150,270
Population
Sunny Days: 300
Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.
Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.
It's hard to find a city in California that hasn't been run through the ringer and emerged unscarred but Escondido just may be the exception. Situated about 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, while not on the coast, this big suburb with mostly temperate weather is well-located in the big scheme of things. The city is going through a major downtown renovation that is revealing a brand new Mainstreet USA-type of city. Prices are cheaper than the rest of the San Diego area and yet, you're still in the San Diego area.
Virtually all west coast cities of any size has an unhoused population. While locals crave a compassionate solution the size of Escondido makes the issue more apparent than for residents of bigger cities. This means they're more likely to complain.
Escondido is home to 150,000 people and there is a historic downtown that is undergoing a big upgrade but for most, this is suburban life; Masterplanned communities, gated housing developments, parks, community centers and plenty of ample lots. There are rural areas as well and it’s all plopped down in the middle of rolling hills and tranquil scenery with easy access to downtown and major highways (I-15) that will take you to San Diego and other coastal cities like Carlsbad and Oceanside. Most residents own but there’s more downtown development these days including luxury apartments.
The California Center for the Arts serves as a cultural hub, hosting performances, art exhibits, and educational programs. The annual Grape Day Festival is popular and the Dia de los Muertos celebration is lively.
Notable outdoor destinations include Daley Ranch Preserve, which offers a network of scenic trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding and Kit Carson Park which features scenic walking paths, picnic areas, and a pond.
Escondido Union School District CA K-5 gets great reviews. It is also home to highly regarded private schools as well as Palomar College, a well-respected community college while Lake Hodges is served by the award-winning Poway Unified School District.
Families with children in Harmony Grove Village have access to schools in the Escondido Union School District such as Elfin Forest Elementary School and San Pasqual High School and families in South Escondido have access to notable schools including L.R. Green Elementary School and Del Dios Academy of Arts and Sciences. San Pasqual Valley is served by the esteemed San Pasqual Union Elementary School and San Pasqual High School.
Escondido is undergoing a major upgrade to its downtown. Turning a suburban city with a small commercial district into a more authentic Mainstreet USA vibe. It's hard to find cities before they become "hot" but one of the big early alerts is when an upgrade is coming to the downtown area.
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Get StartedLake Hodges is renowned for its strong community and outdoor recreational opportunities. At the heart of the neighborhood lies the lake itself which spans over 1,200 acres. This reservoir invites boating, kayaking, and fishing. Lake Hodges Park and the trails that wind through the hills and meadows provide for hikers and cyclists and offer playgrounds and picnic areas.
Lake Hodges has a mix of single family homes and townhomes/condos so while popular with families, there are smaller footprint options if you're empty-nested/retired or just not in the family way. Some of the housing stock is classic socal adobe but you'll also find plenty of very modern homes. The median home price is $1.5m so that beauty and nature comes with a price.