Escondido, California
Nestled in a long valley in the coastal mountains of Southern California, Escondido lies about 100 miles south of Los Angeles and 30 miles northeast of San Diego. Surrounded by avocado and citrus groves, Escondido is a diverse, vivacious community with just the right mix of small town friendliness and big-city buzz. Those moving to Escondido, California will discover best of both worlds, offering a small-town feel with proximity to big-city business.
History:
Like a majority of California cities, Native Americas were the first to inhabit the area. In 1821, when Mexico gained independence from Spain, the vast land was divided into ranches. Juan Bautista Alvarado acquired the area surrounding Escondido. On October 8, 1888 the City of Escondido was incorporated with a population of less than 300 residents. A dam was soon built, bringing water into the valley. Infrastructure came next, with the construction of streets running in every direction. Avenues in the north, south direction were named for trees and plants, such as Ash and tulip; east, west roads were named for states. By the 1930‘s, this naming system went to the wayside, and was replaced with numbers. Highway 395, built in 1950 linked Escondido to San Diego, starting a vast population boom. A housing crunch made it crucial to develop the East end of town, and vineyards and citrus groves became home sites. During the 1960s, citrus production declined, resulting in the closing of the area’s packing plant. Four years later the Escondido Village Mall opened, and was recognized as the nation’s first enclosed shopping center. Rapid growth followed, necessitating more schools, retail space and residential living quarters. Although progress has dominated the small city, residents don’t forget their roots. Many business buildings on Grand Avenue date back to the first decades of Escondido’s existence have recently been restored.
Economy:
Inland North San Diego County, of which Escondido is at the core, is emerging as a regional economic leader in the forefront of job development and new industries. Escondido has a wide-ranging mix of flourishing businesses, supplying a diverse job base and high quality of life. Residents work in a range of industries. Out of the approximately 65,000 employed residents, the largest sectors for employment are in education, health care and social services. Retail trade and construction, management, administrative, and waste management services are also prevalent industries. A smaller portion of the working population is employed in the arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services and manufacturing.
Tourism:
Many tourists come to Escondido to enjoy the San Diego Wild Animal Park, which shares its celebrity with its sister park, the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The Wild Animal Park provides world animals in open habitat, where they can roam, graze and fly. Check out one of the many farms and wineries around Escondido. A majority of these wineries offering tours, this the perfect adventure for the grownups in the bunch. Just to the north of Escondido in the community of Valley Center. Valley Center and nearby Daley Ranch maintains a rural pre-colonial setting to remind tourists of a time when California was a frontier of New Spain and Mexico, especially the high number of residents of Spanish and Hispanic descent and from local Native American tribes. Also located in Valley Center is the budding Native American casino industry. What once was a small collection of small casinos is now a rapidly maturing business. Even big time Vegas acts are coming to the new hotel and casinos. Escondido is also known for having three large lakes. Dixon Lake and Lake Wohlford are well known for fishing and has a number of boating opportunities.
Colleges/Universities:
• Palomar College - Escondido
• Center for Leadership Studies
• Escondido Bible College
Interesting Facts:
• In 1981, Escondido National Little League became the 19th team to make it to the Little League World Series from the state of California.
• The original EHS nickname was the "Grapepickers" — a reference to Escondido's status at the time as a major producer of grapes and wine.
Helpful Links:
• Escondido Real Estate
• Escondido Storage Facility
• Escondido Insurance
• Escondido Dental Offices
• Escondido Moving Companies