Escondido, CA

Escondido may mean "hidden" in Spanish, but it's no secret there's a lot going on here! Located just 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego and 20 minutes from the coast, Escondido is home to major attractions, beautiful wineries, craft breweries, unique arts and culture, delicious culinary experiences and a charming historic downtown.

Settled in a long valley in the coastal mountains of Southern California, Escondido, which means "hidden" in Spanish, lies about 18 miles inland, 100 miles south of Los Angeles, and 30 miles northeast of San Diego. Surrounded by avocado and citrus groves, Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with just the right mix of small town friendliness and big-city buzz.

More and more people are making Escondido their "City of Choice." As the heart of San Diego North, it is one of the few remaining communities where people of all income levels can enjoy the Southern California lifestyle. We offer attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, comprehensive healthcare and the nearby San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

In addition, the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, brings world class entertainment to the area along with Queen Califia's Magical Circle, a sculpture garden in Kit Carson Park donated by late internationally renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle. In recent years Escondido was named by Money Magazine as the Best Place in the West in which to retire and, at the other end of the spectrum, was named a Kid-Friendly City for our broad range of youth programs. Ladies Home Journal also ranked Escondido number eight among the Top Ten Cities for Government.

In addition to the burgeoning wine scene, the area is also becoming known as a place to get your nature fix. With three major lakes (Dixon Lake, Lake Hodges, and Lake Wohlford) and more than 20 miles of trails at Daley Ranch, the area is a playground for hikers, horseback riders, fishermen, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts. For another kind of natural bliss, check out Deer Park Monastery, one of three Buddhist monasteries in the United States. People come to the sanctuary from all over the world to take classes on meditation and mindfulness.

Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community. You can see it in the historic homes of Old Escondido or experience it in the thriving downtown area and the weekly blast to the past, "Cruisin' Grand." Yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise. New jobs, new cultural amenities, new entertainment venues, new choices for residential living, and a new vision for Escondido's future, make Escondido a city to watch.