Escondido Real Estate

Although its Spanish name means “hidden,” Escondido is one of the most obviously attractive locales in Southern California to live, raise a family, work, and enjoy the great weather and outdoor activities. With over 43,000 households, and nearly forty percent of them having children under the age of 18, Escondido is a family-oriented community that takes great pride in its history, beauty, and unique California heritage.

Escondido Homes for Sale

North of San Diego and accessible by Interstate 15, the town was originally part of a Mexican land grant rancho, El Rancho Rincon del Diablo, acquired in 1843 by Juan Bautista Alvarado. It enjoys a rich California heritage and was the site of one of the few battles during the 1846 war between the US and Mexico, the Battle of San Pasqual, where the Americans, General Kearney and famed westerner Kit Carson, with a small band, held out against the local Mexican forces led by Andreas Pico. The battle site is a state park and a great place to take the family for an afternoon outing where the kids can learn more about California history.

By the 1880s the area was starting to be developed and the Escondido Land & Town Company bought nearly 13,000 acres, incorporating the city of Escondido in 1888 and providing a place for the Santa Fe and Southern Pacific railroads to stop on their routes. Highway 395 was the first highway opened in the area in 1930 and further helped spur economic growth in the area.

Escondido is known for its agricultural industry with Muscat grapes, oranges, lemons, olives, walnuts, and most recently avocadoes being the most abundant crops. There are several local wineries in the Valley Center area as well which have put Southern California on the map for vintners.

The present population of over 140,000 residents includes a racially diverse population as well as a diverse economy with tourism, retail, industry, and high-tech companies moving into the business-friendly environment. Housing prices have risen in recent years, but it is still a great place to live and raise a family. The downtown area has been rejuvenated with new businesses, fine restaurants, cafes, and galleries along Grand Avenue.

The centerpiece for the arts in the town is the California Center for the Arts, Escondido that features two theaters, a visual arts museum, an educational complex, and a conference center. There is also the Escondido Children's Museum and the Escondido History Center which holds the city's original Santa Fe Depot, first library, Victorian house, barn, and blacksmith shop.

Another major tourist attraction in Escondido is the San Diego Wild Animal Park, an adjunct of the San Diego Zoo. The Park allows visitors to ride through the natural habitats of lions, giraffe, gazelles, elephants, and other African and Asian animals, and provides a great day of viewing for anyone. For more outdoor fun, Escondido has three large lakes suitable for boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. Dixon Lake, Lake Wohlford, and Lake Hodges are all easily accessible and provide great water sport enjoyment. There’s a lot to see and do here on any given day, The Grape Day festival held each year in Grape Day Park is an annual event that attracts people from all over the area.