Vista Valley

Part residential and part wilderness, nestled between two spectacular golf courses, Vista Valley occupies an expansive inland area north of San Marcos. Locals often refer to it as just Vista, and Chris Erickson, longtime North County San Diego resident and Realtor with the Beach Life Group of Compass, says “depending on where you live, locals also say they live in the Vista Valley Country Club community, or The Foothills if they near Foothill Drive which is primarily single-story remodeled ranch styles. Others say they live in Vista, in the Buena Creek community, where you’ll find larger custom homes at a bit higher price.” Residents in the country club community can join the exclusive private golf and social Vista Valley Country Club to play on a stunning championship golf course, enjoy exquisite dining, and indulge in world-class fitness and spa amenities.

Homes here range from town houses to massive custom estates. Attached homes include stucco with clay tile roofs and contemporary styles with modern angles and geometric touches. You’ll also see rows of single-level and two-story Spanish style homes on undulating streets as well as traditional ranch styles with a mix of siding and brick fronts. Many homes are built up long driveways into the hillsides or foothills. Some exude Italian flair, others a castle vibe with stone accents and tall turrets. You’ll even see some grand Tudors and homes with dramatic dome-shape roofs. “An exciting new development,” says Erickson, “is also underway right now across Gopher Canyon Road from the Vista Valley Country Club. It’s called The Havens, and it’s a resort-style neighborhood with luxury homes, golf club membership and an on-site winery.”

Pricing for standalone homes in Vista Valley ranges from around $750,000 for a 1,200-square-foot ranch style built in the ‘90s to near $3 million for custom hilltop mansions with a pool and stunning views. Yards are thoughtfully landscaped, and sidewalks are lined with mature palms and well-kept lawns.
Says Erickson, “North of San Marcos in Vista Valley, you get a little more space. Lots average a third-acre on up, and as you move further back it gets a bit more rural, where there might not be as much infrastructure. Residents here like living on their own land, with their own garden, raising chickens and dogs in a wide-open space.”

Elementary age public-school students can start out at Hannalei, Monte Vista, or Bonsall Elementary which earns a B grade from Niche, and move on to Rancho Minerva Middle School. Ninth through 12th graders can attend Bonsall High, Vista High or Rancho Buena Vista High which Niche gives an A- grade.

And while nearly the entire northeast half of Vista Valley is the gloriously undeveloped San Marcos mountains, residents can play in a multitude of small parks in adjacent communities. “One more thing that makes Vista Valley attractive,” Erickson says, “is that it’s a quick shot to downtown Vista. They’ve been rebuilding the downtown Main Street area with lots of cool pubs and shops, so it’s a great place to go out.” Depending on your Vista Valley address you can reach downtown in roughly 5 miles or less.

In the southern tip of the community, North County Square offers big-name retail and local dining favorites. Here, residents enjoy noodle bowls and rolls at Kokage Ramen and Sushi next to Ding Tea. You can also check off your to-do lists at Walmart or Target in this same plaza as well as do your grocery shopping at your local Aldi.

If you’re looking to live between the mountains and the ocean in a luxury golf community, or without the expense of oceanfront homes, you’ll want to come see Vista Valley.

Written By

Lia Girard

Photography Contributed By

Matt Brown

Video By

Luke Mancari