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Escondido, California, located in North San Diego County and about 32 miles from San Diego, is one of the area’s oldest cities. Conveniently located near many of Southern California's beautiful beaches, this city allows you to enjoy the ocean and many other aspects of nature. With easy access to I-15, Escondido provides for an easy commute to nearby cities for work or leisure. D.R. Horton offers new build homes in Escondido, CA, and all our new construction homes offer spacious open floorplans and smart home technology.

Why choose Escondido, California

Escondido, California is known for its vibrant environment, from its rolling hills to the lush vineyards, the city is filled with opportunities to explore the outdoors while connecting with the community around you. With abundant historical structures, galleries, and cultural events, this city is an excellent spot to enjoy contemporary local art while immersing yourself in the area's rich history. The city merges culture, art, and history in its Old Escondido Historic District, offering residents the opportunity to shop and dine while enjoying a variety of artwork. The museums throughout the district show off the vast history, fostering community pride among residents, while other areas around town invite a fresh perspective through new-age artists. Though Escondido is known for its history, the city offers a unique blend of old-town charm and modern creative energy. With the art scene growing, public murals appear around town, along with funky shops that attract artists, musicians, and a younger crowd.

The city is also conveniently located about 32 miles north of San Diego, California, providing residents with easy access to the larger city while maintaining a more relaxed pace in Escondido. For easy travel to neighboring cities, many public transit options, including Sprinter light rail, Breeze bus lines, and Coaster rail, get you from place to place. If you are looking for longer travel options, San Diego International Airport is just over 34 miles away, providing easy air travel to those looking to get out of town.

Community life in Escondido

Walking through Downtown Escondido, you get a feel for the local charm through events like farmers' markets and art festivals. The city is known for its shopping and dining experiences, as restaurants, breweries, and boutiques are easy to find around town. The local events, historical elements, and diverse culture help bring this city to life. Escondido has a thriving historical culture showcased through the city's many galleries, museums, and monuments. Old Escondido Historic District is a prime example, with over 900 homes built in the 1880s. While walking down the cobblestone streets, you can be immersed in the Gilded Age of America and marvel at the Victorian Era houses in town. This is the oldest area within Escondido and the only residential historic district in North San Diego County.

For those who are art lovers, there is the monthly Second Saturday Art Walk that celebrates the city’s creative scene. This free event allows you to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and explore artistic showcases and live performances that spread across the historic district and nearby venues. A collection of art organizations, galleries, and businesses is involved, including the California Center for the Arts, Escondido Art Association, and San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum.

If you prefer supporting local farms and businesses, visit the farmers market in the heart of downtown. Grand Avenue offers locally-grown fresh produce, handmade goods, fresh-cut flowers, potted herbs, and various other foods. Creating an inviting atmosphere for families, foodies, and neighbors, this market is a great way to feel connected to your community through the local vendors you can support each week. Whether you are looking for locally grown fruit, handcrafted jewelry, or fresh pastries, the farmers market showcases Escondido's diversity and local spirit in every aspect.

For a blast from the past, Cruisin' Grand is one of the most prominent ongoing traditions in North San Diego County. From April to September, every Friday night, car enthusiasts come to see over 500 cars line the downtown streets. Offering an enjoyable experience for all ages, Cruisin’ Grand only shows off American-made classics from 1973 and earlier. You will see Classics, Customs, Vintage, Muscle, and Hot Rods cruising down Grand Ave., just like they did all those years ago.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located just outside downtown, which is a great place to take the whole family for the day and interact with the animals. You can choose between many different safari excursions, but all provide a unique experience to view the wildlife. You can travel in the back of a covered, open-air safari truck, a helium balloon, or on foot into some of the zoo’s expansive habitats, led by an expert. Along with looking at animals, during your visit, you can also participate in botanical tours to learn more about ecosystems through the botanical collections.

Outdoor fun in Escondido

This city is full of personality, nestled in a deep valley surrounded by rolling hills, avocado orchards, and desert brush. Escondido offers a variety of outdoor activities, including parks, lakes, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Near Escondido, Kit Carson Park is an excellent area for all ages, with its many fun-filled attractions. Along with a playground, there is something for everyone to enjoy here, including a sports complex, a 22,000-square-foot skate park, two full-size covered roller hockey arenas, and many other sports fields. Kit Carson Park is also home to a 3,000-capacity outdoor amphitheater and Queen Califia’s Magical Circle sculpture garden. If you are interested in hiking or biking along trails, this park also includes a 2.4-mile loop popular for birding, hiking, and mountain biking.

For boating, camping, hiking, or fishing, Dixon Lake is a great option to get away from the city and enjoy some time with nature. This man-made reservoir near Daley Ranch also offers private campsites, boat rentals, picnic areas, a kids' park, and more. With a lofty elevation gain, the campground provides a stunning view of the lake and the skyline of Escondido.

Daley Ranch, located near Dixon Lake, is known for its extensive multipurpose trails, which can be used for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the designated areas. With over 25 miles of trails in various terrains, this is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the ranch and its scenery. Both trailheads have sufficient parking areas for loading and unloading while you visit Daley Ranch.

Being just a few miles from some of the most picturesque beaches in California, Escondido is a great place for those who enjoy surfing and other water-based activities. Moonlight State Beach is a popular option, as it’s around 18 miles from the city and provides a child-friendly play area and grass park, making it a perfect place for families. Rentals for beach activities are provided, and you can choose from many dining options. Many other beaches in the area include Grandview Surf Beach, Dog Beach Del Mar, and Carlsbad State Beach. In the heart of Encinitas, around 18 miles from Escondido, Grandview Beach is known for its partially secluded nature, primarily used by residents. To access the ocean, a long wooden stairway adds to its hidden charm. Dog Beach Del Mar is less than 25 miles from Escondido, where dogs can occasionally roam off-leash depending on the conditions and season. Carlsbad Beach is known for its convenient water access, beautiful parks with picnic areas, and a boardwalk, allowing beachgoers easy access to the many restaurants near the water.

Businesses and economics in Escondido

Escondido allows residents access to diverse employment opportunities within San Diego and the surrounding area. The biggest employers include healthcare businesses like Palomar Medical Center, the only designated trauma center in the county. Those looking for opportunities in education can find the Escondido Union School District, another major employer in the area. The City of Escondido also offers professional opportunities through the local government and civil servant positions.

There are plenty of other employment opportunities as well, and Escondido’s location in Northern San Diego makes it ideally located to pursue a career in a wide range of industries. The city is just 32 miles from downtown San Diego, home to several large tech companies, healthcare providers, and military bases. If you are looking for tech-focused jobs, Apple, Google, and Illumina have a significant presence in San Diego. The city is also home to military bases like Camp Pendleton, the largest Marine Corps base in the United States, and US Naval Base San Diego.

New construction homes in Escondido

Escondido, California offers residents a perfect blend of historical charm and artistic culture, all while having access to urban conveniences. You become a part of this connected community with D.R. Horton’s new build homes in Escondido. The spacious floorplans and smart home technology offer a living experience that is great for people wanting access to big-city entertainment and jobs, without being in the hustle and bustle of the downtown city area. New construction homes in Escondido offer something for everyone. Browse our listings of homes for sale in Escondido, CA, and contact us today.