Moving to Escondido, CA – 9 Things You Need to Know in 2022
Named after the Spanish word for “hidden”, the shallow valley of Escondido is well suited to its name. Even though it is one of the oldest cities in San Diego County, the years have been kind to Escondido as it has grown into one of the most popular parts of town.
The first recorded discovery of this gorgeous area was back in 1776 by a Spanish explorer named Juan Bautista de Anza. More than 100 years later the Escondido Land and Town Company purchased the land and incorporated it as a city. Starting as a small town of only 500 residents at the time, it has since sprouted into a thriving community of beautiful homes and friendly locals.
Anyone moving to Escondido will love the great weather, local amenities, and calm atmosphere. To help you learn more, we’ve put together this list encompassing everything you need to know about this unique city.
1. The City of Choice
Residents, visitors, and tourists alike love this city and everything it has to offer. Marketed as the “city of choice”, people living in Escondido are far enough away from the big city to avoid the overwhelming traffic and outrageous housing costs. Compared to the 1.3 million people living in San Diego, the Escondido population currently rests comfortably around 152,000.
With an average resident age around 33 years old, you’ll find a mixture of locals ranging from young families up to a fair share of retirees. One of the many reasons for the “city of choice” adage comes from how many people decide to make Escondido their final home.
2. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Odds are you’ve heard about the San Diego Zoo, one of the most popular zoos in the world. But did you know there is also has an extension to the park located about 30 miles away in Escondido? The Safari Park covers over 1,800 acres of land and offers visitors a look at some unique wildlife you won’t see at its namesake zoo.
From the Asian Savanna and Tiger Trail to the Elephant Valley and the African Plains, you’ll feel like you’re skipping across continents as you move through the park. It has been one of the best things to do in Escondido since its opening in 1972. Hop on a safari ride to see some amazing animals like African Rhinos, cheetahs, gorillas, and more than 300 other species.
3. Creative Fun for Kids
Started with the intent to spark innovation and creativity in little minds, the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is a great place to take your kids all year round. The activity center maintains a consistent weekly schedule with events like music, dancing, art, world culture, and more.
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They also play host to many special events and workshops like baby storytime and family nights. Whether you want to rent the museum space for a birthday party, send your kids there for seasonal camps, or simply enjoy a quiet day doing art, it’s a perfect place for any parent and their children. If you want to head into the big city, there are plenty of fun things to do with kids in San Diego as well.
4. Housing in Escondido
Though it’s well below the San Diego rankings, you’ll still need to be prepared for fairly expensive housing prices. The average cost of a home in Escondido is $522,800, an increase of 5.6% over the past 12 months. The market is sizzling as real estate experts are predicting a similar rise in the next year.
With rental options ranging from about $1,600 per month to $3,100 per month, there is a fairly decent spread of apartments, townhomes, and condos to choose from in the area as well. As the cost of rent in Escondido averages $2,460, you’ll want to ensure your income can manage that type of payment.
5. Escondido Neighborhoods Based Around Your Needs
Your desired living arrangements and lifestyle will play a key factor in choosing where you’ll end up. If you’re looking for a family-oriented area, the best neighborhoods in Escondido are on the south side of town. You’ll find larger lots and homes befitting a family lifestyle in places like Felicita and Vineyard.
But if you’re moving to Escondido for retirement or desire a smaller home that’ll be easier on the wallet, you may be better off looking in the northern part of town. Communities like Hidden Meadows and the Escondido Country Club neighborhood are popular options among locals.
6. Cost of Living in Escondido, CA
Although the housing market follows the Californian trend of being expensive, you may be surprised to know that most other aspects related to the cost of living in Escondido are near or below the national average. You’ll pay less for health-related costs while paying about the same rate for groceries and utility expenses.
When you head to the store for some of the bare essentials, you’ll find a gallon of milk for less than $3.50, a dozen eggs for about $3, and a pound of chicken breasts for less than $4. Basic home utilities cost about $119 per month for a one bedroom location. And when it comes to local transportation, most Escondido residents drive their own vehicles.
7. Escondido Schools
Elementary and high schools in Escondido rank well among others in the California education system. The areas top two high schools include Classical Academy High School and Escondido Charter High School. Both have a good student to teacher ratio and offer extracurriculars to keep students engaged. Parents with younger children may want to take a look at either Heritage K-8 Charter School or Bernardo Elementary.
Any soon-to-be college students will have only two options to choose from in they want to remain in the immediate area. John Paul the Great Catholic University offers degree programs in business and the creative arts, while Palomar College specializes in technical and engineering fields.
8. Escondido Food and Drinks
From American and Mexican to French and Vietnamese, the food in Escondido is just as diverse as the California population. Grab some delicious tacos or burritos from Lourdes Mexican Food or try some Vietnamese pho from Pho Truc Xanh.
If all you’re craving is a thick, juicy burger, one of the most popular places to eat in Escondido is Burger Bench. One look at their menu will have you racing to their doorstep. No matter your culinary preferences, Escondido is sure to have a restaurant that’ll fit your needs.
9. Best Weather in the World
Whether you’ve lived in the area before or only visited, you probably know the cities surrounding San Diego are widely known for having some of the world’s most comfortable climates. Escondido weather joins the ranks with average summer temps rarely going above the upper 80s and winters almost never dipping below the 40s.
Another perk of living in Escondido is that you’re only a 30-minute drive from the nearest beach. You can enjoy the outdoors all year long with little more than a light jacket to keep you warm in the evenings.
We Can Help With Your Move
If you’ve read this far, you are obviously getting serious about moving to Escondido. Once you have determined your new living arrangements and have a date set, Move Central is here to help you with the next step. Our Escondido moving company has been serving the area for over 10 years. We strive to provide customers with a simple move from the first contact to unpacking the last box.
Get in touch with us today to learn about our Escondido moving services. We can help you with everything from packing and moving to affordable storage solutions. Give us a call at (858) 230-8281 for a free quote!