Escondido, California offers nothing less than the good life. This beautiful community, which is nestled in a long valley within the coastal mountains of Southern California, offers a bustling urban community with a touch of small town friendliness. In the past few years, the city has been recognized by Newsweek for having some of the finest high schools in the nation. Money Magazine has also praised Escondido as "The Best Place in the West to Retire." When moving to Escondido, expect the best of the Southern California lifestyle.
Economy:
Escondido enjoys a diverse economic climate. The city is still home to traditional industries such as agriculture. Vineyards and citrus and avocado orchards are still being cultivated in Escondido. To keep up with the growing economy, the city has also adapted other industries such as health and social service, manufacturing, and retail trade. The city's economy is still on the rise and is very attractive to new investors moving to Escondido.
History:
Juan Bautista de Anza, a Spanish explorer, first discovered Escondido in 1776. Spain controlled the land from the late 18th century to the early 19th century, and established many missions in California to convert the indigenous people. When Mexico gained its independence from Spain, the local land was divided into large "ranchos." Most of Escondido occupies the former Rancho Rincon del Diablo (the devil's corner) land grant bestowed to Juan Bautista Alvarado in 1843 by Mexican Governor Manuel Micheltoren. With a series of deeds in 1855 and 1856, the rancho was transferred from the heirs of Juan Bautista Alvarado to Oliver S. Witherby, a San Diego judge. The Escondido Land and Town Company acquired the land grant in 1886, laid out the town site, and divided the valley into small farms. On October 8, 1888, the city was incorporated and its voters elected a council, clerk, treasurer, and marshal.
Tourism:
Known as the "Hidden Valley," Escondido offers a wealth of recreation and attractions in and around its area. 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 Niños, a hands-on museum for children ages 18 months - 10 years old.
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.