Poway, calling itself "The City in the Country," is a thriving bedroom community that has a rich rustic charm and the lowest crime rate in San Diego County. Neighborhoods are considered suburban but much of the land surrounding homes is open country. Lots are large in size, accommodating large homes.

Many areas are zoned for horses, producing horse estates. 15,000 units have been built since the 1960s, mostly single family detached homes, for middle class residents and above. Some newer Poway homes were built with more room, landscaping, three-car garages and underground power lines.

The Poway school district is exceptional, ranking in California’s 90th percentile, and draws families to settle in this quaint hillside city. Schools in the district are accustomed to getting “distinguished” awards and are monitored to uphold district standards, making education a top priority in this family city. New additions to the city include The Poway Center for the Performing Arts and a new state-of-the art library. Recreation is centered around Lake Poway and the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve with fishing, boating and hiking. Old Poway Park offers yearly events such as craft shows and farmer’s markets. Plans are underway to build facilities such as sports fields and more affordable housing.