Escondido CA Moving Companies

Escondido, California

For a city whose name means “hidden” in Spanish, Escondido is much too visible and accessible to be Southern California’s best-kept secret. Located 100 miles south of Los Angeles and 30 miles northeast of San Diego, Escondido prides itself as one of the few remaining communities where people can enjoy the Southern California lifestyle even on a modest income. Moving to Escondido puts you in the heart of Inland North San Diego County, which is emerging as a regional economic leader in the forefront of job development and new industries. A combination of small-town friendliness and big-city buzz has earned the city a number of accolades, including Best Place in the West in which to retire and Kid-Friendly City. There can be no doubt that the phones of Escondido movers will be ringing off the hook for many years to come.

Economy:
Like many cities in California, Escondido used to be a primarily agricultural community whose major crops were citrus fruits, avocadoes, grapes, and walnuts. Rapid population growth necessitated the construction of more houses and infrastructure, thereby turning vast agricultural lands into residential subdivisions. Today, the economic base of Escondido is made up largely of successful small businesses, most of which are family-owned. The city’s top employers include the Palomar Medical Center, the Escondido Union School District, and the City of Escondido. Median income per household is $46,970.

History:
The area that is now Escondido was discovered in 1776 by Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza. After the 1843 secularization of California land holdings, the area became part of the land grant bestowed to Juan Bautista Alvarado by Mexican Governor Manuel Micheltoren. The property, which consisted of 12, 633 acres of the Escondido Valley, was called Rancho Rincom del Diablo, meaning “Corner of the Devil.” When Alvarado and his wife passed away, the children sold their shares in the ranch to Oliver Witherby, a San Diego judge.

The property subsequently changed hands several times until it was purchased in 1886 by the Escondido Land & Town Company, which laid out the town site, and divided the valley into small farms suitable for grapes or citrus. Construction of the railway from Oceanside to Escondido brought prosperity to the area, and soon, more people were moving to Escondido and making it their home. On October 8,1888, Escondido was incorporated as a city. In 1950, a highway was built to link Escondido to San Diego, marking the beginning of the city’s rapid growth. Residential development swallowed up the vineyards and citrus groves, and citrus production declined until, finally, the area packing plant closed in 1960.

Tourism:
Boasting eight parks, two lakes, a sports center, golf courses, wineries, and shopping centers, Escondido offers a wide variety of attractions and recreations for visitors of all shapes and sizes. Enjoy world-class performances at the elegant California Center for the Arts. Soak up some history and culture at the Old Escondido Historic District. Feeling lucky? Indulge in a little Vegas-style gaming at Harrah’s Rincon Casino and Resort. Spend the day hiking, mountain biking, or equestrian riding at Daley Park. If you happen to be in Escondido between April and September, head on down to Grand Avenue to watch antique, classic and custom cars and hot rods cruise the thoroughfare between Centre City Parkway and Juniper Street.

Colleges/Universities:

• Palomar College - Escondido
• Center for Leadership Studies
• Escondido Bible College

Interesting Facts:

• Escondido celebrates its grape-growing history with an annual Grape Day Festival and Parade in September.
• The City of Escondido is nicknamed “The City of Choice” and “The Heart of San Diego North.”
• The word “escondido” is Spanish for “hidden.”