Escondido is located north of San Diego, inland from Carlsbad. Land is east of the coast on flat land with some hills and mesas. Views are of mountains eastward. Escondido real estate prices are more moderate than on San Diego’s coastal bluffs. There is certainly a showing of million-dollar homes in the foothills, with spectacular views on prime real estate. The majority of the community is middle-class with well-maintained homes. It is one of the most populated cities in the county, coming in fourth with 138,000 residents. Families dominate Escondido, with 30 percent of residents under age 21.

A $43 million bond was passes in 1996 to renovate high schools and build a new one, reducing crowding. Schools turn out different programs to encourage higher test scores, including a year round elementary school year. A charter school emphasizes western civilization and advanced classes encourage the excelled students. There are two close colleges, Palomar satellite within and California State, San Marcos just a town over. The city has become active in creating an arts community, opening a Center for the Arts which includes a theater, conference center, museum, and a concert venue that welcomes famous performers to this up-and-coming city.

Two large shopping centers, an outlet center, and the North County Fair (largest indoor mall in SD county) dominate shopping in the area, keeping tax revenue local.

Highway 78 was built to connect these east lands to the coast and Interstate 5. Plans are beginning to create a commuter rail between Oceanside and Escondido. Residents work locally and 15 miles south in Sorrento Valley, home to bio-tech companies. Commute to downtown San Diego is 35-40 miles. Also soon to arrive are a power plant and a business park centered in high-tech careers.

Golf is popular here on the warm flatlands. Along with 5 courses, there is a golf learning center with putting greens. Fishing is also popular among the local lakes, holding trout, bass, and catfish. Parks are plentiful, plenty of sports fields for the many children throughout, even an arboretum resides. There is a farmers market and a sunflower fair in the summer months. Alternatively, there is an ice rink with two arenas for hockey and ice skating. Also a skate park, a soccer park and a new city preserve encourage lots of outdoor activity. The city preserve is used for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. And just east is San Diego’s Wild Animal Park, famous all over the world for its spacious habitat for many different species.