$1,388,617Average Value$694Average Price per Sq Ft95Homes For Sale
San Diego suburb without "June Gloom" in the warmer months
Rancho Peñasquitos, aptly named "little cliffs" for its canyons and hillsides, is a 6,500-acre San Diego suburb that was part of the first land grant from Mexico to America in 1823. Today, it's home to about 60,000 residents who enjoy top-rated schools, sprawling parks, and proximity to downtown San Diego and Torrey Pines State Beach. "The weather is particularly nice here because of the location," says Bern McGovern, San Diego Realtor. "You're far enough from the coastline that you don't get coastal gloom, just coastal heat." Residents here are active, taking full advantage of biking and hiking trails that lead to the views from Black Mountain's summit.
Rancho Peñasquitos is a 6,500-acre San Diego suburb.
Rancho Peñasquitos residents enjoy the nice weather near the coast.
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Ranch-style homes and Mediterranean Revivals
The neighborhood is bordered by Black Mountain Open Space Park on the northeast and the Los Peñasquitos Canyon County Preserve to the south. Most neighborhoods are clean, quiet cul-de-sacs, lined with late 20th-century ranch-style homes, large Spanish Colonials and multi-story Mediterranean Revivals set on well-maintained lawns. Most homes have two-car garages, stucco facades and clay tile roofing. Two-bedroom homes often sell for between $550,000 to $1.2 million, while a four-bedroom home would typically go for around $1.5 million. New homes are under construction in developing subdivisions like The Junipers - Woodlands. “The median home price is around 1.3 million, so there aren't a lot of single-family starters homes, but townhomes and condos usually start at around $500,000 or 600,000” says McGovern.
Rancho Peñasquitos has mostly clean, quite Cul-de-sacs lined with ranch Style homes.
A view of Spanish style homes under palm trees in Rancho Peñasquitos.
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Poway Unified comes out on top
Rancho Peñasquitos students can attend schools within the Niche-rated #2 best district in the San Diego Area, Poway Unified, which earns an A-plus. They might start out at Adobe Bluffs Elementary, then continue to Black Mountain Middle, and finish up at Del Norte High, each earning an A-plus. The high school offers courses in Biomedical Engineering and Ethnic Literature, as well as a Wind Ensemble class.
A colorful mosaic at the monument of the Park Village Elementary School in Rancho Peñasquitos.
The entrance of the Del Norte High School near Rancho Peñasquitos.
Students have a great time at the Black Mountain Middle School in Rancho Peñasquitos.
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Black Mountain Road offers panoramic views and hiking trails
Situated just north of Rancho Peñasquitos, Black Mountain Open Space Park spans over 2,300 acres and offers panoramic views of San Diego from its 1,500-acre summit. Residents can get to the peak by taking a 2.5-mile hike up Black Mountain’s Miner’s Ridge Loop trail. For a more kid-friendly day outdoors, Canyonside Park is located to the North of Mercy Road, offering a shaded playground, baseball and soccer fields, and a recreation room. Los Peñasquitos Canyon County Preserve on Black Mountain Road offers some of the most captivating scenery in the area, including a waterfall, sycamore groves and several bird species.
Rancho Peñasquitos offers great views of the coastal area.
Taking a hike at the Black Mountain trail in Rancho Peñasquitos
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Authentic Mexican cuisine and County Mall
Anchored by a Vons, The Rancho Penasquitos Town Center on Black Mountain Road is ideal for picking up essentials, or grabbing a bite at Knotty Barrel, a locally owned gastropub that’s become a community favorite in just a few years since opening. Don Rios on Rancho Penasquitos Boulevard is just one of many eateries in the community that serves up authentic Mexican cuisine in a convenient, fast-casual setting. About 9 miles away in Escondido, Westfield North County mall offers a more extensive shopping experience, anchored by a Macy’s, Target and a 24-hour fitness.
The Knotty Barrel is a community favorite in Rancho Peñasquitos.
The Vons is one of the supermarkets for groceries and more in Rancho Peñasquitos.
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Public transportation & new bike paths
The main roads in the neighborhood are Black Mountain Road (north-south) and Carmel Mountain Road/Rancho Peñasquitos Boulevard (east-west). Residents can reach Torrey Pines Beach in 20 minutes via Carmel Mountain Road (11 miles) and downtown San Diego in 20 miles via I-15 South. Public transportation options include the MTS bus #20 and Rapid #235. The nearest airport is San Diego International (21 miles). State Route 56 Bike Path, which runs east to west for 10 miles, will soon connect near the beach to the North Coastal Trail, slated for completion in late Spring 2024. The San Diego International Airport is about 21 miles from Rancho Penasquitos, while the nearest hospital is the Palomar Medical Center on Pomero Road, located 6 miles away.
Residents have easy access to the Interstate 15 in Rancho Peñasquitos.
The public transportation options include the MTS bus in Rancho Peñasquitos.
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Safe and secure community
Rancho Penasquitos has a CAP index score of 1 out of 10 when it comes to incidents of violent crime and theft, lower than the national average of 4 out 10.
The Rolling Hills Park offers vast green area and playground for children in Rancho Peñasquitos.
Residents love the Rancho Peñasquitos Branch Library in Rancho Peñasquitos.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jonathan Mann,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Twin Trails Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Volleyball
Views West Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Hilltop Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Canyonside Community Park
Baseball/Softball
Tennis
Playground
Rolling Hills Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Ridgewood Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Black Mountain Open Space Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Rancho Peñasquitos Skate Park
Skateboard
Parking Lot
Adobe Bluffs Neighborhood Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Transit
Airport
San Diego International
27 min drive
Bus
Rancho Penasquitos Bl & Via Del Sud
Bus
Carmel Mountain Rd & Stoney Creek Rd
Bus
Carmel Mountain Rd & Gerana St
Bus
Carmel Mountain Rd & Paseo Cardiel
Bus
Carmel Mountain Rd & Cuca St
Bus
Rancho Penasquitos Bl & Carmel Mountain Rd
Bus
Carmel Mountain Rd & Via San Marco
Reviews
Niche Reviews
4.243 Reviews
4.0Niche User
4/17/2016Niche Review
There has not been a lot of crime in recent years nor have any of these crimes been serious.
5.0Niche User
7/16/2016Niche Review
In this area, there is rarely any crime that occurs. Everyone and neighbors look out for one another and there houses. If there is suspicious activity that does happen, the police are very responsive. Police officers do come to the neighborhood once in a while just to check on anyone who is speeding through the neighborhoods.
5.0Current Resident
11/17/2024Niche Review
PQ is a great place for kids to grow up and have deep connections with their neighbors and friends. Lots of people that have grown up here have come back to raise their own families here. The schools are great. The local businesses are great. The neighborhood parks are great. I feel safe here.
5.0Former Resident
8/25/2024Niche Review
As someone who grew up in Rancho Penasquitos over the past decade, it was wonderful. The community was built for suburban childhood, the schools are fantastic and the local stores and places to eat are all within walking or biking distance of houses and schools. The area is also only a 20 minute drive from the beach. The housing is expensive, but that fits the area. The nightlife is lacking, so most college students will drive to UCSD or downtown for their activities.
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Rancho Peñasquitos Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Rancho Peñasquitos, San Diego sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Rancho Peñasquitos, San Diego over the last 12 months is $1,316,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 8924 Stimson Ct, a wonderful home that’s perfect for families looking for space, comfort, and community. Tucked away in a cul-de-sac, this versatile floor plan offers functionality with a formal living and dining room, an informal dining area, and a family room with a cozy fireplace that is perfect for gatherings. Downstairs, you’ll find a bedroom with a full bathroom, ideal for guests
Located in the sought-after Sun Ridge Vista community of Rancho Penasquitos, this beautifully refreshed one-bedroom, one-bath residence effortlessly blends comfort, convenience, and contemporary charm. Perched on the second floor, the home welcomes you with abundant natural light streaming through oversized windows and a cozy fireplace that anchors the bright, airy living room. The open-concept
Welcome to your community dream home! This stunning brand-new, single-story residence offers modern luxury, smart-home convenience, and an unbeatable location near top-rated schools, premier shopping centers, dining, and easy access to the 56 freeway—just minutes from the breathtaking sunsets at Torrey Pines. And the cherry on top of this stunning home is a whole year of HOA fees prepaid.
Open Sunday (8/24 1-4pm), Must See! Recently Updated - Ready for You Now! Tucked into a quiet pocket of Rancho Penasquitos, is the Rolling Hills neighborhood. Here you'll find 15576 Paseo Ajanta - a stunning single-story home that's 4 Bed/2 Bath with no HOA and no Mello Roos! Thoughtfully designed with an open floor plan that highlights effortless living perfect for social gatherings. From the
EVERYTHING that can be done has been done! When you enter, you won't want to leave this gorgeous unit with spectacular mountain and evening lights views. You will be impressed by all the upgrades including: upgraded lighting throughout, all new appliances (gas oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, gas dryer, microwave and even a brand-new water heater!), remodeled kitchen, marble fireplace,
This beautifully upgraded 3/2 home offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality. Set on a quiet residential street, the home showcases eye-catching curb appeal with manicured landscaping, and a welcoming front patio. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed floor plan highlighted by a spacious living area and a modernized kitchen featuring granite countertops, stainless steel
The Villas at Camino Bernardo offers gracious apartment homes in a resort style community in a beautifully landscaped tranquil setting in the heart of Rancho Bernado. Our well designed community offers one and two bedroom apartment homes, emphasizing on comfort and livability featuring upgraded kitchens, bathrooms, vaulted ceilings, modern hard-flooring, and other popular features such as full
Modern Living at the Edge of Nature.At Folia, we encourage you to reconnect with nature. Folia creates inspiration to find the home that engages your spirit, in both exploration and curiosity.Here, at the edge of Carmel Valley and the doorstep of a nature preserve, youll discover the unexpected.Offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom luxury residences and extraordinary
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jonathan Mann,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
46,585
Median Age
42
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$138,588
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$163,763
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.1%
College Graduates
61%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
34/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
53/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
20/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.