No other city is more appropriately named than Chula Vista, California. Literally meaning "beautiful view" in Spanish, the city is indeed a sight to behold. Chula Vista covers 50 square miles and is nestled around the stunning San Diego Bay the picturesque San Miguel Mountains. It has population of 230,000 making it the second largest city in the San Diego metropolitan area. Intrastate and interstate movers are attracted by the amenities of a flourishing metropolis along with the pleasures of a laid back lifestyle that Chula Vista provides.
Economy:
For several decades since the completion of the Sweetwater Dam in 1888, Chula Vista's economy relied heavily on agriculture. Lemons, in particular, were the most successful crop for the area. After the Second World War, however, the city's citrus groves slowly disappeared to make way for housing developments and commercial spaces.
Today residents of Chula Vista enjoy a strong and vibrant economy. The once vast agricultural area has evolved into an industrial center. Biotechnology, communications, computer and electronics manufacturing, medical equipment manufacturing and pharmaceutical development are just some industries thriving in the area. Chula Vista has long been home to Goodrich Aerospace Aerostructures and continues to attract other high-tech electronics companies. Developments in the area will surely bring more residents interested in moving to Chula Vista.
History:
A fleet of three ships commanded by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first sailed into the Sand Diego Harbor in 1542 and led the Spanish to claim the land. In 1795, Chula Vista became a part of a Spanish land grant known as Rancho de Rey (The King's Ranch). The name was changed by the Mexico government to Rancho de la Nación or National Ranch. The ranch encompassed the area now known as National City, Chula Vista, Bonita, Sunnyside and the Sweetwater Valley. After the Mexican- American War, the United States claimed California in 1847. Soon after the construction of the Sweetwater Dam in 1888, Chula Vista's residents turned the area into vast fruit orchards and citrus groves. Once, it became known as the "Lemon Capital of the Nation." In November of 1911, the State of California approved the incorporation of Chula Vista. Today the lemon trees are only a faint memory of what was once a lush agricultural site.
Tourism:
A year-round warm weather makes Chula Vista a haven for the outdoor buff. With a beautiful harbor, two marinas, four golf courses and over two dozen parks, residents and visitors enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities. These include sailing on San Diego Bay, to bicycling and horseback riding in nearby mountains, to fishing in freshwater lakes and the Pacific Ocean.
Chula Vista is home to OnStage Playhouse the only live theater in South Bay, San Diego. Other points of interest and events include the Chula Vista Nature Center, the Third Avenue Village, and Knott's Soak City. Downtown Chula Vista plays host to number of cultural events including the famous Lemon Festival, Starlight Parade, and Chula Vista Rose Festival.