Escondido is a sensational community nestled in an extensive valley within the coastal mountains of Southern California. With an estimated population of 140,505 residents, Escondido offers a bustling urban community surrounded by gentle rolling hills and citrus and avocado groves. Settling about 30 miles northeast of San Diego, and 100 miles south of Los Angeles, Escondido is considered the heart of San Diego North.

Escondido has endured a rich and diverse history. Archaeologists estimate that the first ancient human occupants came to this area over 10,000 years ago. Several Native American Indians tribes over the last 1,000 years have also called this area home. In turn, Spanish colonization replaced many of the tribal villages in the early 1800s. On December 6, 1846 the course of history for Escondido took a dramatic turn when soldiers of the United States Army attacked Mexican forces of Alta California in the neighboring San Pasqual valley. Within a few years of the Battle of San Pasqual, in 1850, California was annexed into the Union.

Land developers promoted Escondido's climate as ideal for crop growing and varied agriculture. The land promotion proved successful and farmers, tradesmen and merchants moved from colder climates to farm in the idyllic setting. Early in the 20th century, avocado groves would compete with citrus groves for available farmland. The avocado industry in the greater Escondido continues to be a growing business with Henry Avocado, Cal-Flavor, and Giumarra Produce working as the three largest avocado packers in the area. Today, housing developments, shopping centers and light industry have replaced most other agribusiness. For many years now, Escondido has enjoyed the highest retail sales in the county, with the exception of the City of San Diego. The City received approximately $28 million in sales tax revenue for fiscal year '02-03. The median household income in Escondido is $45,165 per year.

More and more people are discovering that Escondido is one of the few remaining communities where individuals of all income levels can enjoy the Southern California lifestyle. Escondido has a wide range of homes, from very affordable, to homes in the $400,000-$1 million range. These homes are found in established neighborhoods and new housing developments. New homes are being purchased as fast as they are built. There is also a new trend occurring in Escondido. By mid 2003, a number of developers began buying land and expressing serious interest in building higher-density, market-rate, urban residential products such as row homes, condos and town homes. Although Escondido has a wide range of housing choices, higher-density urban development will provide more opportunities for home ownership. Escondido continues to offer the maximum residential features and amenities for every dollar spent.

In recent years Escondido was praised by Money Magazine as the "Best Place in the West" in which to retire and, at the other end of the scale, was named a "Kid-Friendly City" for the broad range of youth programs. Ladies Home Journal also ranked Escondido number eight among the "Top Ten Cities for Government." Escondido offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, eight parks, two lakes, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, and comprehensive healthcare. In addition, the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, brings world-class entertainment to the area along with the new Mingei gallery and Queen Califia's Magical Circle, a sculpture garden in Kit Carson Park donated by the late, internationally renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle.

A tranquil walk down Escondido's Grand Avenue is a profoundly enriching and delightful experience. Escondido's investment in the Arts Center has been tremendously rewarding. Fine art galleries, antique shops and restaurants are open and thriving in the downtown area. City investments in the Queen Califia's Magical Circle in Kit Carson Park, the Municipal Gallery, which is managed by the Escondido Arts Partnership, and the Mingei International North County Museum Satellite are providing a solid base of magnificent arts venues for Escondido residents and visitors. In addition to existing notable local artists, many more fine artists have come to live and work in Escondido because of the Center's influence and stature.

There is a wealth of recreation and attractions in and around Escondido as well. Kit Carson Park is a 300-acre park with a lighted ball field for baseball and soccer, an amphitheater, picnic table and playground. There is the Escondido Sports Park complete with a 20,000 square foot skate park, a roller hockey arena, a soccer arena, pro shop and concession stand. Dixon Lake and Lake Wohlford offers residents the opportunity to boat, fish, hike, picnic and barbeque. The Iceoplex Ice Center features two Olympic-size ice arenas and a full-service health club with a 25-meter pool. Learning is child's play at the Escondido Children's Museum/Museo para Niņos, a hands-on museum for children ages 18 months - 10 years old. Here children will learn about science and cultures of the world through play. With the mild warm climate, residents can enjoy golf year round at the six public and private courses in the city.

The most popular attraction in the area would have to be the San Diego Wild Animal Park. It is a zoo unlike any other zoo in the world. Located near the City of Escondido in north San Diego County, it is a completely different experience than a visit to the Zoo. The 1,800 acre wildlife preserve, which allows visitors to view the herds of exotic animals as they might have been seen in their native Asia and Africa, was established in 1969 by Dr. Charles Schroeder. Today, the Park has over 3,500 animals representing 260 species, and is also an accredited botanical garden.

In addition, there are numerous family-oriented special attractions and events: Certified Farmers' Market every Tuesday, Escondido Street Faires in May and October, monthly 2nd Saturday arts and culture event, annual First Night, Escondido New Year's Eve celebration, Historic Grape Day Parade and Festival, and the wildly popular, 26-week classic car cruise-Cruisin' Grand. All of these events take place within Escondido's charming and historic commercial district.

A treasure trove of shopping is available in Escondido from antiques, paintings, sculpture and objects d'art. Many private galleries, as well as the Municipal Gallery, are located throughout the city, though concentrated in downtown. In addition, more and more artists are locating in Escondido and opening studios with galleries to the delight of residents and visitors. Escondido has become a stop for people who love antiques and "antiquing." Although most of the shops are found along Grand Avenue, the "Antique District," there are other fine antique stores in the city to be discovered. Westfield Shoppingtown North County is a 1.3 million square foot, three-level, enclosed super regional shopping center located in Escondido just east of Interstate 15 at Via Rancho Parkway. Westfield Shoppingtown North County features five major department stores including: Nordstrom, Robinsons May, Macy's, JC Penney and Sears, 182 specialty stores, a food court, five sit-down restaurants, a community room, and an outdoor terrace overlooking a landscaped pond.

The Escondido Union School District and the Escondido Union H.S. District offer an outstanding education experience to resident students. There are sixteen elementary schools, five middle schools, three high schools, several charter schools, and also numerous private school choices. Over the past fifteen years the district has received numerous California Distinguished School Awards for their exemplary performance.

Escondido is the perfect place to live, work, retire or raise a family! If you are considering moving to the area, or would like more information, please feel free to request a "free relocation package" today!