cash or finance OK! Seller will entertain offers prior to the auction date. Set on over half an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds, this single-story home blends modern efficiency with timeless comfort. The home sits well back from the street, offering privacy, ample parking, RV potential, and a
Exceptional 10 Acre Equestrian Retreat in Northwest Valley Center. Discover the perfect blend of rural charm with equestrian living and plenty of room to expand use on this expansive horse property surrounded by sweeping mountain vistas and more. Featuring a serene park-like setting with mature fruit and avocado orchard, potential farm land use, and a well-appointed equestrian arena, this
Custom-Built Home Proudly Offered By Original Owners. Set On 3.36 Acres, This Property Captures Breathtaking Panoramic Views, Beautiful Sunrises, And Starlit Skies. Expansive Deck Invites You To Relax And Take In The Sweeping Vistas From Sunrise To Sunset. Living Room Features Vaulted Ceilings, Fireplace, And Large Windows That Fill The Space w/Natural Light. Spacious Kitchen Includes Ample
Exceptional 2.67- Acre Equestrian Retreat – South Western side of Valley Center, CA Discover the perfect blend of country charm, equestrian excellence, and endless potential on this 2.67-acre horse property framed by sweeping mountain vistas. Featuring a park-like setting with large lawns, ground cover, and mature trees irrigated by a strong producing-auto timed well that sits atop an aquifer,
1975 LOVELY HOME WITH MANY UPGRADES!! 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath with an added California room at 1560 esf. Offered for only $289,000!! This stunning home is a must see with lovely views of the golf course and the local mountains. This home has many features to offer such as a new roof, new flooring throughout, new washer/dryer and refrigerator, fresh paint inside and outside, new water heater, new
MAKE AN OFFER - seller is already in escrow on another property. Resort-Style 55+ Living with FREE Golf in Skyline Ranch! Welcome to one of North County’s best-kept secrets - Skyline Ranch Country Club! This spacious and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath DOUBLEWIDE with numerous updates offers nearly 1,400 sq ft of open-concept living on a desirable corner lot. Enjoy a light-filled layout with
Property Id: 1945237Welcome to this private estate offering modern ranch living set on 6.75 acres of picturesque hillside with the space, serenity, and breathtaking views your family has been looking for.This single-story, 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home is designed for family life. With a spacious, open-concept floor plan flows into an expansive, fully fenced backyard, while the large
For Rent – Valley Center Ranch Estate Spacious 4 bed/2 bath ranch home on 2.5 acres in Valley Center Estates! Features include a 6-stall barn, gated horse arena, RV/trailer parking, and a lap pool with covered patio. Inside, enjoy a modern kitchen with quartz counters, vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, and a luxurious master suite. Solar panels and new HVAC keep it efficient and comfortable. Perfect
Property Id: 1220899This spacious single story home is located in a family-friendly community, this home combines comfort, style, and energy efficiency for the perfect living experience.The primary bedroom is a true retreat, featuring a luxurious walk-in closet and a private en-suite bathroom, creating a serene space to relax. The modern kitchen, spacious living, and dining areas are
About an hour from San Diego and 12 minutes from Valley Center, Lake Wohlford is set in the northeast hills of Escondido. This semi-rural suburb is centered around a 146-acre reservoir that's also called Lake Wohlford, which has been a key, well-protected source of Escondido's drinking water since 1895; locals are free to boat and fish here, but never swim. Homes on the lake are mostly modest mobile units, and there are only two places to eat, but the neighborhood's simplicity is what residents here enjoy. "It's the epitome of peace and quiet out here," says Supervising Park Ranger Jim Dayberry. "We get groups of senior citizens coming out to paint by the lake, and groups coming together for yoga and picnics. It's a city escape."
Mobile homes are clustered in small groups along Lake Wohlford Road, the main access point to the lake. Some are set near the lake's northern shore, and others sit in the hills by the southern shore; prices range from $150,000 to $200,000. Foxley Drive branches off Lake Wohlford Road and leads to a secluded enclave of 1970s ranch-style homes that are scattered amid the mountains on large lots; these homes cost between $900,000 and $1.5 million. On the northwest corner of the neighborhood, more modern, expansive properties sit in the gated Ridge Ranch community and range from $1.5 million to $2.5 million.
Anglers come here from around Escondido to fish the lake for bigmouth bass, catfish and rainbow trout; each year during the local Whopper Contest, competitors can vie for the heaviest catch. Egret Trail sits on the south side of the lake, an ideal spot for birdwatching; residents might see mourning doves, herons or the occasional bald eagle.
The city is currently working to restore the lake's water levels, which have been low since 2007; a new dam is currently in development. To safeguard the reservoir from invasive Quagga mussels, no boats from outside the community are permitted. Dogs are also not permitted on or around the lake, but the Mayflower Dog Park is 3 miles away in Valley Center.
Lake Wohlford Road leads to the major Interstate 15, which travels through much of Southern California and the Intermountain West. The 15 South travels about 40 miles to Downtown San Diego and the San Diego International Airport; it's a roughly 40-minute trip to either one, depending on traffic. Palomar Medical Center Escondido is about 10 miles away.
Local public schools are zoned within the Escondido Union district, which earns an overall B-minus from Niche. Students might start out at Orange Glen Elementary, then continue to Hidden Valley Middle both of which earn a C-plus. Orange Glen High earns a B and offers a dual-enrollment Middle College program where students can get a jump start on earning college credit.
One restaurant sits lakefront - Cocina Tex Mex, open since winter 2024, serves classic Mexican dishes in a homey, casual setting. Ralphs and CVS are found about 5 miles south in the Ferrara Plaza Shopping Center, while Lilac Foods is 12 miles north in Valley Center. The North County Mall is about 10 miles away and offers160 stores, including Target and Macy’s.
On their way to Lake Wohlford, residents are likely to pass Community Lutheran Church, set across the street from the Escondido Humane Society. The church hosts Sunday Services that feature praise band and handbell choir, and on Tuesdays, residents can join CLC for ‘Holy Yoga’ classes.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Valley Center Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
10,865
Median Age
44
Population under 18
22.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$118,122
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$140,445
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.7%
College Graduates
32.9%
Advanced Degrees
11.6%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
14''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
23/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
27/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
