Escondido
About Escondido
One of San Diego’s oldest cities, Escondido is nestled in the foothills of Inland North County. Boasting a historic downtown area, the world-famous San Diego Zoo Safari Park, beautiful Lake Hodges, and miles of trails at Daley Ranch, Escondido is a popular choice for San Diegans who are looking for more affordable home options. With a range of properties available including single-family homes, luxury estates, condos, townhomes, and more, discover what’s waiting for you in Escondido!
Just twenty minutes from the beach, Escondido was established in 1888. Primarily a ranching and agricultural community, acres of fruit, olive, walnut, and avocado trees provided a living for the people who settled in the area. By the 1970s however, the housing boom started and most of the farmland gave way to homes and other businesses. Some farm-centric parcels still remain, with many more single family homes boasting mature fruit-bearing trees in the backyard, along with vegetables and chicken coops. Annual festivals in Escondido help local residents remember and celebrate the city’s agricultural past.
Escondido Schools
The Escondido Union School District (EUSD) serves over 14,000 elementary and middle school students in the Escondido area. Notable schools in the district include Bernardo Elementary School, Oak Hill Elementary School, Rock Springs Elementary School, Pioneer Elementary School, Bear Valley Middle School, Hidden Valley Middle School, and Del Dios Academy of Arts and Sciences.
High school students are served by the Escondido Union High School District (EUHSD). Notable high schools in this district include Escondido High School, Valley High School, San Pasqual High School, and Del Lago Academy – Campus of Applied Science. The district has an overall B+ grade according to Niche.com. It is also ranked the 11th Best School District in the San Diego area. One of its schools, Del Lago Academy, is a Top 100 School in California!
Escondido Real Estate
Escondido real estate offers many affordable options for prospective home buyers. Most properties tend to be older, though recent renovations and a few new construction communities offer opportunities to purchase a newer home. Notably, Harmony Grove is a community of homes built within the last ten years. Escondido offers many single family home options along with luxury homes, horse properties, acreage, condos, townhomes, and mobile homes. Escondido also has an abundance of single story homes, making it a popular choice for empty nesters or those who wish to downsize to a smaller property in their later years.
For a single family home in Escondido, the median home price is $744,166. For a condo or townhome it is $411,000. The city of Escondido encompasses a number of zip codes – to learn more about prices in a particular zip code or neighborhood, please reach out.
Escondido Lifestyle
Escondido residents love to get outdoors! Located in the foothills of San Diego and in close proximity to several lakes and golf courses, locals make the most of the great weather by spending their time outside.
Lake Hodges is a large local reservoir that allows for boating and fishing. The water reaches a maximum depth of 115 feet when full. There are also several hiking trails that wind around the reservoir’s 27 shorelines miles. Some Escondido homeowners are lucky enough to have views of the lake’s placid waters from their back porch or patio!
To the east, you’ll find the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, a unique animal adventure park that marries the best of a traditional zoo with an African safari. Visitors to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park can go out onto the savannah in a tram or cart to get up close and personal with the animals. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park also offers a different selection of animals than you can find at the world-famous Zoo in Balboa Park.
Daley Ranch is another popular place for Escondido residents to spend time outdoors. Composed of more than 3,000 sprawling acres, Daley Ranch is a conservation area managed by the City of Escondido. Along with hiking, some trails can be used for mountain biking or horseback riding. Leashed dogs are also allowed in Daley Ranch. Be sure to visit the Daley Ranch House, a historic redwood barn. You can also take a tour with one of the Rangers on certain Sundays of the month.
Escondido Lifestyle (cont)
Love to golf? There are several great courses in the area including Reidy Creek Golf Course, Eagle Crest Golf Club, Boulder Oaks Golf Club, and the Vineyard at Escondido. You can also hit the links at the nearby Welk Resort.
Though not technically in Escondido, residents enjoy being just a short drive from the many casinos on the Pala and Rincon Reservations. Notable nearby casinos include Valley View Casino, Harrah’s Resort, and Pala Casino.
Of course, no guide to living in Escondido would be remiss without mentioning the famous Bates Nut Farm! Home to one of the most visited Pumpkin Patches in San Diego, Bates Nut Farm is open year-round. Shop their selection of locally grown nuts like walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, and more. In addition to their Halloween Spectacular, they also host select events throughout the year.
Not outdoorsy? Escondido is home to a couple wonderful indoor attractions. The San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum was founded in 1999 and offers hands-on exhibits to delight children of all ages. The California Center for the Arts is also located in Escondido. With museum exhibits, workshops, shows, and events offered every month of the year, this is a great resource to have in your new backyard!
Escondido Weather
Escondido tends to be warm and sunny year-round, thanks to its inland location. Many residents have A/C or a backyard pool – or both! – to stay cool during the hot summer months. In the winter, expect colder mornings and evenings than you’d experience along the coast. Yes, San Diego can dip down below freezing overnight, however the days are quick to warm up once the sun rises.
Escondido Shopping & Local Businesses
Escondido’s historic downtown area on Grand Avenue is a big draw for residents. With an abundance of local restaurants, bars, and shops, plus annual events and parades, it’s one of the most charming aspects of living in Escondido. We recommend checking out Burger Bench and EscoGelato on your next visit. In the mood for donuts? Peterson’s Donut Corner attracts people from all over the county who have a craving for delicious, deep-fried dough.
For shopping, the Westfield North County mall can’t be beat. Located just off the 15 freeway, this mall features more than 90 stores and 25 restaurants. Its anchor businesses include a Target, Macy’s, JCPenney, and a Cheesecake Factory.
Escondido also has an abundance of car dealerships and service centers. From Chevy to Mercedes-Benz, you’ll find a variety of dealerships offering cars at all price points. The Lexus dealership even features an award-winning rooftop restaurant, Vintana Wine + Dine!
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