Firstly why Escondido, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Escondido
• State: California
• Population: 154,071 people
• Escondido’s quick summary would be Famous for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and its vibrant downtown.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 10,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 10,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 600
• Number of Homeless people: 700

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its climate and outdoor activities attracting families and retirees

Perk #1: Escondido Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 56%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $64,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Escondido is $67,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $3000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Escondido’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 135 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,072
• Property Tax %: 1.13%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,600
• Rent for an average house: $2,700
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: East Valley
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Escondido, San-Marcos, Valley-Center, Rancho-Santa-Fe, and probably could include Oceanside
• Avg. Age of Homes in Escondido: 38 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Escondido’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Escondido are  Retail, Healthcare, and Education
• Escondido Job Scene: stable job market focused on healthcare and retail
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech landscape with some focus on community-driven tech initiatives , ,
• Escondido Resident’s pay $1,400 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Escondido: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 130 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 15

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Escondido

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $150 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-15 runs alongside Escondido offering access lower San Diego County
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: congestion near the 15 Freeway
• Transportation Score: 54 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Escondido: 95,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Escondido: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
• Local Airport: McClellan-Palomar

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Escondido’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Escondido is best described as experiences mild winters with cool temperatures and warm summers with occasional heat waves
• Winter Weather in Escondido i’d describe as mild and sunny
• Spring Weather in Escondido can be described as mild with low humidity
• Summer’s in Escondido are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Escondido is usually warm and mostly sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 39 days in summer
• Days in a row in Escondido below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 16 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality aided by coastal influences
• Escondido Winter Air acceptable air quality with sporadic urban pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Escondido Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Escondido 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Escondidos’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Escondido Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Escondido Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Escondido only Doctors is about 75
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Escondido only Police Officers is about 160
• Crime Rate Index: 45/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Escondido’s Monthly utility bill average is $170
• Escondido’s Monthly Gym Membership: $57
• Escondido’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Escondido

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: known for its wildlife parks and a mix of urban and rural feel
• You might enjoy performances at the California Center for the Arts
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Escondido  features vibrant nightlife spots with lively restaurants bars and seasonal events for socializing

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Escondido

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes diverse dining options both casual and upscale
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Escondido
• The Popular Sports Team is Escondido High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Escondido can be described as politically mixed suburb with conservative roots and progressive activism
• Escondido’s Longer standing religious establishment is Escondido United Reformed Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Escondido Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Escondido has 21 Parks?
• Calvin Christian Park is Escondido’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Escondido Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and wine tours

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Escondido Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Escondido can be described as mixed suburban vibe with a focus on vineyards and art
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Escondido visiting the zoo hiking local trails attending local fairs
• The Cities people commute to from Escondido are San-Marcos 10 miles away Oceanside 12 miles away Vista 13 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Escondido or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: congestion near the 15 Freeway. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Escondido’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If East Valley is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Escondido are San-Marcos 10 miles away Oceanside 12 miles away Vista 13 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 45 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Escondido has 0 days in a row below freezing and 39 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Escondido people have an average (positive or negative) $3000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   700 homeless people living in Escondido. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed suburb with conservative roots and progressive activism could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Escondido.

Retiree & Senior Life in Escondido

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for property tax deferment programs easing financial pressures
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Escondido
• Escondido Senior Center provides meal services classes and recreational activities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Escondido, California?

If Escondido, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Escondido, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!